2019 Chevrolet Cruze Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the power train:automatic transmission.
- Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: 1.4l turbo engine (pcv & coolant system) (moderate severity).
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze at a glance
- Is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 79/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A fuel-efficient compact that demands diligent maintenance to avoid common powertrain pitfalls.
- Should I buy a used 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze can be a decent value, offering good features and fuel economy for the money. However, the known issues with its 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission mean that buyers must be diligent with pre-purchase inspections and adhere to a strict maintenance schedule. It's not a 'bulle…
- Which Chevrolet Cruze years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2018-2019 (later models had some earlier kinks worked out, but still carry the same core powertrain risks). Years to avoid: 2016 (early production for the second generation had more initial issues).
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The top failure points on the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze are 1.4L Turbo Engine (PCV & Coolant System) (typically around 40,000-80,000 miles), Automatic Transmission (6T40/6T45) (typically around 70,000-100,000 miles), Electrical / Infotainment (typically around 20,000-60,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, most Cruzes are still under their original powertrain warranty, and major issues are rare. Focus on maintaining basic fluids and tire rotations. You might start noticing minor infotainment quirks.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze offers a decent package for budget-conscious buyers, but it's essential to understand its specific weak points, primarily its 1.4L turbocharged engine and automatic transmission, to ensure a long and satisfying ownership experience. While generally a solid daily driver, neglecting maintenance on these core components will lead to expensive headaches. This isn't a 'set it and forget it' car, but with proactive care, it can be a reliable commuter.
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze can be a decent value, offering good features and fuel economy for the money. However, the known issues with its 1.4L turbo engine and 6-speed automatic transmission mean that buyers must be diligent with pre-purchase inspections and adhere to a strict maintenance schedule. It's not a 'bulle…
Best Model Years
2018-2019 (later models had some earlier kinks worked out, but still carry the same core powertrain risks)
Years to Avoid
2016 (early production for the second generation had more initial issues)
Biggest Strengths
- Excellent fuel economy (especially diesel)
- Comfortable ride for its class
- User-friendly infotainment system
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2019 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 Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can fail, leading to oil consumption, vacuum leaks, whistling noises, and potentially premature rear main seal failure. Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing and water pump are also pre…
Reports of harsh shifting, delayed engagements, solenoid issues, and occasional complete failure are not uncommon. These transmissions are sensitive to fluid condition and temperature, often showing wear in the 70,000-100,000-mile range.
While generally stable, some owners report intermittent issues with the MyLink infotainment system, including freezing, screen flickering, or Bluetooth connectivity problems. Sensor failures (e.g. wheel speed, O2) can also trigger warnin…
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, most Cruzes are still under their original powertrain warranty, and major issues are rare. Focus on maintaining basic fluids and tire rotations. You might start noticing minor infotainment quirks.
Maintenance Zone
The original powertrain warranty has likely expired. This is where some of the common 1.4L engine issues (PCV valve, coolant leaks) and early transmission solenoid problems may begin to surface. Crucial time for transmission fluid service.
Elevated Risk Zone
Beyond the 60k concerns, transmission longevity becomes a more significant worry. Watch for harsher shifts or slipping. Other components like water pumps and oil seals are more prone to failure.
High Risk Zone
At this point, you're on borrowed time for the original transmission if it hasn't been meticulously maintained. Expect to address multiple maintenance items and potential component failures across various systems.
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2019 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. PCV, coolant leaks, minor transmission work)
How Long Does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Last?
Focus on examples with comprehensive service records. If buying with 70,000+ miles, factor in the likelihood of needing transmission or significant engine maintenance soon, unless these items have been recently addressed.
What 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Excellent fuel economy (especially diesel models)
- Quiet and comfortable ride for its class
- Intuitive MyLink infotainment system with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Spacious trunk and decent rear legroom for a compact
Common Frustrations
- Underpowered 1.4L engine, especially with the automatic transmission
- Interior materials feel cheap and prone to rattles
- Annoying PCV system and coolant leak issues on the 1.4L engine
- Automatic transmission can be clunky or develop issues over time
Who Should Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
Best For
- Budget-conscious commuters seeking good fuel economy
- Drivers who prioritize a comfortable ride over sporty handling
- Owners who are proactive with preventative maintenance
Not Ideal For
- Drivers who neglect regular maintenance
- Those expecting Toyota/Honda-level long-term reliability without proactive care
How the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Compares to Rivals
The Cruze offers good value and features for its price, but it falls short of the reliability benchmarks set by Japanese rivals like the Civic and Corolla, particularly regarding powertrain longevity. It's more on par with other budget-focused compacts.
More Reliable Than
- Ford Focus (DCT models)
- Dodge Dart
Comparable To
- Hyundai Elantra (pre-2020 models)
- Kia Forte (pre-2020 models)
NHTSA Recalls
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
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.
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.
What breaks on the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
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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.
Relevant Products for Your 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Parts and accessories matched to your 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
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Where the 2019 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 2019 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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