Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has numerous complaints and several recalls, particularly regarding the engine, electrical system, and power train. While recall campaigns address critical issues, the high number of owner complaints suggests potential reliability concerns. Exercise caution and ensure a thorough inspection, although evidence is somewhat limited to certain systems.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 587 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #16V502000 Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V417000 Engine Block Heater Power Cord Damage NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V372000 Driver's Front Air Bag Inflator Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V151000 Front Right Half Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V452000 Front Right Half Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 212 complaints
- Electrical System 122 complaints
- Power Train 113 complaints
- Unknown or Other 75 complaints
- Steering 74 complaints
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) 62 complaints
Of the 587 complaints on file, 54 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 587 complaints, owners report 32 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Frequent stalling issues
How to check: Listen for engine misfires or rough idling
Electrical system failures
How to check: Test all electronics and look for flickering lights
Axle shaft may fracture
How to check: Inspect axle shafts for any visible damage
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or rough idle
Red flag: Loud knocking or irregular idling
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights on dash
- 03
City driving
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noises
Red flag: Squealing or grinding sounds
- 04
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth gear shifts and power delivery
Red flag: Sluggish acceleration or jerky shifts
- 05
Steering maneuver
What to check: Monitor steering response and ease
Red flag: Hard to steer or steering wheel vibration
- 06
Parking
What to check: Check ease of shifting gears and park smoothly
Red flag: Grinding noises during shifts
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the engine experienced stalling?
- Any past electrical system issues?
- Is there a history of transmission repairs?
- Were all recall repairs completed?
- How often has the vehicle been serviced?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Full service history records
- Proof of completed recalls
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty and extended coverage info
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2013 Chevrolet Cruze? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.