2018 Chevrolet Cruze Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 21%of 109 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 51,864miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, 21% of the 109 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 51,864 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My car will not accelerate at times causing me to give it more gas which then cause the car to rev up to a high RPM (4000-5000) and then lurch forward. Also, at times while trying to maintain speed, my car will jerk back and forth until I give it more gas so it up shifts. My car is under factory warranty and it seems that the dealership is trying to brush it off because the computer says there is nothing wrong which prompted me to file a complaint with GM which still ins't resolved.”
NHTSA complaint #11330625, filed 2020-06, 59,000 miles“When driving my 2018 chevy Cruze I had multiple instances where the clutch pedal would go to the floor and not release, and the transmission could not be shifted into gear. General motors has a technical service bulletin (TSB) on the issue stating that contamination of the hydraulic fluid causes the issue and it is only a warranty replacement for gasoline cars (the diesel models are not covered by the warranty in the TSB) if the car is still within the 5-year, 60,000 mile powertrain warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #11360154, filed 2020-09, 51,000 miles“When turning my vehicle it would make loud creaking noises. This progressed to making loud creaking noises while going over bumps, through dips, and turns. It would happen at any speed, but especially while going slowly through parking lots.this got much worse over a short period of time. The entire rear axel then had to be replced or it would have failed, especially since the issues was rapidly getting worse. I had to pay out of pocket almost $1,800. Now, it has only been 3 months and this issue is happening again.”
NHTSA complaint #11365496, filed 2020-10, 52,727 miles“Manual transmission car. Clutch pedal began actuating much power in travel, eventually the pedal sticks to the floor. This prevents the shifter from being taking into or out of gear in normal fashion. Can either leave the car stranded in traffic or hinder efforts to stop in an emergent situation.”
NHTSA complaint #11374640, filed 2020-11, 77,777 miles“The clutch keeps sticking to the floor and not disengaging. Prevents the car from going into a gear or disengaging a gear. This happened on an off ramp from the highway61 onto hwy 47”
NHTSA complaint #11406192, filed 2021-04, 33,000 milesRelated recalls
- 20V668000Oct 29, 2020General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain…Covers: Chevrolet Cruze 2018–2019, Equinox 2018–2020, Traverse 2018–2020 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011225Oct 29, 2024This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 | 35% |
| 2018 | 23 | 21% |
| 2017 | 39 | 19% |
| 2016 | 31 | 12% |
| 2015 | 38 | 15% |
| 2014 | 98 | 14% |
| 2013 | 113 | 19% |
| 2012 | 137 | 16% |
| 2011 | 193 | 26% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
27 complaintsOther or unknown
24 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsWheels
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology