YearToAvoid

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 43 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 6% of that year's 732 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000. A related recall (12V289000) covers missing fuel tank strap welds.

Fuel System complaints
43
6% of 732
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
50,000 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden stalling or hesitation during acceleration, sometimes with no warning before the engine cuts out.
  • Some describe a faulty fuel injector diagnosed after a stall, requiring towing to the dealer.
  • Fuel pump and fuel tank replacement was reported after owners noticed a rumbling noise on startup.
  • A shifted gas tank vent caused slow fuel pump flow and gasoline spillage while refueling, raising fire-hazard concerns.
  • A broken or non-locking gas cap was linked to an intermittent check-engine light.
  • Turbo lag was described as a persistent hesitation on acceleration across all speeds.

When 2011 Chevrolet Cruze fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 20, 2011, latest Apr 2, 2020.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze fuel system complaints: complaints filed per month3Jul 2011Jul 2013Jan 2015Aug 2015Aug 2016Feb 2018Jan 2019Mar 2020
43 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2011 to Apr 2020; peak Mar 2018 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

  1. NHTSA 12V289000Jun 22, 2012Fuel System53,239 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:mounting

    General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 14, 2012. Attachment welds for the fuel tank strap secondary brackets may have been omitted.

    Risk: The fuel tank could come loose in a crash, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the tank. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

    Remedy: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for missing welds. If the vehicle is missing welds, dealers will secure the bracket attachments with fasteners. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on july 9, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546.

Fuel System complaints by Cruze model year

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

  1. 20100 (0%)
  2. 201143 (6%)
  3. 201252 (6%)
  4. 201332 (5%)
  5. 201461 (9%)
  6. 201523 (9%)
  7. 201637 (15%)
  8. 201715 (7%)
  9. 20187 (6%)
  10. 20191 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze have?
NHTSA lists 43 Fuel System complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, making up 6% of the 732 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?
Yes. Recall 12V289000, reported June 22, 2012, addresses fuel tank strap secondary brackets that may be missing welds; it does not carry a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up on the 2011 Cruze?
The median mileage at failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2011 Cruze is 50,000 miles.
Did the fuel system problems cause any crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 3 fires, and 1 injury associated with fuel system complaints on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze.
How does the 2011 Cruze compare to other years for fuel system complaints?
The 2011 Cruze had 43 fuel system complaints (6% share), similar to 2012's 52 complaints (6% share), while 2016 had the highest share at 15%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.