EZ Swap LLC services the Chevrolet Cruze in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2010 to 2019. If your Cruze has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help Cruze owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 3,723 owner complaints on file for the Cruze and 26 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (1,260), electrical system (760), power train (679).
Most-Reported Chevrolet Cruze Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Cruze (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,260 | 33% | |
| Electrical System | 760 | 20% | |
| Power Train | 679 | 18% | |
| Steering | 375 | 10% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 370 | 9% | |
| Service Brakes | 345 | 9% | |
| Air Bags | 260 | 6% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 253 | 6% |
Engine
1,260 of the 3,723 complaints (33%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
760 of the 3,723 complaints (20%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Power Train
679 of the 3,723 complaints (18%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Chevrolet Cruze Complaints by Model Year
The Cruze model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2011, 2014. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 | |
| 2011 | 732 | |
| 2012 | 865 | |
| 2013 | 587 | |
| 2014 | 702 | |
| 2015 | 252 | |
| 2016 | 250 | |
| 2017 | 201 | |
| 2018 | 109 | |
| 2019 | 23 |
Most Common Chevrolet Cruze Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Cruze. The most-cited is P0171 (system too lean (bank 1)), mentioned in 10 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. | 10 |
| P0299 | Turbocharger underboost Boost leak, failing turbo or wastegate, or a boost sensor issue. | 10 |
| P1101 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 7 |
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. | 7 |
| P0700 | Transmission control system malfunction The transmission computer stored its own code. A scan of the transmission module shows the real fault. | 5 |
| P2135 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| P0106 | Manifold pressure sensor range or performance Failing MAP sensor, vacuum leak or related wiring. | 4 |
| P0325 | Knock sensor circuit (bank 1) Failing knock sensor or wiring. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Chevrolet Cruze Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the Cruze in these model years, most often involving air bags, power train, steering. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2025 recall, Air Bags (campaign 25V764000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld...
- 2023 recall, Air Bags (campaign 23V674000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld...
- 2023 recall, Air Bags (campaign 23V870000): General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
- 2020 recall, Power Train (campaign 20V668000): 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,...
- 2018 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 18V304000): 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.
- 2018 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 18V576000): 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...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Cruze, 292 involved a crash, 83 involved a fire, 200 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Chevrolet Cruze Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Chevrolet will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Cruze that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Cruze owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Chevrolet Cruze, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Chevrolet Cruze Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Chevrolet Cruze repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Chevrolet Cruze FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Chevrolet Cruze are engine (1,260), electrical system (760), power train (679). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Cruze model years have the most complaints?
The Cruze model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2012, 2011, 2014. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Chevrolet Cruze?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Chevrolet Cruze, the codes cited most often are P0171 (system too lean (bank 1)), P0299 (turbocharger underboost), P1101 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Chevrolet Cruze have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Cruze across model years 2010 to 2019. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Chevrolet Cruze in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Chevrolet vehicles including the Cruze, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Chevrolet Cruze?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Chevrolet Cruze in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Chevrolet Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.