Model reliability

Chevrolet Cruze reliability

The Chevrolet Cruze fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 40% of 3,800 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

38.5% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 1,879 MOT tests of Chevrolet Cruzes this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenSprings11% vs 2.4%Fix about £150

Fails 5× as oftenPosition lamps7.9% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Fails 3× as oftenExhaust emissions6.5% vs 2%Fix about £150

Fails 64% more oftenMechanical brake components4.6% vs 2.8%

Advised 6× as oftenFluid leaks13.4% vs 2.2%

Advised 3× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)6.3% vs 2.1%Fix about £30

Advised 3× as oftenExhaust system4.8% vs 1.4%Fix about £150

Over 10 years old

40% failed their MOT

About average

From 3,800 MOT tests of Chevrolet Cruzes this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenSprings8.6% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Fails 55% more oftenExhaust emissions7.9% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 61% more oftenMechanical brake components5% vs 3.1%

Fails 42% more oftenWipers3.7% vs 2.6%

Advised 84% more oftenFluid leaks18.6% vs 10.1%

Advised 31% more oftenTyre condition13.6% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Advised 51% more oftenExhaust system8% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Safety recalls

9 DVSA recalls for the Chevrolet Cruze

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/0364 Feb 2025Built 2008–2017Chevrolet UK Takata Drivers Airbag

On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbags may deteriorate over time which may cause the inflator to rupture and lead to serious injury.

Fix: Exchange affected airbag modules as a precautionary measure.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 4,050 vehicles

R/2016/17526 Jul 2016Built 2008–2010Engine may stall

There is a possibility of intermittent loss of ignition. This is a result of fretting at a terminal on the ECU which is caused by movement of the ECU bracket and battery tray and relative movement of the engine wiring harness.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the battery tray and apply electrical contact sealent.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 781 vehicles

R/2015/0343 Mar 2015Built 2008–2011Brake fluid may leak

The affected vehicles may in some instances experience increased braking distance and potential degradation of braking performance caused by a leak of Brake Fluid from a Front Brake Hose. The Driver may notice a leakage of Brake Fluid on the ground and/or via the Brake Fluid Level warning light in the Instrument Panel with Ignition on.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front brake hoses.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 5,630 vehicles

R/2014/18015 Dec 2014Built 2008–2011Vehicle may lose drive when parked in 'p' roll away

On affected vehicles the right hand drive shaft outer CV Joint may fail during harsh cornering / U Turns. This will lead to loss of drive and if only parked in 'P' (autobox) or in gear (manual box) without the parking brake applied the vehicle could roll away.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right hand drive shaft.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 925 vehicles

R/2014/09512 Sept 2014Built 2013Drive shaft may fail

It has been detected that certain MY2013 & MY2014 Cruze and Orlando vehicles equipped with tubular drive shaft may in some instances experience breakage on RH drive shaft neck area. This will result in loss of drive but the driver will still be able to steer and brake the vehicle.

Fix: Examine affected vehicles for type of RH drive shaft fitted. Where necesaary replace driveshaft.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 276 vehicles

R/2014/0078 Jan 2014Built 2012–2013Drive shaft may fracture

The tubular drive shaft may in some instances experience breakage on RH drive shaft neck area. In the event that the RH drive shaft is broken the vehicle will not be capable of acceleration; however steering and braking will be controllable

Fix: Vehicle drive shafts will be inspected and where necessary replaced free of charge.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 50 vehicles

R/2011/16028 Nov 2011Engine may stall

As a result of a manufacturing issue at the supplier there is a possibility that a fuel leak may occur which would result in a strong diesel odour the engine may not start properly or the engine may stall.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the fuel feed pipes with ones of the correct specification.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 810 vehicles

R/2011/05812 May 2011Seat belt mount may not be secure

The retaining nut for the centre seat belt stalk may be missing. This concern will make the seat belt ineffective in the event of an accident.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary fit a retaining nut for the centre seat belt stalk.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 62 vehicles

R/2010/02223 Apr 2010Built 2009Fuel may leak

It has been identified that on certain 1.8 litre engines the fuel feed pipe connection with the swaging tube may be loose. Should this be the case the fuel pipe may detach resulting in a fuel leak.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel feed pipe connection inspected. The fuel feed pipe will be replaced.

Recalled models: CRUZE · 810 vehicles

Show all 9 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Chevrolet Cruze before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Chevrolet Cruze reliability

9 DVSA recalls for the Chevrolet Cruze

Checking a Chevrolet Cruze before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.