Top 5 Problems With The Chevy Cruze (1st Generation 2008-2016)

Hey Good People,

Here's another video for my Top 5 Problems series. I have a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. These are popular economy cars and I think they get a bad reputation because owners don't know how to maintain them. In this video I list the top 5 problems I see in my shop.

I hope this video assists you in your buying process if you're thinking about buying one or already own one.

Do you have experience with this vehicle? Leave your comments below. I love hearing from you guys.

Your favorite mechanic,

Alex

[pangthepeach]

just take care of it and it will be an amazing car. People always talk shit about my Cruze...meanwhile Ive had it 12 years and they all have gone through multiple cars

[flickaclit]

I could be wrong but usually I’m pretty good at this and you sir sound like a decent respectable and honest mechanic and my god we need them especially where I’m from.

[GeraldGardiner-twxo]

My 2014 Cruze with 120, 000 miles has had a new water pump, new purge valve, 2 batteries, 4 tires and free oil changes every 5, 000 miles.
I love it.

[JeMone]

This man knows what he is talking about. Several of these things happened to my car. Even the wife was right they didn’t torch mine I had to do that valve cover twice. This was years ago but. I’m only going back to my Cruze which I hadn’t driven in 4 years, because I totaled my beautiful brand new Honda. I cranked my Cruze up after almost 4 years and it drove just like it did the day I parked it. It’s not a bad car just take care of it!

[brassmule]

8:58 - the manual calls for a timing belt change at 97, 500 miles or every 10 years, whichever comes first, on the Sonic 1.8l engine.

[wolfgangkrausser]

To prevent any of these issues do not buy it 😂

[kenmcwilliams-nhnn]

I bought a Cruze 2 months ago. I already need an O2 sensor and a Mass Airflow sensor. Should bought a Ford I guess

[BrandonBloom-dxdd]

My cruze has 228k on it and just now the waste gate is going bad. So im getting a new turbo also my ac don't work ill be getting that fixed also. But I love driving this little 6 speed manual turbo it's a fun work car.

[allancampbell]

The Cruze drives great but has so many issues. Love your videos Alex, I have learned a ton from them. Thank you!

[taowenstornadoes]

Mine 2014 Cruze almost hit 120, 000 miles and running still great with no problem issues so far. Most often oil change every 3, 000 miles very good care with myself.

[tinleo]

Why Chevy is not selling cars
Chevrolet company: People are not buying cars that's why we only sell SUVs.
Actual Chevy customer with oil burning problem and blown head gasket at 70000 miles: I will never buy a Chevy again.
Toyota, Honda, hyundai, Nissan: Our sedan sales are up!

[MisterMorales]

My wife and I, we own 4 and she just went to buy our 5th Cruze. These cars are great the issues I’ve seen with these cars all come down to one thing and one thing only, the owner. PM maintenance or the lack of, is what causes all the issues. If you replace parts before they break, these cars will last a long time. The one thing you can’t prevent is the turbo. They crack and there’s nothing you can do to avoid it. Out of the 2 engines I think the 1.8L is the better of the two. Horsepower is almost identical, plus no turbo issues. 1.4 also has oil leak issues unlike the 1.8. All in all these are good cars. Just replace parts when they’re suppose to, don’t wait till it breaks.

[louslugga]

Another plus, I drive me 15’ Cruze 40-50 minutes to work and 40-50 minutes back; 5 days a week and as of today feb 2024 it only takes $65 gas (including local minor outside of work trips) for an entire week

[rustedhorsepower]

I worked for GM for a long time, all these issues you talked about, yup, I saw a bunch of those. Great video

[jessicafarmer]

God I wish I would've watched your video before I ever bought this mf! Cause guess what... Blown head gasket! 🤬 Which I also replaced that stupid purge valve after dealing with my car taking FOREVER to start EVERY TIME I got gas! It also took a lot of YouTube watching to find anyone that even mentioned this cheap fix that was so appreciated! So all in all, I can say... U know your shit!

[mhk]

Buick encore has this same engine.. cheap plastic parts do break. Check your coolant regularly for leaks and make sure you change the oil full synthetic 5k intervals. The water pump and evap are common issues. If you maintain the car it can be a decent little car.

[katgrl]

Yeah he is definitely not wrong about the turbo issue I'm on my third turbo in The last 5 years in my 2011 1.4 l Chevy Cruze. I also had my water pump replace two days after I bought it. And I've had many water hoses replaced as well this is a very informative video.

[violetw]

What state are you in? I live in MI near Detroit and cannot find an honest mechanic for the life of me. I've got a 2014 Cruze eco, red color. I just had spark plugs and coil replaced recently for exorbitantly high amount but it is still having problems. I think the belt might be one issue because it's got a high pitched squeak at times especially noticeable when in park.

[The_R-n-I_Guy]

My stepdaughter has a 2011 Malibu with the 1.8 and I've gotta replace the thermostat and housing. Didn't think about looking for other plastic components in the cooling system. Glad I watched this video. Gotta follow the doctor's orders. Thanks Doc!

[GusMahn]

Good and accurate. I will add that the 1.4 PVC/valve cover issues are often related to a check valve in the intake manifold. It's under that corrigated tube that runs to the turbo inlet. Pull that corrigated tube's elbow on the intake and look in the hole back towards the cabin. If you don't see a orange little tit, it's gonna need an intake manifold.