The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2019 2020
The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
- 2014 2013
On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
- 2014 2014
In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever.
- 2011 2011
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 6, 2009, THROUGH APRIL 27, 2011 AND EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR …
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
The transmission leaks so much we put new fluids in almost on the daily and there's always sensor lights on on the dashboard
2011 Chevrolet Cruze owner · NHTSA complaint
The car only has 123k and the transmission has gone out since day one this car has had issues, intake manifold replaced twice
2011 Chevrolet Cruze owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Chevrolet Cruze years are 2011, 2012, 2013.
What are common Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems?
Owners most often describe hard or jerky shifting, lost power while driving, delay or hesitation.
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Chevrolet Cruze years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2015, 2016, 2018.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Chevrolet Cruze reliability by year. How we count