Problem Lookup âș Chevrolet âș Cruze âș 2018
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2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 3safety recalls
- 109owner complaints
- 17crash reports
- 3fire reports
- 7injuries reported
109 complaints, against an average of 411 for the other 7 Chevrolet Cruze model years.
Every Chevrolet Cruze model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
The components named most often in the 109 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Chevrolet Cruze owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 109 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
Has the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze been recalled?
3 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Foundation Components: Disc: Caliper General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Fuel System, Gasoline General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
UK DVSAChevrolet UK Takata Drivers Airbag
Risk: On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbags may deteriorate over time which may cause the inflator to rupture and lead to serious injury.
Fix: Exchange affected airbag modules as a precautionary measure.
What do 2018 Chevrolet Cruze owners report?
12 of the 109 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
Coming to a stop sign or red light the car wonât accelerate or will go in traction control making it difficult to move or not accelerate. Had 2-3 fuel leaks this year also having problems to keep the car going sometimes the max speed it will go is 20-40 miles n wonât go up unless u keep letting it slow down slowly n then accelerating n even after that it wonât make it above 60-70 miles it usually goes with no problem if its down hill since ur not pressing the gas or anything. Turning the air on also makes the car slow down other problems also is the gas running fast could just fill the tank nâŠ
Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue. I had the pcv changed o2 sensors checked cleaned throttle body and air filter changed. The car still gives same problem and engine power reduction keeps popping on dashboard.
-The engine experienced internal failure resulting in low compression in cylinder 1. The failure has rendered the vehicle inoperable. The vehicle and engine are currently available for inspection upon request. The issue was diagnosed and confirmed by both an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership. Both identified low compression in cylinder 1 due to internal engine failure. The vehicle has been inspected by an independent mechanic and an authorized Chevrolet dealership at the request of General Motors. The vehicle became undrivable due to the engine issue. There were noâŠ
The steering started to shake. The car seat started to shake as well. It felt very unsafe, but there was no serious injury. John from Feldman Chevrolet in New Hudson, Michigan said that there is a "Cylinder 1 misfire code". After the car started shaking, the engine light came on. John told us that the engine should be replaced.
The car is making a whistling sound, the check engine light is on and it has low power. Also wanting to stall
The infotainment touchscreen on my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has become unresponsive and frozen on the startup warning screen. Because of this, I am unable to access basic functions such as Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto. The radio (FM) still works, but I cannot connect my phone for calls, navigation, or music. This issue is widely reported by many other Cruze owners, yet there is no recall or official fix from the manufacturer. The problem is a safety concern because I cannot use hands-free calling or navigation as intended. The dealer quoted me a $190 diagnostic fee and several hundredâŠ
Service safety restraint system. Airbags are potentially at risk to not deploy if a wreck was to occur. This failure has caused the airbags to be shut off despite anyone sitting in the seats that is supposed to activate them on when weight is applied to the seat. Has not been inspected but I would like for it to be inspected on behalf of the Chevy dealership at their cost.
While sitting at a stop light the hydraulic clutch line failed causing the clutch pedal to stick to the floor. This issue prevents the clutch actuation preventing the the transmission from being disconnected from the engine. General Motors Bulletin number: PIP5558C was found and appears to be the issue.
Purchased new in 2019 â 32k miles - Oil changes every 6 months. Lightly driven, no modifications, all original engine components and tune. Engine developed a significant miss. Several warnings on Stabilitrak, ABS, and P0300. Significant oil leak at front of engine, oil is splashed all over the passenger side of the engine compartment. There is significant âchuggingâ of air and oil from the dipstick tube and from the oil filler cap. This condition indicates excessive pressure leakage to the crankcase that is caused by a crack or failure to the #1 piston which is a very, very, very commonâŠ
The rear brakes are gouging the rotors on both wheels. The car has less than 26,000 miles on it. Front brakes are still in excellent condition and and car is having no problem with braking except there is noise. Have not yet talked with anyone at a dealer. There is no indication of any problem except for the noise. However rear brakes and rotors will need to be replaced or braking will become an issue.
9/28/2024 abs light and traction control light came on my 2018 chevy Cruze LT along with steering assist reduced while driving home making car hard to steer above 50 mph and coming into curves Chevrolet needs to be made to recall and repair this problem, I have noticed a lot of Cruze owners having the same problem could be dangerous while driving without some previous indication or prior warranting.
2018 CHEVROLET CRUZE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO ISSUE WITH THE PROJECTOR HEADLIGHT.
2018 Chevrolet Cruze: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze; the most common categories were engine (27, 24.8%), power train (23, 21.1%), electrical system (14, 12.8%). There are 3 safety recalls. 17 complaints mention a crash, 3 mention a fire, 7 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
Across 109 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (24.8% of complaints), power train (21.1% of complaints), electrical system (12.8% of complaints), service brakes (11.9% of complaints), steering (8.3% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze; the most recent (campaign 20V668000, 2020-10-29) concerns Power Train: Automatic Transmission. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
11 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (10.1%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "The steering started to shake. The car seat started to shake as well. It felt very unsafe, but there was no serious injury. John from Feldman Chevrolet in New Hudson, Michigan said that there is a "Cylinder 1 misfire code"." (NHTSA complaint 11718248, February 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
10 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (9.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue." (NHTSA complaint 11724389, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Chevrolet Cruze idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
8 of the 109 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze (7.3%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Unknown. The car seems to stall or slip when accelerating as is misfiring. It cuts off in the middle of the streets after coming out of auto stop mode. Pcv valve keeps popping up as issue." (NHTSA complaint 11724389, March 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Cruze
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), DVSA vehicle recalls (Open Government Licence v3.0), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only.