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2013 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems

122 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 45,000. 4 crashes reported.

owner complaints
122
of this car's complaints
21%
typical mileage
45,000
crashes
4
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Instrument cluster/panel
    2
  • Instrument panel: speedometer/odometer
    1
  • Ignition
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems in other years

201120122013201420152016201720182019

Specific symptoms reported on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze electrical

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fire or smoke 17Warning lights 6Screen failure 5

Related recalls

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick 1‑800‑521‑7300, and GMC 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

What 2013 Chevrolet Cruze owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I purchased the car with my student financial aid money as soon as I got 5 car a few blocks away and the car started boiling.then the key ignition system said use pocket transmitter that didn't work .I purchased a new battery I have a mechanic that's why I purchased the car I was confidant je could fix it no matter what the car was3 very unsafe no warming about the temperature gauge then when I was driving the car it stopped suddenly and I checked the fluids put antifreeze and oil the car engine was so hot it damaged the heater bypass hose.I really needed my transportation I go school was a out to get a job I'm homeless I was going to a shelter for help but if I get a job I can afford rent.I am going through it. I am depressed the dealer said he don't know why the car keeps getting hot then my mechanic said the wasn't coming on in time . There were no leaks but antifreeze disappeared.then white smoke came from the engine and in seconds the car vindicates it was over heating when the cars fluid were checked I purchased a new battery the lughts and radio worked but the key ignition system was dead and said use pocket transmitter.the dealer said car is sold as is.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NM

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Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Electrical · 189,000 miles · OK

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 157,454. The contact later discovered that the title mileage was 189,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2024 · Electrical · WA

Vehicle randomly powers up and tries to start with the key in the ignition. Service theft deterrent message displayed at times while trying to start.

Filed May 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA · fire

Car caught on fire under hood

Filed Jan 10, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · WA

Vehicle, when parked in garage with key in the ignition, will start all by itself. There have been several times in the past when I could hear the car attempt to start itself unsuccessfully in the garage as well. I run down to remove the key from the ignition when this happens. Idling engine in an enclosed garage can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning to home owner and occupants. Removing key from ignition when parked alleviates problem however this has happened several times now both in and out of garage. One owner vehicle since new, no other keys or objects on key ring/fob when this has happened. Vehicle has 75k miles. Problem began at around 70k miles. Car has been garaged and well cared-for it’s entire life.

Filed Nov 7, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · OH

I wanted to file this because I feel this a safety concern. My vehicle has always been kept up on maintenance. One day out no where it started acting up my 2013 Chevy Cruze Ls. I had a shop come back after they did a diagnostic that is was a faulty throttle body sensor and Pcv. I have issues with it shutting off and I’ll have to coast it to stop.What I’m not understanding how can there be recalls for my vechicle same problems same make/model but it’s not showing my vehicle matching up with my Vin #.I do have all the supporting documents and paperwork stating these issues.

Filed Sep 11, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · 130,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated restarted the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the water pump failed again and was replaced; however, recently the water pump failed again. Additionally, the contact stated that there were electrical failures with the vehicle and the doors failed to lock as needed. The contact also stated that the steering wheel had locked up on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Mar 31, 2023 · Electrical, Lights · NC

I purchased 2013 chevy cruze in 2021. Starting with steering going out, all electrical power is affected. Radio comes on and off. Light comes on to check stab trak. Engine started while key in ignition but I wasn't in car. I can't afford to get a different car now a days. I'm disabled and need this car to get to my Dr appts But I'm afraid the vehicle will kill me, someone or worse. This vehicle needs a very very serious recall to fix this before someone is killed. That won't work!! FIX IT PLEASE I BEG YOU!!!

Filed Jan 30, 2023 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

I have replaced the pvc valve cover 3times and the engine coolant housing 4 times with in 2years. The vehicle still leaks coolant even though all hoses connections and reservoir has been replaced. The ground cable has been replaced twice. The car warning dash comes on saying "service traction control" abs? The radio shuts off as well as all stereo lighting. When vehicle is at a stop it sometimes kicks, I thought I got tapped from the back that's how much of a jolt it does but no vehicle behind me. It's also sluggish when taking off.

Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze electrical

Does the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze have electrical problems?

Owners have filed 122 complaints about the electrical of the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 21% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 45,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V502000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cruze have the most electrical problems?

The Chevrolet Cruze model years with the most electrical complaints are 2012 (196 complaints), 2014 (188 complaints) and 2013 (122 complaints).

Other 2013 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Engine 233Transmission 113Steering 74Driver assistance 63Brakes 50Airbags 49Acceleration 39Visibility 33Fuel system 32Body 13Lights 11Suspension 8Seat belts 4Wheels 4Tires 3Locks 2Seats 1

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