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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-CHEVROLET-CRUZENHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2011 · Chevrolet
Chevrolet Cruze problems
730 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.2 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Cruze?
Avoid — the cruise-control
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced.
13 fire-related complaints on the engine
Cruise-control: 40 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 36,000–90,500 mi
Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average
3 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2011 Cruze· airbagsCrash
Takata recall - my car was involved in an accident, in motion, on a city street. My air bag did not deploy. My seat belt did not hold me. I took a hit to the head, having to have stiches, along with both eyes turning black/blue. *js
Heater at first did not work; dealer removed air bubbles and topped off radiator. The dealer mechanics mentioned that typically the thermostats or temperature sensors have gone in the cruzes. 2 weeks later - sure enough, back at dealership - need 2 temperature sensors now.…
Drivers side windshield wiper failure at night, in rain, at speed, resulting in severe loss of vision. Found that wiper transmission intermediate link separated from lh wiper transmission bellcrank at ballsocket..further identified plastic ballsocket on link failed, and could…
As I was on the highway, I was unable to pick up speed without feeling resistance! After awhile I couldn’t go past 25 mph and my car eventually gave out before I made it home. I had to call a tow to have them tow me to my park lot! A couple days went by and my car was able to…
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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 vehicle safety standard no
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the transmission shift linkage for correct installation and adjust the shift linkage system free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.gmownercenter.com.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011
This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.gmownercenter.com.
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet cruze vehicles
Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on april 7, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Common questions
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.2 out of 10 based on 730 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
On the NHTSA data, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the cruise-control was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 13 fire-related complaints on the engine; Cruise-control: 40 complaints, classified critical, failures cluster 36,000–90,500 mi; Reliability score 6.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 175 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,052 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The cruise control is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $600 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 66,280 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Cruze has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 730 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $600, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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