I am writing to express my concern regarding a serious issue with my 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Recently, I noticed that my car's engine was overheating, which I initially thought was due to a problem with the coolant or radiator. However, on [XXX], my vehicle suddenly broke down while I was driving on the highway. I had my car towed to a mechanic, who informed me that this particular model of the Chevrolet Cruze, specifically from the years 2011-2015, is known to have severe engine overheating problems. The mechanic also mentioned that in cases like mine, the engine is often seized and sent to the junkyard. After researching further and reading through numerous online reviews from other Cruze owners, I discovered that engine overheating is a common and recurring issue for many of them. This leads me to believe that this problem may be more widespread and could potentially be a defect in the design or manufacturing of the engine. Given the severity of this issue and the impact it has on vehicle safety, I kindly request that you consider issuing a recall for the engines in the 2011-2015 Chevrolet Cruze models, similar to the actions taken for other vehicle recalls, such as the Hyundai Sonata. I hope that Chevrolet will take steps to address this issue and ensure that owners like myself do not have to face costly repairs or the loss of their vehicle due to an engine failure that appears to be inherent in these models. I would greatly appreciate your attention to this matter and hope for a positive resolution, such as a recall or another form of support for owners dealing with this serious engine problem. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely [XXX] , [XXX] 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT Plate - [XXX] Vin - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2013 Chevrolet Cruze: engine overheating
59 of the 587 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze describe engine overheating.
- owner complaints
- 59
- of this car's complaints
- 10%
- typical repair cost reported
- $5,000
- typical mileage
- 104,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine overheating by model year
What owners say
The engine in my 2013 chevy cruze failed due to the head gasket, and it causes the car to overheat. Chevrolet issued a recall on some 2013 and 2014 Cruze models for head gasket problems. The gasket in these models is known to fail and that can completely destroy the motor. When a head gasket fails that allows the oil and the coolant to mix; and that will destroy the lubrication in your engine and cause the engine to fail. Pepboys repair shop-- has the repair invoice.
Coolant loss and overheating requiring additional coolant. Warning of possible power loss due to overheating.
Everything thing on this engine has failed. Oil and coolant leaks just keep happening now the head gasket started leaking.
2013 chevy cruze has so many coolant leaks coming from different locations. This vehicle should be on recall for this major problem. It is basically a lemon but doesn't quite meet requirements for lemon. So close though
Recall Bulletin: 14371B; water pump leaked causing a crack in the coolant reservoir, The dealership in charge of repair stated that the leak caused permanent engine damage and was now undrivable and needed a new engine. Coolant (anti-freeze) is very hazardous to your health and a coolant leak can cause your engine to overheat and cause damage to your vehicle (including reduced power to your engine). No, the temperature gauge remained at a neutral to cool temp at all times, despite the dealership claiming that the engine was running hot and therefore causing the damage (engine damage = unable to retain pressure).
The car overheated in the Spring of 2023 and was towed to a repair shop. The shop determined the thermostat went bad. It was replaced. The car broke down on the interstate on October 1 and had to be towed again. The shop determined the head gasket had blown due to coolant and oil mixed in cylinders. They advised the head gasket could be sent to a machine shop to repair (at a cost of $3k), but no guarantee it won't happen again due to the history of the 2013 Chevy Cruze engines. The recommended replacing the engine instead at a cost of $6,000.
The Water pump failed causing my car to almost stall out and overheating losing power and almost causing me to get hit
My car constantly has coolant and oil leaks, a/c getting clogged , car is stalling while I drive if shutz off when I drive in stop and go traffic and will roll backwards if on a hill . Car constantly overheats. Turbo keep going out as well . Car currently isn’t running
For the last couple of months my Chevy Cruze LT 1.4L turbo engine has been having severe cooling issues making my car overheat in a little amount of time. I drive 20 minutes back and forth to work and everytime I get to work or get home from work I find myself having to fill up with antifreeze again and again and again. I’ve replaced the water pump and multiple hoses. And now I have to replace more hoses.
This car has had many heating/cooling issues. Coolant leaks is a constant. From having vacuum leaks to thermostat housing issues. Constantly having to add coolant. I've read this is a common issue with Sonics and Cruzes. Our other car is a Sonic with the same issued. We always have a certified mechanic do the repair but same thing happens. Help!
At approximately 144,000 miles my cruze began overheating. I already replaced the thermostat at 100k upgrading to metal housing. I took my cruze back to the dealership where I bought it to have it repaired and after spending 1400 on repairs, I continued to get a warning light coming on stating ac off due to high engine temp, but the engine is not over heating! As soon as I turn the car over the message comes on. There is no way it’s overheating when it has been sitting for over 12 hours! I have had multiple houses replaced, the coolant resivoir, etc. I keep taking it to the shop for them to tell me the same thing that there is nothing wrong. After replacing a sensor the message disappeared and this lasted about 3 weeks but it has now returned. I have taken AMAZING care of this car. I have always changed the oil exactly when I was supposed to and I have always been good to it. I see that there are other recalls for Chevy Cruze same year model and I strongly suggest that mine should be included!! Please help!! I cannot afford any more trips to the shop and I certainly can’t afford another car right now!
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified...
- This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding...
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze overheating
Is engine overheating a common problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
59 of 587 owner complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze (10%) mention engine overheating. The model year with the most reports is 2013.
How much does it cost to fix engine overheating on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $5,000 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
There are 0 recalls and 301 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze
Check engine light 67Loss of power 36Stalling 33No deployment 28Engine failure 23Jerking 23Fire or smoke 17Steering lock-up 16Won't start 12Brake failure 11Power steering loss 10Sudden acceleration 10ABS 9Grinding brakes 9Knocking 8Hesitation 7Wipers 7Misfire 6Warning lights 6Headlights 5Screen failure 5Oil consumption 5
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