How common are brake problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

NHTSA has logged 147 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Cruze, which is 20% of the 732 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Yes. Recall 13V360000, reported in 2013, covers a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly on 2011-2012 Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo engine and 6T40 transmission; dealers replace it free of charge.

At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2011 Cruze?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on this model year is 60,700 miles.

Have brake issues led to crashes or fires on the 2011 Cruze?

Yes. NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 16 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries for the 2011 Cruze.

Which model years have the most brake complaints for the Cruze?

Among Cruze model years, 2012 has the highest brake complaint share at 29%, followed by 2011 at 20% and 2013 at 18%.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Brakes Problems

NHTSA lists 147 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 20% of all complaints for the year, linked to 16 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries at a median 60,700 miles. A related recall (13V360000) covers a power brake vacuum pipe microswitch.

Brakes complaints: 147; 20% of 732
Crashes reported: 16
Fires reported: 4
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 60,700 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical brake symptoms owners report

Owners report the brake pedal feeling soft and sinking to the floor with reduced stopping power at low speeds.
Some describe the vehicle failing to stop in time during normal braking, resulting in rear-end collisions.
Several report front brake rotors overheating during extended downhill driving, with visible discoloration and diminished braking response.
Owners describe the vehicle continuing to move or rolling backward even while the brake pedal was depressed.
A few report the brakes not responding at all, leading to a crash despite normal pedal pressure.

When 2011 Chevrolet Cruze brake complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 3, 2011, latest May 8, 2024.

147 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q2 to 2024 Q2; peak 2014 Q3 (10).

Brakes recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

NHTSA 13V360000Aug 15, 2013Brakes292,879 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L DOHC gasoline turbo engines and 6T40 front wheel drive automatic transmissions and equipped with an electric vacuum pump to provide supplemental vacuum for brake assist, when needed. In the affected vehicles, the pump may not activate, resulting in an intermittent reduction or loss of brake assist.
Risk: A loss of braking assistance will require extra pedal force and/or distance to bring the vehicle to a stop, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will replace a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020. GM's recall number is 12213.

Brakes complaints by Cruze model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
2011147 (20%)
2012253 (29%)
2013107 (18%)
2014102 (15%)
201546 (18%)
201635 (14%)
201725 (12%)
201815 (14%)
20193 (14%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are brake problems on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?: NHTSA has logged 147 brake-related complaints for the 2011 Cruze, which is 20% of the 732 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a brake recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?: Yes. Recall 13V360000, reported in 2013, covers a microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly on 2011-2012 Cruze models with the 1.4L turbo engine and 6T40 transmission; dealers replace it free of charge.
At what mileage do brake problems typically show up on the 2011 Cruze?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for brake complaints on this model year is 60,700 miles.
Have brake issues led to crashes or fires on the 2011 Cruze?: Yes. NHTSA data tied to this problem area shows 16 crashes, 4 fires, and 6 injuries for the 2011 Cruze.
Which model years have the most brake complaints for the Cruze?: Among Cruze model years, 2012 has the highest brake complaint share at 29%, followed by 2011 at 20% and 2013 at 18%.