GradeChevrolet Cruze Reliability Grade
Excellent reliability
Grade a specific Chevrolet Cruze
Reliability changes from year to year. Pick a model year to see its grade, then add mileage and price to get a deal score and estimated miles remaining.
The Chevrolet Cruze earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 14 compact cars we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
Chevrolet Cruze reliability by year
Overall grade for each model year, from owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Tap a year to see its full grade.
Best years: 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019
Years to avoid: 2012 (cooling system / overheating)
How long does the Chevrolet Cruze last?
A rough estimate for the model across all years, not measured for each model year.
Chevrolet Cruze vs. other compact cars
| Model | Engine | Trans. | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Corolla | A | A | A |
| Mazda Mazda3 | A | A | A |
| Subaru Impreza | A | A | A |
| Toyota Prius | A | A | A |
| Honda Civic | A- | A | A- |
| Nissan Versa | A- | B- | A- |
| Chevrolet Cruze | B+ | B | A- |
| Nissan Sentra | A | B- | B+ |
| Kia Forte | B- | B+ | B+ |
| Volkswagen Jetta | B | B+ | B+ |
| Volkswagen Golf | B | B | B |
| Hyundai Elantra | C+ | B | B- |
| Ford Fiesta | C+ | F | D |
| Ford Focus | F | F | F |
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Rate your CruzeChevrolet Cruze reliability FAQ
Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
Excellent reliability. The Chevrolet Cruze earns an A- overall reliability grade from GradeMyCar, with a B+ for its engine and a B for its transmission. It ranks 5th of 14 compact cars we grade. Its engine (B+) and transmission (B) grade about the same, so neither stands out as a weak point. Grades are based on 2,123 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2013-2019 model years, adjusted for how many were sold.
How many miles will a Chevrolet Cruze last?
We estimate a well-maintained Chevrolet Cruze lasts around 170,000 miles. That's a rough figure for the model across all years, not measured for each model year, so check the grade for the year you're looking at.
What are the best years for the Chevrolet Cruze?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most reliable Chevrolet Cruze model years are 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2019.
What Chevrolet Cruze years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the Chevrolet Cruze years to be most careful with are 2012. The 2012 grades a D overall (engine C, transmission C-), and its top engine/transmission problem is cooling system / overheating.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze transmission reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Cruze transmission a B (above-average reliability). Reliability varies by model year, so grade the specific year you're looking at.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze engine reliable?
GradeMyCar grades the Chevrolet Cruze engine a B+ (above-average reliability).