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ProblemsByVinFile / 2011-CHEVROLET-CRUZENHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Chevrolet
2011 Chevrolet Cruze problems
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 731 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.
The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has 731 NHTSA owner complaints and 7 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 176 complaints, typically surfacing around 68,052 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Below average for the segment. Multiple systems have recurring complaints.
1
Critical
6
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 5.0/10 — around the segment average
7 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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
5 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★5/5
Frontal crash★★★★★5/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 176 owner reports
· tends to show around 68,052 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 163 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,984 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
electrical — 61 owner reports
· tends to show around 64,648 mi · ~$850 to fix
brakes — 56 owner reports
· tends to show around 57,920 mi · ~$450 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 61,984 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 7 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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…
Had a problem with your 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 Chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012
Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
Fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1
A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.0 out of 10 based on 731 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 5.0/10 — around the segment average; 7 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 176 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,052 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 731 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 68,052 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 176 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 731 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 4 days 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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