2018 Chevrolet Cruze: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Late gen2 Cruze with far fewer complaints than the early years; engine and transmission issues taper off, though the 1.4L turbo cooling and oil concerns persist. A comfortable, efficient commuter at a low price. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze ranged from $16,975 to $25,520 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Sources (5)

fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-the-chevrolet-cruze-g…
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze.html
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze-16.html
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-cruze-reliability-and-common-problems/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…

Known issues

1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement.

commonly reported · 89 NHTSA complaints · engine
Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive.

occasional · 28 NHTSA complaints · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Excellent fuel economy, including a 1.4L turbo around 30/40 mpg city/highway and an available diesel rated about 52 mpg highway.
Spacious, modern interior with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a comfortable, quiet ride.
Affordable to buy used and pleasant, refined daily commuter.

Cons

Discontinued by GM after 2019, which can mean weaker long-term parts and dealer support.
1.4L turbo engine concerns persist, cracked pistons, coolant leaks, turbo failures and stalling on some examples.
Manual-transmission clutch and automatic shifting complaints reported.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
L Sedan	$16,975	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	33
LS Sedan	$18,525	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	33
LT Sedan	$20,920	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	33
LT Hatchback	$21,320	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
Premier Sedan	$23,520	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	33
LT Diesel Sedan	$23,820	discontinued	1.6L turbo-diesel 4-cyl (137 hp)	37
Premier Hatchback	$24,020	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
LT Diesel Hatchback	$25,520	discontinued	1.6L turbo-diesel 4-cyl (137 hp)	35

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (6)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2018-chevrolet-cruze-price
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/39142
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cruze
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/39155
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/39328
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/39337

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $500–550/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,300–2,400/yr
Fuel (12k mi/yr, 33 MPG)	≈ $1,164/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/cruze
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-cruze-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze have?

Documented issue patterns include: 1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement; Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

How much did the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze cost new?

Between $16,975 and $25,520 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.