VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is among the quieter years of the Cruze on NHTSA's books: 166 complaints (57% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 12 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (29), other (24), and transmission (23), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

166

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

27

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

12

Injuries

1

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Cruze years?

Cruze NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,353 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 1,115 complaints2012: 1,353 complaints2013: 934 complaints2014: 1,096 complaints2015: 383 complaints2016: 391 complaints2017: 295 complaints2018: 166 complaints2019: 28 complaints
Cruze NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cruze years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2917%
Other2414%
Transmission2314%
Electrical System1710%
Brakes148%
Steering95%
Airbags85%
Fuel System74%
Lighting74%
Tires & Wheels64%
Speed Control53%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Body & Structure42%
Suspension42%
Seat Belts32%
Driver Assistance11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V668000TransmissionOctober 29, 2020 · 194,105 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.

Consequence

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 crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

18V576000BrakesAugust 30, 2018 · 210,628 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.

Consequence

A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

18V304000Fuel SystemMay 10, 2018 · 111,966 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 CHEVY CRUZE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FUEL LINE SPRAYING FUEL ON THE ENGINE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 5, 2018 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING MY 2018 CHEVY CRUZE THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP, AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT IT WAS DUE TO A FUEL LINE SPRAYING FUEL ON THE ENGINE.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 5, 2018 · fire

“ put car in PARK ,got out to check mail box 20 feet away [car door left open]. When retuning to car it began to slowly move backward.I ran around the back and tried to get in but was knocked down by the open door.I rolled away from the approaching wheel with minor scrapes. The car continued backing…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 11, 2022 · crash

“MY SON BOUGHT HIS CAR NOT EVEN HAPPEN IN A MONTH HE HIT A DEER HE SAID IT FELT WEIRD LIKE THE BRAKING SYSTEM WENT WEIRD NOT EVEN THINKING IT WENT TO AN AUTO BODY SHOP AND MY FATHER TOLD ME TO LOOK UP RECALLS AND IT WILL NOT LET ME LOOK IT UP IT'S IN THE VIN ISN'T RECOGNIZED BY GMC SO I'M CURIOUS ON…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 24, 2020 · crash

“I WAS TRAVELLING ON THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 50 MPH WHEN TRAFFIC CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES IN PLENTY OF TIME, BUT I REAR-ENDED THE VAN IN FRONT OF ME. AT THE TIME I THOUGHT I MUST HAVE SKIDDED INTO THE VAN, BUT LOOKING AT THE COLLISION SITE LATER, THERE WERE NO TIRE MARKS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 18, 2019 · crash · fire

2018 Chevrolet Cruze — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 166 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Cruze year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2018 Cruze problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (29 complaints), other (24 complaints), transmission (23 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Cruze years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cruze years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Cruze years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.