repaired · 2023 Q2
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a…
2018 Chevrolet CruzeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 109 owner complaints about the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 20V-668 the manufacturer reports only 79% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through June 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has problems
109 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
27Engine3 crash/fire/injury
23Power train3 crash/fire/injury
14Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
12Service brakes7 crash/fire/injury
9Steering2 crash/fire/injury
8Air bags
6Fuel/propulsion system
5Wheels
5Exterior lighting
3012 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 27 | 3 |
| Power train | 23 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 7 |
| Steering | 9 | 2 |
| Air bags | 8 | 7 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 1 |
| Wheels | 5 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| 12 other systems | 30 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2018 Chevrolet Cruze recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Disc: caliper
Risk. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q3
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Cruze year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cruze median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Chevrolet Cruze safety ratings
2018 Chevrolet Cruze 5 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
In owners' words
What Cruze owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Coming to a stop sign or red light the car won’t accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n won’t go up unless u keep letting it…
Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed o2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives…
-The engine experienced internal failure resulting in low compression in cylinder 1. The failure has rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle and engine are currently available for inspection upon request. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by both an independent mechanic and an authorized…
Own a 2018 Cruze?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.