2019 Chevrolet Cruze.
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 11 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 22, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about speed control, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 31 to 37 mpg combined. It's the best Chevrolet Cruze year we track.
One of the most reliable. 4.5× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2012

Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 23 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Cruze year. 2019 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 1K to 66K miles on the car (7 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- 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.
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 729 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and…
- This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of increased brake pedal effort due…
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 HB 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.
Quick answers
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 4.5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 22; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2019 Chevrolet Cruze problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (18%), brakes (18%) and transmission & drivetrain (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have?
2 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 2019 Chevrolet Cruze get?
31 to 37 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2019 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.
Does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 18% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze cost in fuel a year?
About $1950 to $2700 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have?
1.4L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl.
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