The Lemon Index2013 Chevrolet Cruze.
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is better than average by owner complaints: 232 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 76, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about transmission & drivetrain, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 26 to 32 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Cruze year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2011–2016 Chevy Cruze, 23.0M views. The 2013 is the same generation.
- Oil changes & service1.8M views
How to Diagnose and Fix Service Stabilitrak Traction Control Problem 2011 - 2015 Chevy CruzeDeuceLiter · 1.3M views · 4 videos - Heat, A/C & blend door956K views
Fixing 'AC Off Due to High Engine Temp' Error on 2011 Chevy CruzeFixologist Unscripted · 780K views · 3 videos - Cooling system871K views
How to Replace Coolant By-Pass Hose 2011-2015 Chevy CruzeTRQ · 189K views · 7 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical841K views
2011-2015 CHEVY CRUZE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL (STABILITRAK) & RADIO TURNS OFF FIX!!Falcon's Garage · 390K views · 5 videos
Show 4 more
- Oil leaks & gaskets780K views
How to Replace Valve Cover 2011-2015 Chevy CruzeTRQ · 294K views · 5 videos - Intake, EGR & engine sensors452K views
How to Replace Intake Manifold 2011-2015 Chevy CruzeTRQ · 194K views · 3 videos - Windows, doors & mirrors437K views
How to Replace Front Window Regulator 2011-2015 Chevrolet CruzeTRQ · 219K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter294K views
How to Service the auto transmission on the Chevrolet Cruze 2011 to 2015Haynes Manuals · 158K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems: Chevy Cruze Sedan 2008-16 1st Gen1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 1.4M views
Top 5 Problems With The Chevy Cruze (1st Generation 2008-2016)Alex The Car Doctor · 515K views
2011 Chevrolet Cruze REVIEWthedriversseat · 465K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 587 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Cruze year. 2013 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 18K to 89K miles on the car (415 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 45K–110K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 26K–77K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 3K–76K miles
Recalls 5
- electrical 2016
As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Sta.
- equipment 2014
In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
- airbags 2014
In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
Show all 5 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2014
On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
- transmission & drivetrain 2013
On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1884 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Buick/chevrolet: power adjusted seat or 6 way manual driver and/or passenger seat, there would…
- See document search button for owner letter
- On some trucks and passenger vehicles, accessory power outlets (apo) and trailer lighting are
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Just a few months after purchasing our Cruze, is has failed to start on numerous occasions. After 2 or 3 key turns, it does start. This has occurred a dozen or so times in the 16 months we have owned the car.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze owner · NHTSA complaint 10615790
More owner reports
Front axle broke in the center of vehicle when driving in heavy traffic. All forward motion quit. Unable to move vehicle, yet, when gear shift in park, vehicle would roll. Car is ten months old.
NHTSA complaint 10572595
While driving the vehicle power stability flashes the electrical system resets and if driving you lose control of the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint 10906825
Quick answers
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 76; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Cruze year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2013 Chevrolet Cruze problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (28%), electrical (22%) and steering (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have?
5 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze get?
26 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Cruze problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 18,000 and 89,000 miles. The middle report was at 51,000 miles, from 415 complaints.
Does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 28% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Cruze year is better than the 2013?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2018 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works