Get ready for the comprehensive guide to Chevrolet Cruze years!
I’m about to dive deep into every generation of this popular compact car, revealing which years shine and which ones you’d be smart to skip.
I’ve analyzed the numbers from trusted sources like NHTSA, Edmunds, and more to bring you the authentic scoop on Cruze complaints and recalls.
By the time we’re done, you’ll know exactly which Chevy Cruze years are rock-solid reliable and which ones might leave you stranded.
So buckle up – we’re about to take this Cruze for a ride through time.
Table of ContentsShow
Chevrolet Cruze Generations
The Chevrolet Cruze hit the global stage in 2008, but it didn’t cruise into American showrooms until 2010 as a 2011 model. GM’s answer to the fuel-efficient compact craze, the Cruze swiftly became a go-to choice for its cozy ride and spacious interior.
Let’s break down the Cruze chronology:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (J300) | 2011-2015 |
| 2nd generation (D2LC) | 2016-2019 |
Knowing these generational shifts is key when you’re hunting for the perfect Cruze. Trust me, it can make or break your buying decision.
Chevrolet Cruze Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
When I rank the Chevy Cruze’s years, I’m not just pulling numbers out of thin air. I dive deep into a ton of factors:
- What owners are saying in surveys
- How much it’ll cost you to keep it running each year
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to stay in one piece?)
- Consumer Reports’ take on reliability and owner satisfaction
- NHTSA’s list of recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley’s Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
Take a look at this graph – it’s the culmination of all that data analysis:
Now, let’s break it down into the positive, the meh, and the ugly:
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (J300) | 2015 | 2011 2012 2013 2014 |
| 2nd generation (D2LC) | 2017 2018 2019 | 2016 |
Those “neutral years”? They’re the middle-of-the-road performers – not amazing, not terrible, just… there.
Keep in mind, things like NHTSA recalls can really tank a rating. More complaints and recalls? That’s a red flag for reliability.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the Cruze’s best and worst years.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Cruze 1st Generation (2011-2015)
The 2011 Cruze rolled onto the scene, ready to take on the compact car world. But not all years are created equal.
2015 stands tall as the cream of the crop for this generation. But 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014? Let’s just say they’re the years you might want to cruise right past.
The Best Years: 2015
Why is 2015 the golden child of the first-gen Cruze? It’s simple – Chevy listened and learned. This model year tops the charts on Edmunds, J.D. Power, and Cars.com.
Under the hood, you had options. The 1.4-liter turbo four-cylinder was a crowd-pleaser, pumping out 138 horses and 148 lb-ft of torque. Manual or automatic? Your choice.
Fuel efficiency? Check. We’re talking 17 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. Not too shabby.
The 2015 Cruze also got some tech upgrades – a fancier infotainment system and safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts.
But let’s be honest – it wasn’t flawless. Some owners griped about electrical hiccups, but these were way less frequent than in earlier models.
The Worst Years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Now, about those years to avoid. The 2011-2014 Cruze models? They had some issues. Let’s break it down:
2011 Cruze: Fresh face, big problems. Multiple recalls, including oil leaks and steering shaft issues. Transmission? Jerky. Electrical system? Temperamental.
2012 Cruze: Still wrestling with engine and transmission troubles. The “Stabilitrak” light became the bane of many owners’ existence, flicking on and off like a disco ball.
2013 and 2014 Cruze: These models were like siblings who inherited all the family’s unfavorable genes. Engine and transmission problems persisted, dragging down reliability scores and owner satisfaction.
One recall that really raised eyebrows? A potential front right half shaft fracture that could lead to power loss or, worse, an uncontrolled getaway when parked. Yikes.
Want the full scoop?
Check out NHTSA’s 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 Chevrolet Cruze recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Chevrolet Cruze 2nd Generation (2016-2019)
2016 marked the dawn of a new Cruze era. Sleeker design, better efficiency, and tech upgrades were on the menu.
The later years – 2017, 2018, and 2019 – are the luminaries of this generation. But 2016? Let’s just say it had some formative hurdles.
The Best Years: 2017, 2018, 2019
Looking for a reliable Cruze? The 2017, 2018, and 2019 models are your best bets.
2017 Cruze: This was the year Chevy hit its stride. The 1.4-liter turbo-four engine was a hit, balancing power and efficiency. And for the diesel fans, there was a 1.6-liter turbodiesel option. Fuel economy? A jaw-dropping 19 mpg city and 47 mpg highway.
Tech-wise, the 2017 Cruze stepped up its game. Enhanced infotainment, smoother smartphone integration, and driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
2018 Cruze: Hello, hatchback! This year saw a new body style and enhanced safety features, including forward collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking.
2019 Cruze: The last hurrah for the Cruze, and it went out with a bang. J.D. Power gave it a thumbs up, showing Chevy had ironed out the kinks.
The Worst Years: 2016
Now, about 2016. It’s the black sheep of the second-gen family, with a stack of NHTSA complaints and tepid owner ratings.
What went wrong? Electrical gremlins, for one. Engine and transmission issues also reared their ugly heads. A particular pain point? Cracked thermostat housing units leaking coolant like a sieve.
Chevrolet had to balance multiple recalls, mostly for electrical quirks and exterior lighting issues.
Want the full picture?
Take a gander at NHTSA’s 2016 Chevrolet Cruze recalls and complaints.
Chevrolet Cruze Average Resale Values
Curious about how the Cruze holds its value? Check out this graph:
Conclusion
So, what’s the verdict on the Chevy Cruze? If you’re in the market, aim for the 2015 or 2017-2019 models. They’re your best option for a comfortable ride without the headaches.
But hey, I’m just one voice in the crowd. Have you taken a Cruze for a spin?
Which year did you find hit the sweet spot of reliability and features?
Drop your thoughts in the comments – I’d love to hear your Cruze stories!
