The most-reported Cruze run is 1G1PF5S90B7 (2011 builds) with 36 complaints, 7.7× the typical run. Engine problems make up 28% of reports; 2011 is the worst model year at 6.9 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for Cruze model years 2011–2019.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Chevrolet Cruze has 712 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 5% of every Cruze complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1G1PF5S90B7•••••• | 2011 | 3 | — | |
| 1G1PC5SB1E7•••••• | 2014 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1G1PC5SB9D7•••••• | 2013 | 2 | — | |
| 1G1PC5SB0E7•••••• | 2014 | 7 | 2 | |
| 1G1PC5SB7E7•••••• | 2014 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1G1PF5S93B7•••••• | 2011 | 2 | — | |
| 1G1PC5SB5E7•••••• | 2014 | 1 | — | |
| 1G1PC5SB6E7•••••• | 2014 | — | — | |
| 1G1PF5SC4C7•••••• | 2012 | 3 | 1 | |
| 1G1PC5SBXE7•••••• | 2014 | 2 | 1 | |
| 1G1PF5SC5C7•••••• | 2012 | 2 | — | |
| 1G1PF5S98B7•••••• | 2011 | — | — |
Each of the other 700 Cruze runs has 25 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 158 Cruze VINs so far, most often 2014, 2015, 2017 builds; 10 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Chevrolet Cruze the gap between build years is 4.9×: a 2011 car draws 6.9 complaints per run, a 2019 one 1.4.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 23 | 17 | 4 | |
| 2018 | 105 | 54 | 16 | |
| 2017 | 194 | 77 | 7 | |
| 2016 | 239 | 84 | 18 | |
| 2015 | 239 | 66 | 19 | |
| 2014 | 650 | 116 | 64 | |
| 2013 | 523 | 104 | 46 | |
| 2012 | 765 | 114 | 55 | |
| 2011 | 632 | 92 | 34 |
Heaviest year here is 2011 at 6.9 complaints per run; lightest is 2019 at 1.4.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 28% of everything Chevrolet Cruze owners report: Engine, 1,175 of 3,371 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | 51 | |
| Electrical System | 26 | 21 | |
| Power Train | 16 | 3 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 17 | 8 | |
| Service Brakes | 70 | 8 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 19 | 3 | |
| Steering | 32 | 4 | |
| Air Bags | 134 | 5 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 26 recall campaigns on the Chevrolet Cruze; the 6 below cover build years 2011 to 2019. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 16V502000 | Electrical System:ignition | 2011–2016 |
| 18V304000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | 2016–2018 |
| 18V576000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:caliper | 2018–2019 |
| 20V668000 | Power Train:automatic Transmission | 2018–2019 |
| 17V057000 | Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint | 2016–2017 |
| 15V442000 | Steering | 2014–2015 |
16V502000 was opened in 2016 on cars built from 2011: 5 years on the road before the recall.
The Cruze against its rivals
The Cruze draws 4.7 complaints per production run; the Dodge Dart 7.8. That is the lowest rate of the 2.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Cruze | 3,371 | 712 | 7.8% | |
| Dodge Dart | 2,143 | 276 | 5.8% |
How serious were they
Of the 3,371 reports on the Chevrolet Cruze, 7.8% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, above the norm.
| Outcome | Chevrolet Cruze | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 3,371 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 263 (7.8%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 75 (2.2%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 176 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 3 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 34% above the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Chevrolet Cruze share of that is 3,371 complaints over 712 runs, 0.3% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Chevrolet Cruze VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 3,371 NHTSA complaints from 712 Cruze runs and 26 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Cruze production run has the most complaints?
1G1PF5S90B7, a 2011 build, with 36 complaints, 3 of them after a crash. The typical Cruze run has 4.7.
Which Cruze years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2011 is heaviest at 6.9 complaints per run and 2019 lightest at 1.4.
Does the Cruze get more complaints than the Dodge Dart?
No: 4.7 complaints per production run for the Cruze against 7.8 for the Dodge Dart.
How many Cruze complaints involve a crash?
7.8% of 3,371 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 75 involved a fire.
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