2013 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact sedan that was offered with a few different engine and transmission options. The most common engine is the 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, producing 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines included a 1.8L naturally aspirated four-cylinder. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners generally appreciate the Cruze for its fuel efficiency, comfortable ride, and stylish interior, but often complain about its reliability, especially with the 1.4L turbo engine, and some find the performance underwhelming.
Engine
1.4L Turbocharged I4 (LUJ/A14NET)
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the turbo, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation or general wear and tear.
- Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- PCV Valve/Intake Manifold Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, vacuum leaks, check engine light (often codes P0171, P0106). The PCV valve is integrated into the intake manifold and can fail, causing various issues. A diaphragm inside the valve can crack, leading to a vacuum leak.
- Solution: Replacement of the intake manifold. Some aftermarket solutions offer a separate, replaceable PCV valve.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
- Water Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, check engine light.
- Solution: Water pump replacement, coolant flush.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Sweet smelling coolant, low coolant levels, overheating. The Cruze is known to have a variety of coolant leak issues, most commonly with the water outlet, thermostat housing, water pump, and hoses.
- Solution: Replacing the leaking component and topping off the coolant.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the component
- Recalls: None Found
1.8L Naturally Aspirated I4 (2H0)
- No Issues Found
Transmission
6-Speed Automatic (6T40)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, transmission warning light.
- Solution: Valve body replacement/repair, full transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Rear Suspension Bushing Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear of the vehicle, especially when going over bumps. Reduced handling precision.
- Solution: Replacement of the rear suspension bushings (trailing arm bushings being the most common).
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car after it has been sitting for a short period of time. Could be caused by a parasitic draw from an electrical component that is not turning off when the vehicle is turned off.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw. Common culprits include the radio, door lock actuators, and BCM.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ depending on the source of the draw
- Recalls: None Found
- Radio/Infotainment System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, failure to connect to bluetooth.
- Solution: Radio replacement, software update.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- No Issues Found
Summary:
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has a number of common issues, with the 1.4L turbo engine being a primary source of concern. Turbocharger failures, PCV valve problems, and coolant leaks are common and can be costly to repair. The automatic transmission can also suffer from harsh shifting and slipping. While the 1.8L engine appears to be more reliable, the electrical system and suspension components still have potential issues. The severity and cost of repairs can vary, but addressing these issues proactively can help extend the life of the vehicle.