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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Cruze powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have filed 176 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 65,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
176
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Cruze (this page) | 176 |
| 2012 Cruze | 126 |
| 2013 Cruze | 108 |
| 2014 Cruze | 85 |
| 2015 Cruze | 34 |
2crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 176 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 9 model years of Chevrolet Cruze we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 176.
Owners have filed 176 powertrain 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Chevy Cruze powertrain issues are both persistent and dangerous. Most owners experience transmission hesitation, hunting, and rough shifting within the first few months of ownership—the car revs without moving, hesitates badly during acceleration, or shifts violently enough to jolt occupants. Many report that pressing the gas produces no response for 2–5 seconds before the engine catches. This is especially hazardous when entering traffic or passing. Several owners narrowly avoided collisions because the car wouldn't accelerate when needed.
Engine power loss occurs suddenly and without warning, even at highway speeds. The vehicle slows from 70 mph to 5 mph in seconds, or stalls completely, killing power steering and electrical systems.
Cooling system failures are acute: radiators crack, water pumps fail (sometimes again weeks after warranty replacement), and one owner experienced oil spraying from the engine with smoke dense enough to blind following drivers.
Transmission failures are complete and costly. Gears simply don't engage; the transmission slips, metal contaminates the fluid, and rebuilds or replacements ($1,200–$3,674) often fail again within months. Owners were told by dealerships and GM that the issue is "how it drives" or "operating as designed," even as they describe safety-critical failures.
Brake problems—hardened pedal, loss of assist—appear in multiple narratives. Electrical gremlins (window regulators, ignition cylinder, lights) add frustration. At least one vehicle rolled backward from Park, injuring the owner.
Same Chevrolet Cruze powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation, hunting, and rough shifting
Owners report delayed or absent acceleration response when pressing the throttle, especially from stops or during passing. The transmission hunts between gears, shifts harshly or with a clunk/bang, jerks violently, and sometimes feels like it goes into neutral despite being in Drive. Many report the car revving with no forward motion, requiring shift-to-Park-and-back or foot-to-floor input to engage. Dealers and GM claim this is 'normal' or 'how it drives.'
When: From early ownership (1-2 months) through the life of the vehicle; more frequent over time. Mileage varies from 10,000 to 135,000 miles. Common pattern starting within first 6 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed acceleration response or complete hesitation when pressing gas; Engine revving without forward motion (slipping into neutral); Hard downshifts causing violent jerking or 'whiplash'; Clunking or banging when shifting gears; Lurching forward or backward unexpectedly; Hunting between gears; Vehicle stalling or near-stalling from stops or on hills; Transmission hunts for correct gear; Rough/choppy shifts; Sluggish acceleration on highway
Codes mentioned: No codes present in many cases (dealers report inability to replicate), P057C (loss of power/reduced engine power), Check Engine Light (intermittent), Service Stabilitrak / Service Traction Control messages
Repairs/costs cited: TCM (Transmission Control Module) reprogramming attempted multiple times; fluid changes; valve body replacement; TCM replacement; transmission reassembly after metal contamination found; 3,5,R plate failure suspected in at least one case; full transmission replacement/rebuild (costs cited: $1,200–$3,674). None of these repairs permanently resolved the issue for most owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated issue is 'operating as designed.' Dealers told owners problem cannot be duplicated, no codes present, or it is 'normal for that transmission/turbo.' GM Engineering inspection concluded 'operating as designed.' Some owners mention Trifecta tune as third-party workaround (at owner expense). NHTSA Bulletin #11010651 (Oct. 2024) references lift-plate procedure, suggesting GM now acknowledges the issue but no full recall issued.
Loss of engine power / reduced engine power
Engine suddenly loses power while driving at any speed, with multiple warning lights appearing (reduced engine power, Stabilitrak, traction control). Vehicle slows dramatically or stalls without warning. Some owners describe total electrical shutdown (loss of power steering, completely dark dash). Can occur multiple times per day.
When: Intermittent; first appearance can be within 6 months of ownership, but also reported after years of ownership. Some owners cite cold-start triggers.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden total loss of engine power while driving; Vehicle slows from highway speed (55–70 mph) to 5 mph in seconds; Engine stalls or dies while driving; Loss of power steering and electrical systems (in severe cases); Reduced engine power warning light; Service Stabilitrak / Service Traction Control lights; Check Engine Light; Throttle does not respond (gas pedal goes limp); Engine revs but car does not move
Codes mentioned: No consistent codes (intermittent failures), Service Stabilitrak / Service Traction Control, Check Engine Light (variable codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement ($450); dealership attempted 3+ repairs without success; Engine Control Module (ECM) replacement at 36,000 miles; ECM program update; spark plugs; water pump; turbo charger; hose/outlet replacement. One case involved searching for used replacement computer component instead of new part.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance offered in most cases. One owner noted 'failed engine/body control computer' diagnosis but no solution provided. Battery cable disconnect / restart temporarily resets the problem until it recurs within 1-2 days.
Engine overheating / cooling system failure
Engine temperature gauge spikes to red, dashboard messages appear ('Engine hot, A/C off', 'Transmission hot, idle engine'). One owner experienced catastrophic oil spray from burst vacuum diaphragm behind oil cap causing extreme positive crankcase pressure. Another had coolant disappear entirely within weeks of water pump replacement under warranty.
When: Can occur after relatively short drives (40+ miles in one case) or during highway operation at sustained speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rapidly rises to red line; Radiator overheats; Coolant leaks or runs out; Water pump failure; Burning smell from engine or through AC vents; Oil sprays from vacuum lines, pressure sensors, saturating serpentine belt; Smoke visible from all mirrors; Engine hot warning message; Transmission hot idle message; AC stops working; A/C shut off message on dashboard; Loud squealing noise from engine; Heat radiating through front of vehicle into cabin
Codes mentioned: No specific codes cited in complaints
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement; water pump replacement (multiple cases, some under warranty then failure recurred); vacuum diaphragm replacement (one case); turbo charger, turbo cooler, oil cooler replacement. Cooling issues persisted even after multiple repairs, requiring return visits every 2 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Water pump replacement covered under warranty initially, but second failure not covered. GM directed transmission replacement then back-tracked to attempt other repairs. Cooling issues remained unresolved despite multiple service visits.
Transmission failure / complete loss of drive
Transmission no longer engages forward or reverse gears; car will not move despite engine running. Reverse may work when Drive does not, or vice versa. In one case, 3,5,R plate broke down, clogging the filter. Metal contamination found inside transmission.
When: Failure mileage ranges from 36,000 to 90,000+ miles. One case occurred only 2 weeks after new car purchase; another at 11,800 miles; another at 41,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into Drive; Vehicle will not shift into Reverse (or fails to engage after multiple attempts); Engine revs but no motion; Check Engine Light appears; Transmission light on dashboard; Whistling sound from engine compartment (one case); Vehicle slips out of gear while driving; Torque converter disassembled (found during service); Metal contamination of transmission fluid / pistons
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (variable codes), Transmission warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required (multiple cases, some repeated within months); transmission rebuild/remanufactured unit ($1,200–$3,674 reported); torque converter replacement; valve body replacement; TCM replacement. Multiple owners had transmissions fail again after replacement. Shaft detent lever switch replaced; transmission removed and reassembled after metal contamination found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM declined assistance in most cases when vehicles were out of warranty. One owner offered transmission replacement but told issue would persist because 'that's how the transmission works.' Transmission warranty is 5/100,000; owners slightly over this threshold received no help.
Brake issues / loss of braking power
Brake pedal becomes extremely hard to push, brake assist appears to fail, or brakes lose effectiveness entirely. One owner could not stop at a red light at an industrial intersection with heavy traffic; another had brakes fail while approaching an intersection and the car continued rolling.
When: Intermittent; reported within 1–2 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal extremely hard to push; Brake pedal does not move/respond even with hard pressure; Loss of braking power; Car does not decelerate when brakes applied; Stabilitrak warning light and message; Traction control warning light and message; ABS warning light; Brake assist failure
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrak warning, Traction control warning, ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: Brake switch replacement; brake assist recall work attempted but problem persisted; owners report brakes need replacement every 3 months (unusually frequent).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for brake assist (campaign #11V273000 referenced); however, problem continued after recall repairs. No other manufacturer response documented.
Engine stalling at fuel pump / stalling at stops
Vehicle stalls when attempting to restart at gas stations or when returning to driving after refueling. Vehicle stalls at red lights or nearly stalls, requiring foot pressure on gas to keep running. Happens intermittently, sometimes multiple times per refuel attempt.
When: Intermittent; reported within first months to years of ownership. Triggered by refueling or at stops.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls immediately after restart at fuel pump; Multiple restart attempts needed (10–15 tries reported) after refueling; Vehicle jerks when put in Drive after stalling; Nearly stalls at stop lights, requires foot on gas to prevent; Running rough intermittently at stops; Vehicle stalls out at stops on highway
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (variable or intermittent), No codes in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: ECM (Engine Control Module) replacement at 36,000 miles; ECM program update; spark plugs replaced; no permanent fix achieved by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented.
Gear shift / transmission selection failures
Vehicle fails to shift into Reverse; stuck in Park; manual transmission (1.4L ECO) shifts violently into first gear on downshift. Shaft detent lever switch malfunction prevents proper gear indication and engagement.
When: First weeks to months of ownership; can be recurring.
Symptoms owners cite: Will not shift into Reverse; Stuck in Park, will not shift to Drive; Violent downshift into 1st gear (manual transmission); Rattling noise during attempted gear shift; RPMs increase but car does not move; Transmission hunts for proper gear
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Traction control warning, Stabilitrak warning
Repairs/costs cited: Shaft detent lever switch replaced; transmission reprogrammed; transmission reassembled after inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of problem with LS and non-turbo models; stated they have no solution, will continue to sell vehicles, and recall later when fix found. Customer 30-day guarantee not honored.
Crankcase pressure / oil system failure
Vacuum diaphragm blows out behind oil filler cap, causing extreme positive crankcase pressure. Oil sprays from vacuum lines, pressure sensors, saturating serpentine belt and alternator, pouring out through exhaust and creating dense smoke behind vehicle. Owner reports this is a known defect that could blind following drivers and cause accidents.
When: Sudden occurrence at highway speeds (65 mph noted).
Symptoms owners cite: Vacuum diaphragm bursts / blows out; Extreme positive pressure in crankcase; Oil sprays from all engine portals (vacuum lines, sensors, filler cap); Serpentine belt saturated with oil; Alternator damaged by oil spray; Dense white and grey smoke from exhaust; Complete loss of engine power; Forced to exit highway due to smoke; Oil in coolant reservoir (multiple reports)
Codes mentioned: No codes cited
Repairs/costs cited: Vacuum diaphragm replacement; gasket job ($1,050 reported in one case); water pump replacement often concurrent; turbo cooler, oil cooler replacement; coolant system service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented. Owner recommends warning system for crankcase pressure or recall of plastic check valve in vacuum system.
Electronic / electrical issues
Multiple electrical gremlins: emergency flashers work intermittently then fail completely; running lights burn out within 1 month of replacement; dashboard window buttons malfunction causing power windows to open uncontrollably; ignition key breaks in ignition cylinder; excessive condensation (½ inch) inside cabin when AC is on.
When: Various; power window issue recurring despite 3 repairs; ignition problem within early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency flashers stop working entirely; Running lights burn out repeatedly (within 1 month); Power window buttons malfunction, windows open automatically; Ignition cylinder locks, key breaks inside; Engine power reduced warning light; Stabilitrak service warnings; Traction control service warnings; Excessive interior condensation from AC vents
Codes mentioned: Engine power reduced, Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control
Repairs/costs cited: Power window regulator replaced 3 times; ignition cylinder repair/replacement ($500); dashboard condensation treated but persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed power window failure on dog drool after 2nd repair; no acknowledgment of systemic issue. No warranty assistance for ignition repair.
Vehicle rollaway from Park
Vehicle shifted into Park with engine running rolled away in Reverse, dragging owner against concrete pole, resulting in fracture and nerve damage.
When: Occurred while owner exiting vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in Park but rolled backward without driver input; No warning lights or indicators before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to collision center for body repair; later repaired under NHTSA campaign #11V273000 (power train transmission gear position).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign #11V273000 issued for gear position indication (PRNDL) but severity of prior injury not addressed in narrative.
Synthesized from 176 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I was pulling out of a gas station, use to my normal power and almost got hit because my car wouldn't go over 15mph floored. Then looked down and saw a engine power is reduced, service stabili trak and service traction control. So I took to a mechanic he hooked it up and the code showed up as my throttle body position sensor. They replaced it and drove it and it drove fine for about two weeks. I…
My car just went out. No warning no nothing. The dashboard wend haywire and was unable to read anything at all (speed, RPM, fuel or temp). The ignition downshifted on its own almost causing an accident while I was on the highway. Once safely off of the highway I tried to park the car in a proper parking space so that I could inspect the issue and it wouldn't reverse and shortly after would no…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet cruze. The contact stated that upon initial start up, he noticed an abnormal notice in the rear of the vehicle when shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer five different times. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure and stated that the vehicle was working as designed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet cruze. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer for inspection where they stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at no cost to the contact. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 22,001.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 176 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 127 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 32,512 and 92,800 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 32,512; a quarter make it past 92,800. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.