Skip to content
J300 / J400 · Sedan

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

caution·1.4L turbo (LUV)

PCV Valve and Valve Cover Failure

The PCV valve is built into the plastic valve cover.

Typical repair cost
$250 – $600
caution·1.4L turbo (LUV)

Turbo Coolant and Oil Line Leaks

The coolant and oil lines feeding the turbo are known to seep.

Typical repair cost
$300 – $900

2 more known problems on the 2011 Cruze

Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall·16V502000

Electrical system: ignition

Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox…

Recall·11V273000

Power train: gear position indication (prndl)

102, 'TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT,' AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.

Recall·12V289000

Fuel system: mounting

ATTACHMENT WELDS FOR THE FUEL TANK STRAP SECONDARY BRACKETS MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED.

4 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 732 owners reported

Power train176
Engine125
Electrical system61
Service brakes56

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2011 Chevrolet Cruze at a glance

Trims
EcoLSLTLTZ
Engine
1.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd, Manual 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

Other Chevrolet Cruze years

Free Car Finder

Still deciding on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Answer a few quick questions and see your top 3 used cars, with the years to shop.

Find my car
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Owners have filed 732 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 7 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include pcv valve and valve cover failure, turbo coolant and oil line leaks and water pump and thermostat housing leaks. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 7 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2011 Chevrolet Cruze listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.