Can You Continue to Drive a 2013 Chevy Cruze Once the Change Engine Oil Percentage Drops Two Zero
2013 Chevrolet Cruze's Five Recalls Cover Engine Overheating Problems, Loss of Power
A 2013 Chevy Cruze is an attractive buy thanks to its myriad of features at an affordable price. However, this model year carries five recalls and hundreds of complaints–with some problems being quite concerning.
Key Points
- The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze received five recalls and 495 complaints per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But the compact car did not face any NHTSA investigations.
- Two recalls involving 177,000 vehicles have been issued against a potentially failing front right half shaft. If it fails while driving the car will lose power, and if parked without the emergency brake on, can possibly roll away.
- A defective electronic park lock lever, poorly insulated engine block heater cord, and a faulty airbag inflator led to the compact car's three other recalls.
- Reported problems include engine overheating and sudden loss of power, along with rough gear shifts and unintended rollaway.
- Complaints have also been registered over coolant leaks, wire fretting, power steering failure, and airbag malfunction.
2013 Chevy Cruze is Prone to Overheating and Loss of Power
The 2013 Chevy Cruze has nearly 260 complaints about its engine and powertrain. Per the NHTSA, much of the complaints are regarding the engine losing power. Owners report their car slowing down and stalling without any warning. The reason can be a faulty throttle body sensor, water pump, or even the PCV valve. Technicians have found that cracks in the PCV prevent air from getting in and out of the engine, causing severe turbo underboost.
Overheating issues aren't uncommon either. Several owners have been left stranded with not many options but to sit and let the engine cool. Oil and coolant leaks were also frequent, courtesy of a blown valve cover gasket.
Other engine-related problems include a malfunctioning catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, along with oil cooler leaks, and a faulty thermostat. The latter two cause the air conditioning unit to randomly turn off.
Wire fretting is also quite common, particularly near the ignition coils. On top of that, a recall was initiated against the poorly insulated engine block heater cord. Per the NHTSA, exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while plugged in.
2013 Cruze Powertrain Issues Include Unintended Rollaways and Rough Shifting, Gets Three Recalls
According to the owners, if the key is removed without the transmission in "Park," the vehicle tends to roll away. GM issued a recall that fixes the car's defective electronic park lock levers, which happened to cause the problem.
A total of 177,000 vehicles are subjected to two recalls regarding a fractured front right half shaft. Per the NHTSA, if the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the car would lose power and coast to a stop. Also, if a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, it could move unexpectedly.
Reports of rough shifting and grinding sounds from the transmission are also common. Although not an OEM solution, adding a few extra quarts of transmission fluid over the recommended amount has improved things. By doing so, drivers claim better clutch life and smoother shifts.
Perhaps more concerning than rough shifts would be the car lunging forwards, especially in stop-and-go traffic. According to the technicians, the cause can range from a malfunctioning transmission control module to worn clutch plates or something as small as a clogged air flow sensor.
In addition to these, a few owners have experienced the CV joints leaking quite badly. Although, it's far less common than the rest of the problems.
2013 Cruze Also Faces Stereo Problems, Power Steering Failure, and Airbag Malfunction
The Cruze's electrical system has garnered quite a few complaints. The majority of which are regarding warning lights popping up unexpectedly. Along with this, the dashboard displays error codes like "Check Transmission" and "Key Not Detected." The car's stereo also shuts off for no particular reason. Dealerships have found the control module to be the culprit. However, it's an out of the pocket fix and usually costs between $700 and $1,500.
Power steering failure is yet another concern. Many owners have experienced steering lock or partial failure in the middle of the freeway. Luckily, there are no reports of any injuries.
A faulty ignition switch has led to the key getting stuck inside the assembly. Drivers were unable to turn off the car unless they pulled out the battery cords. Additionally, reports of the car failing to start have also caused quite a bit of inconvenience. As a temporary solution, re-attaching the battery's negative terminal does fix it. However, after a while, the problem seems to reappear.
There are about 50 complaints and a recall regarding the airbags. In the event of a crash, the driver-side airbag inflator may rupture and could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially injure the occupants. The recall has affected around 29,000 cars.
The complaints prove to be far too alarming. Some owners found the airbag impact sensors to fail, while others reported total airbag malfunction. Drivers claim the airbags failed to deploy during a crash, leading to severe injuries.
Although Problems Exist, the Chevy Cruze is Still a Decent Commuter
Out of the several thousand units sold, only 500 or so customers found the Cruze problematic. That's not to say it's super reliable either. The airbag recall is worrying, and the notion of a failing engine and transmission is not very reassuring as well. That said, the Chevy Cruze is a fairly economical A to B car that comes with a lot of features at an affordable price. Before you go ahead and buy one, we recommend having a mechanic diagnose the car to ensure peace of mind and trouble-free ownership.
Photos: Chevrolet
Frequently Asked Questions
By Josh Barrett | Jan 22, 2022
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a 2013 Chevy Cruze Transmission?
Transmission repairs are among the most expensive fixes you can make to any vehicle, including the 2013 Chevy Cruze. Depending on whether you select a used, remanufactured, or new transmission will land you somewhere between $1,300 to $3,400 pre-labor. Labor typically costs $500 to $1,200 extra.
What Would Cause a 2013 Chevy Cruze Not to Start?
A dead battery is the most likely culprit of a 2013 Chevy Cruze that won't start. It could also be the alternator, which lasts roughly 80k-120k miles. The starter could be the issue, which lasts 100k-150k miles. Per Repair Pal, 38% of the time the problem is caused by the battery, 27% the alternator, and 20% the starter.
Why Does My 2013 Chevy Cruze Battery Keep Dying?
An alternator problem in a 2013 Cruze is one reason for a dead battery. When the alternator fails to charge the battery as the engine runs, it will lose its charge. Just check the lights while the car is running. When the lights start bright but gradually dim, the alternator is likely at fault, not the battery.
Owner Reviews
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TRACi CLINTON on October 20, 2021
DON'T BUY!!!!
The WORST car ever! Will never buy another Chevrolet again. The coolant system and housing replaced twice along with the entire engine after the first coolant system malfunctioned and caused major damage. After putting a second chevy engine in the car it's coolant system blew too. This time I was able to identify the problem before the heads were warped. The engine fan now runs constantly as soon as you start it up. Have changed every single thing possible to fix issue and none have worked. The AC is rattling so loud along with the fan at full blast and it sounds like a antique jet place every time it runs. Oh and the car will start on its own after being turned off. If the keys are in the ignition it will decide it is turning itself back on randomly. Major oil leak needed repaired. The traction control stability trac will alarm and the engine loses total power at various times. I've been sent recall notices that I haven't repaired yet but now my VIN says I don't have any recalls??!! There are more issues than I can remember to write but Chevy doesn't care so why bother?? Don't buy unless you have loads of money to put into the piece of c**p. So disgusted with Chevrolet. Will walk before I buy another Chevy!! *This site made me choose a rating so it got one star but it doesn't deserve that!
Beverly A. Harris on July 29, 2022
Chevy cruze is like Ford fix or repair daily. There is always something wrong with it. It overheat a lot
I always have to do some repair on it. The head gaskets been replaced 3 times. Bit much and who has money to always fixing your vehicle. It's overheating so I am paying double for this car. Had replace transmission. Always overheating so now probably have replace head gasket again. Chevy said no recalls on them but I live in Alaska and if it should stop going because of overheating we can freeze to death. Writing this incase we do freeze to death because their faulty problems. Because a lot of miles between where your going and winter you really have no one that will stop to help.
Dominique S on November 23, 2021
The good, the turbo, the UGLY.
My Chevy Cruze looks really nice. However, structurally, it's a mess. I've had to do so much work to the car. Currently, it is in the shop for a replacement turbocharger. I had no idea what a turbocharger was before it started to give me problems. I've also had engine problems. I have a power only driver seat, which stopped working and I had to get that fixed because there was no option to move the seat manually. I am trying to hold on, but it has more problems than I expected for a 2013 vehicle.
Steve Klemetti on June 26, 2022
It's a great car
I wish people would stop saying that it's a bad car and they wouldn't buy another just because they had problems. My first 2012 Cruze had 250,000 miles with no troubles prior. My second Cruze, 2011 I bought at 155,000 miles and it recently started doing the A/C off from high engine temp. It just thinks it is high. It runs fine but no AC. I see that many have that problem and have changed everything still no fix. It's not a Cruze problem, it is a Chevy problem.
Jeffrey R on October 30, 2021
To much upkeep for such a small car and also too costly!
Well I bought it used but only had 50,000 miles on it and have driven it for a little over a year, I have put as of today 30,000 miles on it myself and have added all new tires a thermostat housing and my nephew also put a new alternator and other things so its cost in maintenance has been like $1,500. 00 just this past year alone. So now every so often I have to jump start it mostly first thing in the morning so not to happy with this vehicle, really!
Juan B on January 9, 2022
Do not buy a Chevy cruze with a six speed manual.
Do not but any model of Chevrolet cruze that has a six speed manual transmission. The fluid that they use in it is to thin and not enough in the transmission to keep all of the internal parts lubricated correctly. These transmissions create a lot of heat and the oil is just too thin to help with cooling. You will have problems after awhile if you drive the car for long periods of time everyday.
Jeffrey D on January 1, 2022
Not a good purchase if you cannot afford repairs.
Mine has been in for service numerous times. I would be out thousands of dollars if I didn't have a warranty. I am only at 58k, I have had all required maintenance done and they've replaced 2 water pumps, water outlet, wheel speed sensor, master cylinder, brake booster, engine oil actuator seals, engine oil cooler, oil pan gasket, transmission axle seal.
Cheyenne M on July 9, 2021
Chevy Cruze is slow, small and lacks tech in cars of the same year.
It has slow pick-up, especially in hot fl weather, I find the seats to be uncomfortable during long trips. I wish the Bluetooth software worked without having to plug a Charger into the USB port. Speaking of which, only apple phones with the Bluetooth software. Very small and would not suit taller people. Began having mechanical issues around 90k miles.
Mark on May 7, 2022
2013 chevy cruze
2013 chevy cruze. Been half way descent car. Good gas mileage. I did have to replace a plastic disc in the dash that regulates hot cold for air blow was costly. Finally replacing axle seal at 147,000 miles. Mechanic did clean out heads stuff gummed up dont know why I use good gas and treatments. But overall been good.
August M on August 21, 2021
Repairs are too much. I'm not happy with it.
Problem is it breaks down after few years m. Most parts have to be bought at the dealership and cost really high. Also it is hard to fix and repair. You need special tools and garage to left it up. Price for parts is very costly and most are made out of plastic. Not a friendly car.
Marc M on August 7, 2021
Some bads but still going after 90k.
I have had several problems with breakdowns, heater/thermostat, a sensor and major issue with valve cover. Seats are not the most comfortable, and the sound system does not connect with phone to play media outside of plugging in an aux cable.
Sugar F on August 18, 2021
Some interesting facts about the Chevy Cruze.
No cruise control is available in this model. So when driving long distance it is really annoying. The speed is slow to pick up unless you speed up drastically and the pedal is on the floor. Another thing is the annoying computer glitches.
Missy M on August 10, 2021
The 2013 Chevy Cruze is a very small vehicle
The Cruze is way too small. The door are very thin and the gas mileage is ok. The main regret I have for buying the 2013 Chevy Cruze is that it does not have a backup camera.
jessica d on June 21, 2021
2013 cruze not so good of a car
If I had to go back I would not have got it. My car is only 5 years old and it's already cause a lot of issues. It's been in the shop 3 times over different things.
Brian C on November 2, 2021
My Cruze is a lemon in my opinion. I will not buy another one
I am not pleased with the vehicle's engine. It has had to have many repairs made to it. It is also small and doesn't fit the need for a medium size family
Cheyenne M on August 29, 2021
Slow with minimal upgrades.
Is really slow in warm weather, small, not a lot of tech upgrades like newer cars. Vegan having issues around 90, 000 miles.
Ron Jones on November 22, 2021
No Cruise on the Chevy Cruze
Wouldn't you think marketing people at GM would make cruise standard on the Chevy Cruze. Nope not these geniuses
Nicole D on January 8, 2022
I would never buy it again, I deeply regret this choice of vehicle.
I bought it as a certified pre owned vehicle. It kept having coolant leaks until they had to replace the engine
Timothy A on July 9, 2021
It overheats sometimes without reason.
I do not like not having sufficient leg room. I do not like that you cannot work on it yourself.
kate k on August 9, 2021
Don't buy one you can get a better car for the same amount
I do not like the way it runs. It has a rough shift of gears and a burning smell.
Bryan B on December 13, 2021
Multiple issues at 75,000 miles. O2 sensor is faulty in most Cruze vehicles. Overpriced for what it is.
Costly repairs. Be prepared to get some type of repair every few months or so
Keith L on January 25, 2022
It is a piece of c**p. And it sputters when taking off.
I dislike the fact that the electrical system is malfunctions.
Kk K on December 20, 2021
Do not buy one they are not a good value. You can get a better car for the same price.
I hate the way the engine runs
Kiran Menon
Kiran has been a fan of automobiles ever since he was a kid, thanks in part to auto magazines and TV shows like Top Gear. Fast forward a few years, and this obsession eventually led him to earn a degree in automotive engineering. He now writes about all things motoring for Vehicle History and HotCars after starting his auto journalism career as a features writer for CarHP.
Source: https://www.vehiclehistory.com/articles/2013-chevrolet-cruzes-five-recalls-cover-engine-overheating-problems-loss-of-power
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