Is the 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE reliable?

The 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE has 1115 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Top problems: ENGINE (296 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (193 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (98 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Yes, there are 7 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING, STEERING, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT SECTOR, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE?

The 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE gets 28 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1714. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE is approximately $1,244/year (sedan-compact class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2011 Chevrolet CRUZE

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE has 1115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.9x the segment average of 391. The most common issue is engine problems (27% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet cruze. while attempting to accelerate, the contact stated that the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. she was able to restart the vehicle and continue driving normally. the vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was inspected and diagnosed with a faul. There are 7 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 26 fire reports filed.

26 fire reports 44 crash reports 30 injuries

1115

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

2.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

296 complaints

27%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FAUL
• I WAS DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND LOOKING TO CHANGE LANES. I BACKED OFF THE THROTTLE TO LET ONE CAR PASS. JUST WHEN THERE WAS AN OPENING IN TRAFFIC AND I WAS READY TO ACCELERATE, THE COMPUTER TOOK FULL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE DOWNSHIFTED TO FIRST GEAR AND RAPIDLY SLOWED TO 10 MPH. AT THIS POIN
• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD HESITATE WHEN ACCELERATING BETWEEN 45-65 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO PRODUCE ANY FAILURE CODES WHEN DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER PERFORMED A TEST DRIVE AND WAS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 17 fire reports💥 5 crashes

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FAUL”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE

Based on 885 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 57K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

249

30-60K

220

60-100K

237

100-150K

139

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 58K mi · 148 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 59K mi · 73 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 57K mi · 70 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 43K mi · 65 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 55K mi · 36 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 29 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (7)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION05/07/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,715

Per month

$143

Per mile

14.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Chevrolet CRUZE

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,244

Full coverage / month

$104

Liability only / year

$565

vs US avg

-26%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-compact)0.93x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age0.85x

= Full coverage estimate$1244

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet CRUZE Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2011 CRUZE, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1115 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND CONTINUE DRIVING NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED WITH A FAUL
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: I HAVE A 2011 CHEVY CRUZE. I JUST PURCHASED IN NOV 2010. ONE MONTH AFTER I HAD THE CAR I HAD TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALER DUE TO STEERING NOISE WHEN WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT/RIGHT. THEY HAD TO LUBRICATE SOME PARTS BY THE WHEELS. STARTING IN FEB 2011 I NOTICE THE CAR STARTED TO LURCH FORWARD WHEN YOU TOOK
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE TOWED BEHIND A RV. HE READ THE MANUAL THAT STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO REMOVE FUSE 22 WHICH CAUSED HIM TO LOSE 12 VOLTS AND HE COULD NOT OPERATE THE AUXILIARY AFTERMARKET BRAKIN
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I AM REPORTING A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN THE 2011 CHEVY CRUISE. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR MAT DOES NOT STAY FASTENED TO THE PINS ON THE FLOOR AND BUNCHES UP BENEATH THE GAS PEDAL PREVENTING ACCELERATION. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND COULD RESULT IN A POTENTIALLY DEADLY ACC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 7 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)