2013 Chevrolet Cruze Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
- Has 5 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:ignition.
- Outscores the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze by 5 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (6t40/6t45) (major severity).
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze at a glance
- Is the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze 73/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A budget-friendly compact car with a comfortable ride, but significant powertrain risks necessitate a thorough pre-purchase inspection and dedicated maintenance.
- Should I buy a used 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a tempting budget-friendly compact, but its well-documented powertrain vulnerabilities, particularly with the 1.4L turbo engine and automatic transmission, demand a cautious approach. While it offers a comfortable ride, the risk of significant, costly repairs is moderate, making a thoroug…
- Which Chevrolet Cruze years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2015-2016 (later first-gen models saw some improvements and more reliable engines, like the 2.0L diesel if available, or the second-gen 2017+ Cruze). Years to avoid: 2011-2014 (early first-gen models are most prone to the serious engine and transmission issues).
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The top failure points on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze are Automatic Transmission (6T40/6T45) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles), 1.4L Turbo Engine (Cooling System & PCV) (typically around 40,000-100,000 miles), Electrical System (typically around 50,000-90,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the car is still relatively new. Focus on confirming basic maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations) and addressing any early recalls or TSBs. Most major issues have not yet manifested.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, while offering a comfortable ride and good fuel economy, is a vehicle that demands a cautious approach due to known vulnerabilities in its 1.4L turbocharged engine and automatic transmission. Owners who prioritize proactive maintenance and are prepared for potential component failures can mitigate its risks, but it's far from a set-it-and-forget-it vehicle.
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a tempting budget-friendly compact, but its well-documented powertrain vulnerabilities, particularly with the 1.4L turbo engine and automatic transmission, demand a cautious approach. While it offers a comfortable ride, the risk of significant, costly repairs is moderate, making a thoroug…
Best Model Years
2015-2016 (later first-gen models saw some improvements and more reliable engines, like the 2.0L diesel if available, or the second-gen 2017+ Cruze)
Years to Avoid
2011-2014 (early first-gen models are most prone to the serious engine and transmission issues)
Biggest Strengths
- Comfortable and quiet ride for its class
- Solid body structure and safety ratings
- Decent fuel economy, especially with the 1.4L turbo
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 6-speed automatic transmissions are prone to shuddering, hard shifts, slipping, and eventual failure due to internal solenoid issues or torque converter problems. Often requires expensive rebuilds or replacement.
Widespread coolant leaks from plastic thermostat housings, water outlets, and lines are common. The integrated PCV system in the valve cover is a major weak point, leading to oil consumption, rough idle, and potential rear main seal fail…
Common complaints include intermittent power window switch failures, malfunctioning infotainment/radio units, and occasionally issues with the instrument cluster or ignition coils.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the car is still relatively new. Focus on confirming basic maintenance (oil changes, tire rotations) and addressing any early recalls or TSBs. Most major issues have not yet manifested.
Maintenance Zone
This mileage often marks the start of more significant maintenance. Be diligent about fluid changes (transmission if automatic) and inspect for early signs of coolant leaks, especially on the 1.4L engine, and monitor automatic transmissi…
Elevated Risk Zone
Major components, particularly the automatic transmission and 1.4L engine's PCV system, are at a heightened risk of failure. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection is critical at this stage. Factor in potential repair costs.
High Risk Zone
Only consider a Cruze at this mileage with impeccable service records and evidence that major known issues (transmission rebuild, PCV system fix) have already been addressed. Expect more frequent component failures and higher annual repa…
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2013 Chevrolet Cruze Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$400-600
Moderate Repairs
$500-1,500 occasionally (e.g. coolant system, PCV system, suspension components)
How Long Does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Last?
For best long-term value, seek models with under 80,000 miles that have verifiable service history addressing common issues, or consider low-mileage 1.8L engine models as they tend to be more robust.
What 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Comfortable and quiet cabin, especially for long drives.
- Smooth ride quality that soaks up road imperfections effectively.
- Good fuel economy with the 1.4L turbo engine.
- Solid safety ratings and a feeling of robustness.
Common Frustrations
- Automatic transmission can feel hesitant, jerky, or eventually fail.
- Frequent and annoying coolant leaks from plastic components.
- Annoying and costly PCV system failures causing oil consumption and drivability issues.
- Some owners find the engine underpowered or noisy, particularly the 1.8L.
Who Should Buy the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Best For
- Budget-conscious buyers needing a comfortable commuter car.
- Drivers willing to perform proactive maintenance and minor DIY repairs.
- Individuals who prioritize ride comfort and safety over ultimate reliability.
Not Ideal For
- Anyone seeking a truly 'set-it-and-forget-it' reliable vehicle.
- Drivers on a very tight budget for unexpected repairs.
How the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze Compares to Rivals
The Cruze offers a more comfortable ride and potentially better interior than some competitors like the Corolla or Civic, but it consistently lags behind them in long-term powertrain reliability and overall durability, placing it in the middle tier for its class.
More Reliable Than
- 2013 Ford Focus (DCT transmission issues)
- 2013 Dodge Dart (reliability and resale)
Comparable To
- 2013 Nissan Sentra (CVT reliability concerns)
- 2013 Hyundai Elantra (some engine issues)
NHTSA Recalls
5 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
What breaks on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Chevrolet Cruze by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Chevrolet Cruze. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
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Where the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2013 Chevrolet Cruze for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Chevrolet Cruze. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
- Snap-a-receipt AI log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Shareable buyer view link
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