Second generation (J400)
2018 Chevrolet Cruze
The most reported problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is misfire, with 14 complaints.
- 109owner complaints
- 3recalls
- 17involved a crash
- 28,561median miles at failure
Newest report Jun 18, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
Problem sheets
No single problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has enough owner reports for a sheet of its own yet. The counts below still cover every complaint on file.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze has 109 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, below the median of 177 for 2018 sedans on this site. Of the 6 Cruze model years since 2014, it has the 5th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2017 draws 20, the 2018 12 and the 2019 3.
- Top problem
- Two problems run close. Misfire has 14 complaints and brake wear has 13, out of 109 in all. Too few of the misfire reports give a mileage to say when it starts.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 19 of the 109 complaints (17%) report a crash, a fire or an injury. The typical vehicle on this site sits at 6%, so this one runs well above it. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 17 reports mention a crash, 3 mention a fire and 7 people were hurt. The reports record 1 death. The most crash reports, 7 of 17, fall under brake wear.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- 3 recalls are on file, but no problem here has enough reports to set against them.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 23 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 10. So far in 2026, 7 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: check engine light or misfire, 14 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
109 complaints is 2.5 times fewer than the median 2018 model on this site and 1.6 times fewer than the median 2018 sedan. Among the 5 Cruze model years here it ranks 5th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet filed 990 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. 59 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Check engine light or misfire 17 bulletins · 14 complaints
This service bulletin provides procedures to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions, Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTCs P0299, P0234, P0236, P2227, P00C7 ...
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of dtc p0299 p0234 setting due to oil/moisture cndensate freezing in Turbocharger Wastegate Regulator Solenoid Valve (TCV) during cold weather driving
15 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM and/or circuit 5985 concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine shut down when the transmission is in park or neutral when no hydraulic/mechanical transmission concerns are present.
This Preliminary information communicates a possible BCM concern if DTC P0747 sets during engine cranking when the transmission is in park.
Emission - General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain 2016-2019 model year diesel engine vehicles.
Emission - General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain 2018-2019 model year diesel engine vehicles.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to correct a condition of an MIL Illuminated with DTC P0446 Set.
This Bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of a siren or whine noise from the in-tank fuel pump at temperatures below -6C or 20F, accompanied by start and stall, no start, loss of power and MIL illuminated.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician related to vehicles that have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. A technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P050D set as current or history.
Emissions Recall. General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain vehicles, equipped with 4-cylinder engines (RPO LHN, LEX, L3A, LYX, LKN, LE2, LCV or LTG).
18239 - Emissions Recall - General Motors has decided to conduct a Voluntary Emission Recall involving certain 2018 model year vehicles, equipped with 4-cylinder engines (RPO LHN, LEX, L3A, LYX, LKN, LE2, LCV or LTG).
Plus 5 older ones not listed here.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 1 bulletin · 13 complaints
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 7 bulletins · 10 complaints
This service bulletin advises the tech that the rotational Clicking Noise Heard After Engine Shut Down may be normal characteristics of the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
5 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
This Preliminary information communicates that a rotational clicking noise heard after engine shut down is a design characteristic and no repairs should be attempted.
This service bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
This Preliminary information communicates A vehicle may have a concern of running poor and stalling. No trouble codes may be set referencing this condition. Fuel trims around -20% may be observed on both banks.
This Preliminary information communicates noises are considered to be normal operating characteristics of the vehicle when shut off. It will not impact the designed performance or reliability of the vehicle.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 14 bulletins · 9 complaints
This technical bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of infotainment screen appearing too bright at night.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Navigation radio does not have a global positioning system location but OnStar is able to accurately locate the vehicle.
12 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the HMI module to correct a condition of Radio Control (ICS) Display Does Not Remain Off at Times after it Has Been Turned Off in the Radio Settings Menu due to a software concern.
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
This technical bulletin provides repair information for repairing the IP to body harness connector to correct a customer concern for intermittent Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Reduced Engine Power displayed and DTC P2138 set.
This informational bulletin provides information to the customer on the radio display "info pages" being blank and to make sure to select in the "active info pages" menu.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the radio to correct a condition of Service Rear Camera Message With Key Off and Exterior Illumination Lights On due to the reverse lights come on for exterior illumination with the key off, the rear ...
Service Rear Camera Message with Key Off and Exterior Illumination Lights On Condition Some customers may comment that the service rear camera message appears on display when vehicle is off and exterior illumination lights come on.
Rear View Camera Guidelines Not Present at Times Condition Some customers may report that the Rear View Camera (RVC) guidelines are temporarily not available at times but the RVC will remain on during the concern.
Plus 2 older ones not listed here.
Wheel bearing, tires or wheels 8 bulletins · 6 complaints
This service bulletin provides a procedure on how to clean and resurface aluminum wheel bead seats for vehicles that have the condition of Tire Slowly Goes Flat, Tire Air Loss, Low Tire Pressure Warning Light Illuminated, Aluminum Wheel Bead Seat Corrosion.
This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
6 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles with tire sidewall irregularities. This is a visual condition that will not affect durability, reliability or performance of the tires.
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Vibration Shortly After Tires are Mounted/Preventing Vibration from Wheel Slip (Tire Sliding on Wheel).
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Tire/Wheel Characteristics (Vibration, Balance, Shake, Flat Spotting) of GM Original Equipment Tires.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic ...
This informational bulletin explains the wheel Road Force balancers and what they can do for customer concerns.
This informational bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 1 bulletin · 5 complaints
This informational bulletin explains to the technician to inspect the pistons for damage and not just replace the engine assembly if the pistons are the only cause of damage.
Engine misfire 11 bulletins · 5 complaints
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
9 more on this problem
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides repair information to correct a customer concern of an Engine Misfire, Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P0300 Set.
This Preliminary information communicates the possibility of a misfire occuring due to a broken center insulator on the spark plug.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This Preliminary information communicates the following to the dealer. If an engine oil leak has been isolated to the front crankshaft seal, check for misfires low engine compression and/or cylinder leakage readings.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a rough idle or misfire. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 set in the Engine Control Module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may be running rough with a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. The technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0300 set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician related to vehicles that have a Malfunction Indicator Lamp on. A technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P050D set as current or history.
Complaints filed by year
23 complaints came in 2019, 3.3 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
All 3 recalls on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
Misfire, with 14 of the 109 complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Cruze problems start?
Of the 70 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 14,000 miles and half by about 29,000.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has fewer complaints than the 2017 and more complaints than the 2019: 12 a year against 20 and 3.
How many 2018 Chevrolet Cruze complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
19 of them (17%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for misfire on the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze?
No recall on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is on the same system as misfire. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.