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 wet and drying off as the wetness evaporates; the smell stays inside the car. The effects of smelling coolant has to be…
2013 Chevrolet Cruze powertrain problems
moderate 108 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
108
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 108 powertrain complaints filed for the 2013 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 108 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.
Among the 9 model years of Chevrolet Cruze in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2013 Cruze powertrain problems are widespread and dangerous: transmission power loss causing near-accidents, right front axles breaking without warning, engines stalling mid-drive, and cooling system failures are all documented in 108 complaints. Many owners report dealers claiming nothing is wrong despite recurring failures, and critical recall parts sat unavailable for months.
The 2013 Cruze powertrain has persistent, serious problems across multiple systems. Transmission failures include unexpected power loss, unpredictable shifting between gears, violent lurching when stopped, and rolling backward on inclines despite brakes applied. Owners report taking vehicles to dealers multiple times with no resolution and no diagnostic codes appearing. Right front axles break without warning—some at 3,000 miles—causing sudden loss of power and immediate stops in traffic; GM acknowledged 170,000 vehicles affected but parts were unavailable for weeks or months after recalls.
Engine stalls occur while driving, often accompanied by dashboard warning lights (StabiliTrak, Traction Control, Check Engine) that reappear after clearing. Clearing codes temporarily masks problems but does not fix them. Cooling systems leak coolant profusely from water pumps, thermostats, hoses, and transmission cooler lines; owners report the AC shutting off with "Engine Heat" warnings and burning coolant smell inside the cabin.
Manual transmissions suffer premature clutch failure—the clutch burns or goes to the floor at highway speeds despite normal driving, with dealerships wrongly blaming driver error. Spark plugs shipped with incorrect gaps cause rough idle and power loss; dealerships claim to fix them but don't. Throughout, owners report dealers saying problems are "normal" for this model or claiming no codes exist, leaving families in unsafe vehicles.
Same Chevrolet Cruze powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission Power Loss and Erratic Shifting
Transmission loses power, slips, fails to shift properly, or shifts unexpectedly into reverse or wrong gears while driving. Vehicle may stall, jerk violently, or surge forward when brakes applied. Dealers often report no codes found; owners report repeat visits with no resolution.
When: Occurs at low speeds (5–20 mph), during stop-and-go traffic, on inclines, and at highway speeds (55–70 mph); intermittent, sometimes recurring after initial dealer visit
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power at highway speeds or during acceleration; Transmission slipping on inclines or uphill; Unexpected downshift or reverse engagement; Vehicle lunges forward when braking or stopped at lights; Vehicle rolls backward on inclines despite brake application; Transmission jerks or snaps when shifting from Park or Reverse to Drive; Flashing transmission warning light or 'Service Transmission' message; Vehicle stalls or dies while shifting
Codes mentioned: P0700 (Transmission Control System Malfunction), Transmission Control Module (TCM) defect, Output Speed Sensor fault
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report TCM replacement, transmission fluid adjustments, service bulletins applied; clutch replacements ($1,800 cited); repeated visits yield no fix when codes absent
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V502000 (TCM/PCM control module); Recall 13V452000 (manual transmission clutch); dealers claim behavior is 'normal' for 6-speed transmission or new technology; GM denies warranty coverage in some cases
Right Front Axle Fracture
Right front half-shaft or axle breaks unexpectedly, causing immediate loss of power, abrupt stopping, loud grinding or cracking noise, and wheel detachment. Occurs without warning. Potentially life-threatening in traffic or at highway speeds.
When: As early as 3,000–9,200 miles; one case occurred within days of purchase with under 50K miles overall
Symptoms owners cite: Loud cracking or grinding noise from right front; Abrupt stop or loss of forward motion; Vehicle unable to move in Drive or Reverse; Vehicle continues to roll in Park; Clicking noise in Reverse, Drive, or Park; Wheel detaches from vehicle
Codes mentioned: Power train fault
Repairs/costs cited: Axle replacement required; parts unavailable for extended periods (weeks to months); dealerships unable to provide timelines; repair costs not detailed by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V151000 (Right Front Axle/Power Train); GM acknowledged 170,000 vehicles affected; owner reports GM stated 30% of 2013 Cruzes have this potential issue; no recall notice mailed to all owners; parts backlogs prevented timely repair
Engine Stall and Electrical/Computer Failures
Engine shuts off while driving without warning, often at low speeds or while braking. Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate sporadically (StabiliTrak, Traction Control, Service Engine, Check Engine). Clearing codes temporarily masks issues. Car may fail to start or require battery disconnect and code reset to restart.
When: Intermittent from 2014 onward; escalates over years; one owner reported recurring issue 2014–2018
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls mid-drive; Check Engine light on or flashing; StabiliTrak warning light; Traction Control warning; Power steering warning or lockup; Multiple dash warnings for windows, airbags, transmission, remote key; Radio and headlights turn off and on intermittently; Car will not start; clicking heard when turning key; Car restarts only after clearing codes or unhooking battery; Key sticks in ignition
Codes mentioned: Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor error, Vapor Canister Purge Valve code, MAP Sensor code, Alternator charging fault, No codes found despite symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: MAF sensor, vapor canister purge valve, MAP sensor, alternator replacements attempted; wiring repairs made; computer clearing; symptoms persist after repairs; owners report $14.09 to hundreds in parts replaced without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N202299080 (faulty PCV valve affecting air intake, turbo spooling, and engine pressurization); dealers advise pressing 'Clear' button; GM denies many issues as normal
Engine Power Loss and Throttle Body Limp Mode
Vehicle suddenly loses power while driving, dashboard displays 'Engine Power Reduced' or similar message, and car decelerates uncontrollably. May occur at highway speeds. Often misdiagnosed or unresolved by dealer.
When: Intermittent; occurred at highway speeds (55–70 mph) for multiple owners
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power; 'Engine Power Reduced' warning message; Vehicle decelerates without driver input; Hesitation during acceleration; Vehicle forced to pull over; Loss of power while idling or at speed
Codes mentioned: Throttle Body fault (inferred from owner research)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report no repairs completed; dealers unable or unwilling to address; cost estimates not provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM does not acknowledge issue; no recall issued; owners report extensive forum discussions but no manufacturer action
Clutch Failure and Burning (Manual Transmission)
Manual transmission clutch burns or fails prematurely, often while driving normally without riding the clutch. Drivers report burning smell at highway speeds in higher gears, then clutch goes to floor and cannot shift. Dealerships blame driver error despite owner experience and forum reports of similar failures.
When: First reported at 50K miles in one case, 65K in another; grinding reported from ~5K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell while driving in 5th or 6th gear at highway speeds; Clutch pedal goes to floor; Unable to shift gears; Grinding between gears (especially 1st to 2nd); Transmission fluid levels low
Repairs/costs cited: Clutch replacement cost $1,800 (cited); transmission fluid adjustment recommended (2.5 quarts vs. 2 quarts factory fill per owner research on forums)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny defect, blame customer for riding clutch; no recall; Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge transmission fluid volume issue despite forum consensus
Cooling System Leaks and Overheating
Vehicle leaks coolant profusely from multiple failure points (water pump, thermostat, hoses, transmission cooler line, timing cover gasket). AC shuts off with 'AC Off Due to High Engine Heat' warning despite engine running normally. Vehicle overheats and smells of burning coolant.
When: Beginning early in ownership; one owner reported issues at 100K miles; another at 80K with blown head gaskets
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leaking from engine and under vehicle; AC automatically shuts off with warning message; Engine running hot despite normal gauge reading; Burning coolant smell in cabin and from engine; Vehicle smoking; Hose failure and liquid spray; Head gasket and bolt failure
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump, thermostat, hoses, transmission cooler line, timing cover gasket, head gaskets replaced; costs include warranty coverage for some, out-of-pocket for others; multiple repairs on same vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some repairs covered under warranty; coolant system recall mentioned by owner; no comprehensive recall for cooling issues on 1.8L engines (owner notes 1.4L turbo has recalls but 1.8L does not)
Transmission Cooler Line and Sensor Failures
Transmission cooler line breaks or fails, causing transmission computer (input/output sensor) to overheat or malfunction. Transmission spins/sputters at highway speeds, followed by sensor failure and loss of power.
When: May 2018 reported failure; issue escalates over months
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power over 40 mph; Sputtering on highway at 65 mph; Speedometer malfunction; Transmission overheating; Vehicle losing power
Codes mentioned: Transmission Input/Output Sensor failure, Transmission computer fault
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission cooler line replacement; transmission sensor replacement (input and output)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Driveshaft Fracture (Early Model Turbo)
Driveshaft breaks while vehicle is being backed out of driveway or at low speeds, causing immediate loss of power. Owner reports this is a known recall issue affecting 170,000 vehicles with 1.4 turbo engines, yet owner was initially told no recall applied to their car.
When: At ~3,000 miles on nearly new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise from right front or driveshaft area; Sudden loss of power; Vehicle cannot move forward or reverse
Codes mentioned: Power train fault
Repairs/costs cited: Driveshaft replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V151000 or related driveshaft recall; GM initially denied recall applicability despite 170,000 vehicles affected; owner had to research media coverage to discover recall; no proactive notice received
Vehicle Roll-Away While in Park or With Key Off
Vehicle rolls away while parked and in Park position, even with key removed from ignition. Occurs on flat ground and on inclines. May require emergency brake to stop. Recurs after initial incident.
When: Occurred at 34K miles and 42K miles (separate cases)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls away without brake application; Vehicle continues rolling despite Park being engaged; No warning indicators illuminated; Emergency brake needed to stop vehicle
Codes mentioned: Electrical System fault (NHTSA Campaign 16V502000 referenced), Power train fault
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V502000 (Electrical System, Power Train) mentioned by owners; one owner's VIN not included in campaign
Intake Manifold Cracking
Intake manifold develops cracks, allowing unmetered air to enter and oil to blow by. Causes poor air-fuel mixture, increased oil consumption, reduced power, and computer timing adjustments beyond manufacturer limits, potentially bending valves.
When: Reported as recurring issue in 2011–2014 Cruzes; specific timing not detailed
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power upon acceleration from stop; Increased oil consumption and burning; Check Engine light
Codes mentioned: Computer timing adjustment beyond limits (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: Intake manifold replacement likely; valve and timing repairs may be required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Spark Plug Gapping Error from Factory
Spark plugs arrive from factory with incorrect gap, causing poor combustion, bogging in first gear, and reduced power. Manual transmission particularly affected. Dealership claims to regap but does so incorrectly. Owner self-corrects to factory specification.
When: Present from new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Engine bogs down in first gear; Poor overall power; Rough idle
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug regapping to correct .028-inch gap; dealership attempted repair but did incorrect gap (.021–.025 inch); owner purchased tools and corrected manually
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership denied responsibility; claimed problem solved in one hour despite persistence; no recall or service bulletin mentioned
Gear Shifter Malfunction (Inability to Exit Park)
Gear shifter gets stuck or requires multiple attempts (shifting in and out of Park) to allow engine to turn off. No warning indicators illuminated.
When: At 51K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter sticks in Park or resists shifting; Engine cannot be turned off without multiple shifter manipulations; No diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: <UNKNOWN>
Transmission Fluid Level or Specification Issues
Factory transmission fluid volume (approximately 2 quarts) insufficient for proper operation in higher gears on manual and automatic transmissions. Owners report forum consensus recommending 2.5 quarts; Chevrolet denies issue exists.
When: Apparent from design; manifests during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch burning at highway speeds; Transmission slipping; Rough shifting
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid top-up to 2.5 quarts reported effective in forum discussions; dealer service bulletins may apply
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet refuses to acknowledge defect; no recall or service campaign issued despite forum evidence of widespread problem
Synthesized from 108 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 informed me that my clutch was not covered. To me this is a big safety issues that could have resulted in my family and I…
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 over.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet cruze. After inserting the key in the ignition switch, the vehicle turned on independently. The contact mentioned that the transmission shifted independently from drive into neutral on multiple occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.…
Car is having turbo problems. Nothing wrong with the car, but it shows a turbo underboost defect. Says online it is common amongst Chevy cruzes
Had powertrain trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 108 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 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 89,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 89,000. 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 $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/2013/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.