YearToAvoid

2013 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 254 of 586 total complaints (43%) filed against the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, with a median failure mileage of 75,000. NHTSA lists 11 crashes, 7 fires, and 3 injuries tied to this component. No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this issue.

Engine complaints
254
43% of 586
Crashes reported
11
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
75,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving, sometimes accompanied by fluid leaks.
  • Several complaints describe smoke or fire originating under the hood, in some cases after a minor collision or while the vehicle was parked and idling.
  • Some drivers report the engine stalling at various speeds along with the traction control light illuminating, in one case leading to a rear-end collision.
  • One owner reported the engine misfiring and jerking at 40 mph, with a mechanic finding the engine needed to be rebuilt or replaced.
  • Owners also describe an electrical burning smell coming through the vents just before the engine shut off and smoke poured from the hood.

When 2013 Chevrolet Cruze engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 2, 2013, latest Aug 29, 2026.

2013 Chevrolet Cruze engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter132013 Q22015 Q22017 Q12018 Q42020 Q32022 Q22024 Q12026 Q1
254 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2013 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2014 Q2 (13).

Engine recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Cruze model year

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

  1. 20100 (0%)
  2. 2011337 (46%)
  3. 2012338 (39%)
  4. 2013254 (43%)
  5. 2014265 (38%)
  6. 2015114 (45%)
  7. 2016114 (46%)
  8. 201782 (41%)
  9. 201833 (30%)
  10. 20196 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA lists 254 engine-related complaints for the 2013 Cruze, which is 43% of all 586 complaints filed for the model year.
Is there a recall for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze engine?
NHTSA data shows no related recalls listed for the engine complaints on the 2013 Cruze.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2013 Cruze?
The median mileage at failure among NHTSA engine complaints for the 2013 Cruze is 75,000 miles.
Are the engine issues on the 2013 Cruze dangerous?
NHTSA records 11 crashes, 7 fires, and 3 injuries linked to engine complaints on the 2013 Cruze.

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.