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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-CHEVROLET-CRUZENHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Chevrolet
2013 Chevrolet Cruze problems
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 585 NHTSA owner complaints on file — not a small number. 5 active recall campaigns.
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 585 NHTSA owner complaints and 5 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 118 complaints, typically surfacing around 78,911 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
The problems owners report most, open recalls, and the mileage where failures cluster — straight from the NHTSA record, in seconds.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
5
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 Cruze?
High-risk ownership
Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open.
Engine: 118 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–110,357 mi
Electrical system: 75 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,000–90,000 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
5 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: 2013 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 2013 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
engine — 118 owner reports
· tends to show around 78,911 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
powertrain — 108 owner reports
· tends to show around 53,535 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 75 owner reports
· tends to show around 63,321 mi · ~$850 to fix
steering — 74 owner reports
· tends to show around 41,197 mi · ~$700 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: engine is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 78,911 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 5 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 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
2013 Cruze· powertrain
The vehicle keeps going to A/C off due to vehicle running hot. I've gone to the dealer and various shops had the water pump, hoses, outlet housing, thermostat replaced. I still smell coolant leaking and burning off when I open the hood I see the engine and catalytic converter…
My vehicle was not filed in the recall list but has the same issue as a drive train recall (13v452000). My vehicle when shifting gears completely lost power and no longer goes into 5th or 6th gear. I have taken it to the dealership like gm asked me but unfortunately they…
The car has some kind of electrical problems. The check engine light goes on and I take the car back to the dealer and get problems fixed, and within a month the check engine light comes on again, and there are new problems with the car. When those problems get fixed, the check…
At random car will idle up and down and rpms will jump. This happens when just cranked and after driven and sitting still in idle. Also, at random when trying to crank the car it seems to get stuck and I will have to return the ignition in order to get the motor to fully turn…
Had a problem with your 2013 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 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 LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 585 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a higher-risk ownership prospect. Repair exposure runs above average — only with money set aside and eyes open. The record behind that call: Engine: 118 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 46,000–110,357 mi; Electrical system: 75 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 36,000–90,000 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 5 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 118 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,911 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 585 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 78,911 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 118 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 78,911 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 78,911 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 585 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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