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Chevrolet Cruze I faults

3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.

Good choice, check first
Reliability
4.0/5

3 known faults

1.6 124 ch

  1. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.8 141 ch

  1. Cooling system leaks (1.4 Turbo and 1.8 petrol)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the 1.4 Turbo and 1.8 petrol engines, the plastic thermostat housing, its seal and the water pump are frequent leak points (CarParts.com, GoodMecano). Fiches-auto reports accounts of significant leaks at around 60,000 km and a broken water pump at 69,500 km. Untreated coolant loss can lead to overheating.

    Versions
    1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.8 141 ch
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.4 Turbo 140 ch

  1. Cooling system leaks (1.4 Turbo and 1.8 petrol)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    On the 1.4 Turbo and 1.8 petrol engines, the plastic thermostat housing, its seal and the water pump are frequent leak points (CarParts.com, GoodMecano). Fiches-auto reports accounts of significant leaks at around 60,000 km and a broken water pump at 69,500 km. Untreated coolant loss can lead to overheating.

    Versions
    1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.8 141 ch
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

1.7 VCDi 131 ch

  1. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.0 VCDi 163 ch

  1. Clogged particulate filter (2.0 VCDi)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    The DPF is the most reported fault on the 163 hp 2.0 VCDi (Fiches-auto): owners describe clogging and the car going into limp mode. Short urban journeys encourage build-up, so regular cleaning sessions should be expected (Carbon-cleaning).

    Versions
    2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique

  1. Clogged particulate filter (2.0 VCDi)

    Severity 2/3 · Costly

    The DPF is the most reported fault on the 163 hp 2.0 VCDi (Fiches-auto): owners describe clogging and the car going into limp mode. Short urban journeys encourage build-up, so regular cleaning sessions should be expected (Carbon-cleaning).

    Versions
    2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

  2. Driver airbag: gas generator to be replaced (recall)

    Manufacturer recall

    The propellant in the driver airbag gas generator can deteriorate over time; on deployment, metal fragments could be thrown towards the occupants. The campaign concerns Cruzes built between December 2008 and January 2017 (Rapex). Check the serial number with an authorised repairer.

    Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).

    Versions
    1.6 124 ch, 1.8 141 ch, 1.4 Turbo 140 ch, 1.7 VCDi 131 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch, 2.0 VCDi 163 ch automatique
    Onset
    not documented
    Repair
    not documented

Price and diagnose repairs

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of parts for the Chevrolet Cruze I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.

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