The Lemon Index2018 Chevrolet Cruze.
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 62 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 39, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 31 to 37 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Cruze year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 109 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Cruze year. 2018 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 12K to 51K miles on the car (61 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- transmission & drivetrain 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- brakes 2018
The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover.
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 991 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Preliminary information communicates the following to the dealer
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 5 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1950–2700 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
As I was backing out I placed my foot on the gas as I got ready to break I placed my foot on the brake, but that's when my foot slipped off the pedal and backed into the person behind me.
2018 Chevrolet Cruze owner · NHTSA complaint 11154606
More owner reports
My Cruze was evolved in a front end accident that the brakes operation is in question
NHTSA complaint 11208966
Tamaka recall squeaky noise coming from front left axle when driving vehicle on highway or city street. Front breaks leaking.
NHTSA complaint 11187169
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 39; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Cruze year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (21%), brakes (16%) and transmission & drivetrain (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?
3 safety recalls (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze get?
31 to 37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 12,000 and 51,100 miles. The middle report was at 24,500 miles, from 61 complaints.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl.
What Chevrolet Cruze year is better than the 2018?
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