Sudden loss of engine power. The first occurrence happened exiting a fast moving expressway. The engine suddenly stopped power and the car was reduced to less than 5 miles an hour. The car was pulled to the shoulder and turned off. Eventually after restarting the car the engine went to full power and the car reached its destination. There was some luck involved as traffic was light. Since, the…
2011 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems
severe 163 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
163
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
13fires
4injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 163 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 163 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Chevrolet Cruze in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2011 Cruze has serious, documented defects that can strand you on the highway or worse. Expect throttle power loss in cold weather, coolant system failures requiring repeated repairs, a burning odor when you use heat, and transmission hesitation—all within the first 60k miles and often outside warranty. Two confirmed engine fires and widespread owner complaints suggest GM knew about these issues but didn't recall them.
The 2011 Cruze is plagued by interconnected engine and cooling system defects that owners encounter repeatedly across 163 complaints. Most critical is the throttle body issue: the car's computer abruptly cuts engine power to 5–10 mph without warning, often triggered by cold weather or acceleration demand. This happens at highway speeds, forcing dangerous sudden slowdowns in traffic. Dealers cannot replicate it in heated garages, and GM has not issued a recall despite acknowledging the problem online.
Coolant system failures dominate complaints. Starting around 55k miles, the water pump seal, outlet manifold, and hoses leak—sometimes silently, with coolant evaporating on the hot engine and leaving no visible puddle. The A/C shuts itself off automatically when pressure drops. Owners refill their coolant every 50–500 miles. Many paid for a recall fix only to have leaks reappear, then denied coverage because the "closed recall" no longer applied.
The cabin smell is relentless. A strong burning antifreeze odor (especially when heat is on) causes eye and nose burning, headaches, and nausea. It leaves an oily film on windows. Dealers visit one, two, three times and find nothing; some cover it with air freshener. The actual cause appears to be grease breakdown in the HVAC system and leaking coolant onto hot engine parts.
Transmission jerks harshly from day one and delays 3+ seconds before engaging. Oil leaks from the pan and catches fire—two documented total losses at 11k and 67k miles. Turbochargers fail early (26k–60k miles) with loud bearing noise. The pattern is clear: these are not isolated failures but systemic design problems affecting many vehicles in the same year.
Same Chevrolet Cruze engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Throttle Body / Engine Power Reduction
Computer-commanded power reduction (often paired with check engine and traction control lights) causing abrupt speed loss from highway speeds to 5–10 mph. Occurs in cold/damp winter conditions or without warning in any season. Resetting car temporarily restores power.
When: Primarily winter/cold; also triggered by acceleration demand or traffic maneuvers. Most reported in first 3–4 years of ownership; mileage ranges 30k–88k.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Traction control light; "Engine power reduced" dashboard message; Abrupt deceleration (65 mph to 10 mph in seconds); Throttle hesitation or bogging; Loss of response for 3–5 seconds when pedal depressed; Rough idle and harsh transmission shifts
Codes mentioned: P0118, P0117
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite throttle body cleaning/carbon removal (~$500–$600+), induction service, throttle body assembly replacement, ECM/TCM reset. Dealers often unable to replicate in heated garage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite pattern; dealers treat as out-of-warranty repair; GM aware per online forums but has not acknowledged design fault.
Coolant System Leaks and Overheating
Progressive coolant loss from water pump seals, hoses, outlet manifold, and heater core leading to visible puddles, low reservoir levels, and engine overheating warnings. A/C automatically shuts off when coolant pressure drops. Coolant often leaks silently (evaporates on engine), making detection difficult.
When: Begins between 55k–88k miles; worsens over time. Some owners add coolant every 50–500 miles; leaks accelerate in cold weather when heat is used.
Symptoms owners cite: A/C shutdown with "AC turned off due to overheating" message; Coolant reservoir empty or dropping rapidly; Check engine light; Strong burning/sweet coolant smell (especially with heater on); Film on windshield; Temperature gauge fluctuating or pegged high; Coolant puddle under engine (not radiator); Engine overheating warning despite gauge reading normal
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump seal/bearing replacement (covered under recall in some cases); hose and outlet manifold replacement (~$243–$500+); repeated repairs common. Recall notice issued but many owners not notified or recall marked "closed" even after subsequent leaks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 12V288000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) issued; some repairs covered under warranty/recall, others denied if hose deemed separate component. GM instructed owners to monitor and refill as interim measure.
Burning Coolant / Antifreeze Smell from Cabin
Persistent, strong sweet/chemical burning odor from AC vents when heat is used, sometimes year-round. Owners report eye burning, headaches, nausea, and lightheadedness. Smell leaves oily film on windows. Often blamed on grease breakdown in HVAC actuator assembly, leaking heater core, or coolant dripping onto hot engine.
When: Intermittent to constant; worse during heating season; can occur after oil changes or recalls if work disturbs lines.
Symptoms owners cite: Strong burning/antifreeze smell in cabin (especially with heater on); Eye and nose irritation, burning sensation; Headaches and lightheadedness; Oily film on windows; Nausea in passengers; Smell triggered by switching AC to heat mode
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers often cannot identify cause or replicate; replaced components include transmission coolant connectors, cabin air filters, heater cores. One owner reported full dash removal and HVAC grease replacement with high-temp brake lube as successful fix (not typical dealer response).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers often state "no problem found" after 1–3 visits; no recall specifically for odor issue; GM has not publicly acknowledged heater core or HVAC grease defect.
Transmission Issues (Jerky Shifts, Lag, Overheating)
Automatic transmission exhibits harsh, jerky shifts from day one; severe delay (up to 3 seconds) before transmission engages after pedal depression. Transmission runs hot and shuts down in limp mode. TCM reset sometimes worsens adaptive function.
When: Present from new or early in ownership; 30k–100k+ miles; worse in cold start and when resuming acceleration from coast.
Symptoms owners cite: Jerky, harsh shifting (especially upshifts and coasting-to-stop scenarios); Delayed transmission engagement (3–5 second lag); Transmission bogging/hesitation on acceleration; "Transmission hot" dashboard message; Rough shifts when AC compressor engages; Engine nearly stalling when exiting parking garage (incline)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reset ECM/TCM to default, deleting adaptive values; fluid flushes performed but transmission overheating often not resolved. Some owners report burnt transmission fluid.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismiss issues as "normal automatic transmission operation" or turbo lag; no formal recall or TSB cited in narratives.
Turbocharger Failure and Bearing Defects
Turbocharger bearing failure causing blade instability, loud rattling/knocking noise, loss of power, stalling, and smoke/fire risk. Occurs as early as 26k miles; multiple owners report neighbors and friends with same failure. Dealers initially attribute to vacuum system or air intake issues.
When: 26k–60k miles; some failures in first year of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking/grinding noise from engine (described as pen in spinning fan); Loss of power and stalling; Burning smell; Smoke from engine bay; Hesitation on acceleration; Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger and wastegate replacement needed; one owner had turbocharger fans installed instead of engine overhaul, leaving oil leak unresolved. Oil leak from pan catches fire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall available for some turbo/vacuum issues but VINs often not covered per dealer check; GM denies coverage despite multiple similar complaints.
Oil Leaks, Burning, and Fire
Oil pan leaks and seal failures allowing oil to spray or drip onto hot engine components, causing burning smell, fire risk, and engine damage. Leaks sometimes triggered after oil change (missing cap, drain plug misalignment). Gas contamination of crankcase oil reported.
When: Occurs early in ownership (11k–26k miles); after service in some cases. Two documented engine fires at 11k and 21k miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell from engine bay and cabin; Oil spray on undercarriage and engine shield; Oil in driveway/garage floor; Engine smoking or catching fire; Loud engine noise after oil burns off; Gas in oil (measured on dipstick)
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pan and seal replacement; one owner had turbo fan installed in lieu of engine rebuild; repairs often incomplete, requiring multiple visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice issued (NHTSA 12V288000) but some vehicles not covered by VIN check; recalls for vacuum/turbo system available but not applied if VIN not flagged.
AC Compressor and Pulsating Vibration
AC compressor producing pulsating vibration felt through brake pedal and steering; also grinding noise from engine bay. Compressor replaced multiple times (some owners 8–10 times) without resolution. Vibration interferes with braking feel and creates safety concern.
When: Occurs intermittently; one owner experienced since March 2013, another since purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Pulsating vibration throughout car (especially brake pedal); Grinding noise from engine bay; Vibration worsens under load or with AC on; Rough idle contribution
Repairs/costs cited: AC compressor replacement (multiple times in some cases); ECM/TCM reset performed but did not resolve vibration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge vibration but claim it is normal or non-existent; no recall cited.
Battery and Electrical Issues
Battery drain and voltage fluctuation issues; battery voltage meter fluctuates from 15.3 to 12.3 volts during driving. One case required battery cable replacement per recall notice, but dealership charged diagnostic fee despite acknowledged defect. One case involved non-start with active radio/lights (alternator/charging system failure).
When: Early in ownership or after battery replacement service.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies despite interior lights and radio working; Voltage meter fluctuation (15.3–12.3 V); Interior lights dimming during highway driving; Vehicle electrical system unreliable
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement; battery cable inspection and replacement per GM special notice; ECU parameter reset.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued special notice about battery cable defect; dealers initially denied responsibility, later acknowledged after GM letter; some dealers charged diagnostic fees despite known issue.
Engine Computer/Control Module Failure
ECM/PCM failure causing loss of motive power and inability to start despite electrical power present. One case at 12k miles required computer replacement (used unit substituted for new).
When: Early in ownership (around 12k miles reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine loss of power/stalling; Check engine light; Vehicle won't crank despite electrical power; Abnormally loud engine; Elevated RPM
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement (used unit installed instead of new in one case).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified per one narrative; warranty repair performed.
Engine Misfire, Hesitation, and Loss of Power
Recurring hesitation and loss of power during acceleration from stop or cruising. Misfire codes present; multiple service attempts (cylinder head, valve, piston, injector, coil replacements) failed to resolve. One case required GM engineer intervention and multiple turbo/fuel system replacements.
When: Starts in first year of ownership; chronic problem over months; mileage varies (12k–40k).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine hesitation on acceleration (turbo lag complaint debunked); Loss of power or bogging; Check engine light (misfire codes); Engine stalling; Loud/abnormal engine noise; Surging sound
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs: cam phaser, water pump, turbocharger (twice), cylinder head, valves, pistons, rings, injectors, coils, oil feed line. Fluid leak in driveway after extensive repairs; power still inconsistent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineer brought in; no buyback offered despite extensive repair history and safety concerns.
Thermostat Sensor and Housing Defects
Coolant thermostat sensor and housing malfunction causing false overheating signals and A/C shutdown. Temperature gauge fluctuates between cold and mid-range despite stable actual engine temperature. Errors P0118 and P0117 indicate coolant sensor circuit issues.
When: Around 55k miles; occurs intermittently, worsening over time.
Symptoms owners cite: A/C shutdown with "engine overheating" message; Temperature gauge fluctuating (cold to mid-range) despite stable actual temp; Check engine light; Warning comes on during highway driving after 2.5–6 hours
Codes mentioned: P0118, P0117
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant thermostat sensor and housing replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite acknowledged pattern; owner expressed frustration that no recall exists given common nature of issue.
Engine Fires
Two documented engine fires in 2011 Cruze: one at 11k miles during routine trip (total loss), another at 67k miles after AC activation (total loss). Both fires started under hood with minimal or no prior warning. Post-fire, owners received recall notices, suggesting known fire risk.
When: 11k miles (first incident); 67k miles (second incident). Both after routine use, not immediately post-service.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine bay (white to gray); Strong burning smell; Flames under hood and between hood/cowl; Total vehicle engulfment within 5 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles total loss; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice (NHTSA 12V288000 and fire-specific recall) received post-incident; GM stated would contact owner but delayed and offered minimal support. One owner noted 3 recalls in 4 years plus multiple advisory letters.
Brake Issues (Weak Braking in Reverse on Incline)
Brakes lose effectiveness when backing up an incline from driveway; requires standing on pedal or shifting to Drive to stop. Does not occur on level ground, suggesting load-dependent or speed-dependent ABS or brake booster issue.
When: Occurs consistently during backing maneuvers on incline.
Symptoms owners cite: Weak brake response when backing uphill then downhill; Requires heavy pedal pressure or shifting to Drive to stop
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in narrative; owner notes possible ABS or brake booster involvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No service attempt or recall mentioned.
Synthesized from 163 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
When heater is in use get a strong antifreeze smell in the car. Also get a film on the inside of the windows. Had back to the dealer 3 times. We have a 5 month old that rides in the car, not sure if it is safe for him with the coolant smell in the car. You have to wash in side of windows weekly so you can see at night. *tr
i have an oil leak coming from the valve cover gasket ,,it is a brand new genuine cover and gasket so oil is falling on the drive belt which breaks pretty quickly while driving I heard that it might be an issue with the pcv check valve inside the manifold Apparently many customers complaints about this issue and no recall yet
We had purchased the vehicle just 8 months ago, was not purchased new, but was new used..still under warranty..we received the recall. Had an oil change and detail to do anyhow, so took it in to where we bought the vehicle. They did the oil change, supposed recall fix and supposed detail. Our vehicle was still under warranty at the time of the oil change. 36000. As we drove, started smelling…
Had engine trouble with your 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 163 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 127 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 27,514 and 95,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 27,514; a quarter make it past 95,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.