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2019 Chevrolet Cruze problems

The most common problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze is transmission and drivetrain. It has fewer complaints than a typical Cruze model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
89/100
Owner complaints
23
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
7301 warranty
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
31-37mpg

The worst 2019 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Transmission
    8
  • Engine
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Transmission
    8
  • Engine
    5
  • Electrical
    4
  • Airbags
    3
  • Brakes
    3
  • Driver assistance
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 2

Power train: automatic transmissionReported October 29, 2020 · 194,105 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
Risk
Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1‑888‑988‑7267, Buick Customer service at 1‑866‑608‑8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.

Recall number 20V668000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliperReported August 30, 2018 · 210,628 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
Risk
A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Cadillac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.

Recall number 18V576000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze 730

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 730 bulletins for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

2019 Chevrolet Cruze fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cyl DieselFWD30-3145-4835-37
1.4L 4‑cylFWD28-3037-3831-33

What 2019 Chevrolet Cruze owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · 60,058 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly displayed the "Park" light on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and shifted the vehicle into park to restart it. After restarting the vehicle, the parking brake became stuck, and the transmission failed to shift out of park(P). Eventually, the vehicle was able to be restarted and driven. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times, and the battery became drained due to the failure several times. The contact stated that occasionally the "Shift to Park" message failed to display as needed. The contact associated the failure with TSB: 19-NA-206; however, the VIN was not included in the TSB. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The dealer informed the contact to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The failure mileage was 60,058.

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Transmission · GA

COMPONENT: Transmission control system / GM VT40 continuously variable transmission (CVT), RPO code MRG - a rare, fleet-only configuration for this model year, confirmed via the vehicle's factory build/RPO code list. WHAT HAPPENED: While stopped at a red light (engine idling just after an automatic stop-start restart, foot on brake only, no accelerator input), the check engine light came on along with an unusual mild jolt sensation from the drivetrain. Diagnostic codes P0700 (Transmission Control System - MIL Request) and P2714 (Pressure Control Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off) were stored. Drove approximately 4 miles without further incident; vehicle has since been limited to short, low-speed use only pending repair. CONFIRMATION: An independent mechanic shop confirmed the codes, and pulled a transmission fluid sample showing visible metal debris up to several mm in size. Shop's assessment: internal transmission failure; recommended full transmission replacement (quoted approx. $7,800). Not yet inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. SAFETY RISK: I located GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5819B (later 24-NA-009), "VT40 Transmission Setting DTC P2714," describing this identical DTC/failure pattern - clutch regulator valve sticking, forward clutch piston damage, and/or primary pulley bearing bore wear - on other VT40-equipped GM vehicles (Malibu, Trailblazer, Encore GX). This bulletin is not listed as applying to the Cruze, despite the Cruze using the identical VT40/MRG unit per GM's own public confirmation of this fleet-only configuration. Secondary sourcing of this bulletin describes the failure as capable of causing sudden, complete loss of forward propulsion while driving. GM Customer Assistance Center case #108675675 was opened. GM stated the bulletins do not apply to this vehicle, and refused further discussion or assistance despite the transmission in question being the same as in the bulletins.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Airbags, Electrical · MD

An authorized Chevrolet dealer diagnosed an electrical problem on my 2019 Chevrolet Cruze and found that the HVAC case/condensate drain was disconnected. The dealer determined that condensate water had been draining into the passenger compartment instead of outside the vehicle. According to the dealer's written diagnosis, the water soaked the body wiring harness and damaged the Body Control Module (BCM) and Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) module. The problem initially presented through door-lock/electrical malfunctions. The dealer confirmed the water intrusion and resulting component damage during its inspection. I am concerned because the affected components include the body wiring harness, BCM, and SRS module. Damage to the SRS module potentially affects a vehicle safety/restraint system, and extensive water contamination of the wiring harness and control modules could cause additional electrical failures. The dealer stated that repair would require replacement of the body wiring harness, BCM and SRS module, removal of the front carpeting, treatment for moisture/mold contamination, and approximately 42 hours of labor. The dealer estimated the repair at $14,314 and stated that the repair cost exceeds the value of the vehicle. I do not know when or why the HVAC drain became disconnected. I am reporting this because an authorized Chevrolet dealer confirmed that a disconnected HVAC drain allowed water to enter the cabin and damage multiple electrical and safety-related modules. I believe the federal safety agency should determine whether similar water-intrusion failures have occurred in other vehicles of this model.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MA · crash

The brakes system didnt seem to be stopping properly almost as if i had to push really hard on the brakes to get the car to stop. Finally today, I was 1.6 car lengths behind another vehicle whom slammed their brakes on for no reason and I had to do so as well. My car would not stop, the brakes would not work causing a major accident.

Filed Apr 11, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · FL

For a year I have had my car to the shop multiple times due to a musty smell inside my car. I have never been able to find any fluids or moisture inside the car, however, the inside of my windshield tends to get a weird film on it, I am constantly cleaning to keep visibility especially at night. None of the mechanics that I have taken it to were able to figure it out, and most of them could not smell The musky smell that I smelled. The car had approximately 40,000 mi on it when this started about a year ago, Maybe 8 months. Recently I have noticed that the coolant in my car is disappearing, I have kept a constant check on it and about once a week have had to add fluids to keep it from getting too low. I have had the coolant system checked out. I've had it flushed. They pressure tested the coolant tank and all tests passed and they could find no issues. However, when my father came to town he checked it out and there is coolant fluid leaking inside my car under the dash and it is dripping slowly on to the underpad of the carpeting and I assume drying up before it gets to a point where it is making a wet spot in the floor. Obviously after more research my father has told me that this has been a known issue with this model of car, however, there is not a recall that I can find with my VIN number. Obviously being stuck in a hot car in Florida, breathing in the fumes from a poisonous liquid is not healthy for me or anyone in my car. This is a safety issue not only for the fumes that I have been breathing, but foggy residue that collects on my windshield creates visual issues especially at night. This could cause me to have a major accident and possibly lose my life. I should not be struggling with a car that I treat like my baby. I have read that this is a design flaw due to the plastic connectors on the hoses, I would like Chevy to stand behind their vehicle and fix this issue for me. I never use the heater, because I live in Florida!

Filed Apr 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · CT

I am leasing this vehicle and it continues to have warning light on staring the vehicle engine power reduced as I'm driving and holds back vehicle and also airbag restraining system light continues also to be on. This is not normal wear and tear and I read previous years had this issue as well. This is still an issue concerning of my safety. Paying for inconvenience

Filed Feb 9, 2025 · Engine · VA

Timing chain rattles, due the the chain tensioner not having motor oil at early morning start-up. This causes the chain to be loose and eventually engine damage. Europe already issued recalls to this issue. They solved this issue by installing a seal, TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER FOR CHEVROLET GMC OPEL FEBI BILSTEIN 181945.

Filed Jun 4, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · TX

The vehicle needs the transmission bolts replaced has a recall need repaired as as possible. The automatic transmission jerk

Filed May 13, 2024 · Tires · MS

When going in to get new tires, I was infomred the Primwall 205/55R16 I had had put on the car less than 2 years ago are now seperating. So far, the company is unwilling to replace them.

Filed Feb 24, 2024 · Transmission · TX

The bolts on the transmission accumulator needs to be replaced I see an unrepaired recall

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze before you buy

Compare the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

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Other model years

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Questions about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, fewer than a typical Cruze model year.

What is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze year score?

The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze scores 89 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Cruze: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 8 complaints. Next is engine (5).

How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have?

2 recalls, covering power train and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 20V668000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Chevrolet Cruze have bad transmission?

The Chevrolet Cruze model years with the most transmission complaints are 2011 (193 complaints), 2012 (137 complaints) and 2013 (113 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze get?

Official estimates for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze range from 31 to 37 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl diesel, FWD) gets 30-31 city and 45-48 highway.

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