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CarComplaints.com Notes: What’s that smell – it’s a tad sweet with a tinge of chemical toxicity? If you own a 2011 Cruze it’s probably a coolant leak. It’s a widespread and notorious problem for the car and is the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed in the state of New York. And that’s not the only problem 2011 owners face…

Many say the 2011 model year suffers from a throttle lag that is probably due to a fauly electronic throttle control. The problem is signifigant enough that some owners say they are too scared to drive their cars. Those that do get behind the wheel often say their transmission isn’t shifting properly and problems start occuring as early as 15,000 miles.

All of this leads us to say you’re probably better off without this car’s headaches (they’re probably chemically-induced anyway).

7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$980
Average Mileage:
74,800 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. dealer replaced intake (1 reports)
  3. had local mechanic change thermostat control circuit heater (1 reports)
2011 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems

engine problem

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments

problem #4

May 202016

Cruze LX 4d

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,250 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I live in Central Ohio. My husband injured his spine in January of this year and was in Columbus, OH for six weeks. I had to drive 38 miles to Columbus for five and a half weeks. He was transferred to a nursing facility in Newark where he remained for four weeks then he was transferred to the VA Hospital in Cleveland, OH where he remained for four weeks. We were on our way back home on May 13 when the engine light came on while on the expressway. We pulled off and my son looked under the hood but couldn't see anything that stood out to him. When we got home, he took it to a shop. The car was checked and it was determined that it was due to a bad sensor but it was ok to drive it. It has continued to come on from time to time. I'm unable to get the car fixed because of all the medical issues my husband is having. I've only had the car for one year.

- Janice N., Newark, OH, US

problem #3

Dec 292015

Cruze LT 1.4L 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,800 miles

THE CAR WAS TAKEN IN FOR OIL CHANGE AND TO SEE WHY REMOTE START DIDN'T WORK AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON CHRISTMAS EVE 2015. WE WERE LATER TOLD IT HAD A CRACKED INTAKE AND THEY COULD DO THE JOB. AFTER RENTING A CAR FOR A WEEK WE GET CAR BACK DRIVE HOME WHICH IS A FEW HOURS AWAY FROM DEALER. IT WAS OVER HEATING DUE TO THE RESERVOIR BOTTLE NIPPLE HAD BEEN BROKEN OFF BY SERVICE AT DEALER AND NOT TOLD ABOUT IT. BEING THE DISTANCE I BOUGHT ANOTHER BOTTLE AND CAP AND REPLACED IT EASY ENOUGH. NOW WE ARE A FEW MONTHS LATER AND $3000. BUCKS LATER ON NEW ENGINE, NEW TURBO, INTER COOLER, ETC ETC ETC. DOES IT EVER END WITH THIS CAR? IT WAS A GIFT TO MY GIRLFRIEND FROM HER PARENTS FOR GRADUATING COLLEGE. IT WAS BOUGHT NEW BY HER DAD, USED FOR HIS TRIPS BACK AND FORTH TO AND FROM WORK(MOSTLY HIGHWAY). THERE ARE SEVERAL DEALER SERVICE INVOICES FOR COOLANT PROBLEMS, BUT NEVER A RECALL. I WANT TO KNOW WHY? WHEN THERE ARE SO MANY ISSUES WITH IT AND BECOMING A MONEY PIT AT THE WRONG TIME IN OUR LIFES.

- Chris S., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #2

Nov 212014

Cruze LS

  • Manual transmission
  • 31,069 miles

The fan that cools engine will run at extremely high speed like its going to fly right out and engine light comes on. This always happens after getting fuel. Whether filling or just putting in a bit. Will be driving and fan will start roaring have to stop take off fuel cap for two minutes or so put cap back on drive a bit do it again shut car off restart and fan stops and engine light goes off. Dealers answer: " Fans do weird things." Is that a joke? Ask if I'm pissed off!

- brenda-shane, Sintaluta, Saskatchewan, canada

problem #1

Aug 292014

Cruze LT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

First time back to dealer (100 mile round trip) told gas cap was loose.

Second time back, dealer said fuel pump was causing, 5 hrs. later new fuel pump, thankfully covered under extended warranty. Left dealer, make one stop, yep, check engine light BACK ON!!!!!!!

Now what do I do???

- jeanaz, Springerville, AZ, US

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