2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car known for its fuel efficiency and comfortable ride. Engine options include a 1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 gasoline engine producing 153 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, and a 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 diesel engine. The gasoline engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine is paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed automatic transmission. Some owners appreciate the Cruze’s spacious interior for its class, good fuel economy, and available technology features. Common dislikes include perceived cheap interior materials and some reliability concerns.

Engine

1.4L Turbocharged Inline-4 (LUJ/LUV)

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report the engine consuming excessive amounts of oil, sometimes requiring top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights, blue exhaust smoke, and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: In some cases, a redesigned PCV valve or valve cover can mitigate the issue. More severe cases may require piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (PCV Valve/Valve Cover) - $2,500+ (Piston Ring Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbocharger failure can result in a loss of power, unusual noises (whining or screeching) from the engine bay, and the check engine light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed turbocharger.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks from the water outlet/thermostat housing or hoses. Can lead to overheating and engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Diesel (LH7)

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Problems with the DEF system can trigger warning lights and potentially limit engine performance. Issues range from sensor failures to pump malfunctions.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty sensors, pumps, or other DEF system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Glow Plug Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult starting, especially in cold weather, can be a sign of glow plug failure.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty glow plug(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (6T40)

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, and delayed engagement.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update or fluid flush can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or a full transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Fluid Flush) - $3,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

9-Speed Automatic (9T50)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported harsh shifting, hesitation, and difficulty finding the correct gear.
  • Solution: Transmission software updates or, in some cases, replacement of the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software update) - $3,000+ (Transmission Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Suspension Components
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners report premature wear of ball joints, control arm bushings, and struts/shocks, leading to noises (clunking, squeaking), uneven tire wear, and diminished handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of worn suspension components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the components replaced)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Glitches, freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, and audio malfunctions.
  • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $800+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery drain, requiring frequent jump-starts or battery replacement.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain sources (e.g., faulty modules, wiring issues).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Loss of Power Steering Assist
  • Description/Symptoms: Sudden loss of power steering assist, especially at low speeds, making the vehicle difficult to steer. Can be intermittent.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power steering motor or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• No Issues Found

Summary

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze has several potential issues, primarily revolving around the engine (especially oil consumption and turbocharger problems with the 1.4L gasoline engine) and transmission (harsh shifting). Electrical issues with the infotainment system and battery drain are also relatively common. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences (infotainment glitches) to potentially expensive repairs (engine or transmission failure). The estimated cost to fix can vary significantly depending on the specific issue and the required repair, ranging from a few hundred dollars for simple fixes to several thousand for major component replacements.