car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago
Chevrolet Cruze overheating problems
258 of the 3,731 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Cruze describe engine overheating, most of them for the 2013 model year.
- owner complaints
- 258
- worst model year
- 2013
- typical repair cost reported
- $870
- typical mileage
- 78,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 47Fire or smoke 17Loss of power 16Stalling 15Engine failure 10Jerking 9Misfire 6Won't start 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P0420 1P0118 1P0117 1P0087 1
What owners say
For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, multiple oil seals, and the head gasket. I have also had other cooling and engine components repaired, although I no longer have a complete list of every component that has been replaced. Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to experience overheating and coolant loss. The vehicle has also experienced loss of power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed an overheating warning. Other symptoms have included coolant loss, shaking and vibration, rough or uneven acceleration, loss of engine power while driving, and a check-engine light. The check-engine light has previously flashed during operation. The vehicle has also experienced unexplained engine-oil loss. These problems have continued despite extensive repairs over approximately the past year, including replacement of the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, oil seals, and head gasket. The repeated failures have created a significant safety risk because the vehicle has overheated while being driven and has previously lost power while traveling on the highway. I have been forced to stop on the side of the road, where I was almost struck by another vehicle. The possibility of sudden loss of power or overheating while traveling in traffic creates a serious risk to both myself and other motorists.
After 3 years of having this car it’s overheating each summer requiring the coolant system, hoses, thermostat, and water pump to be replaced each summer. As well as major oil leaking after full tune ups.
i’m unsure if the person i bought this vehicle from had the codes wiped before selling to me, but there were NO lights on dash for 3 days after minimal driving only to work and back, then all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and in the info box it would pop up saying “service stability system” - i took to o’reiley’s to see what it was for, apparently it was the ECM (electronic computer module) which essentially controls like everything. days go by i don’t do anything more about it and drive as usual to work, and it starts overheating, and smoking like crazy, but doesn’t say it’s hot on my dash, so i had no idea how hot it got or anything. i got to work, worked my shift, and went to put coolant in before returning home- just to find that it was full and i didn’t need to put any in. weird, right? ok well on my way home i’m going about 55mph on the highway and it suddenly just wouldn’t let me accelerate anymore and behaved as if i ran out of gas but i had over half a tank. when i came to a stop i turned the car off, and tried to turn it back on when it wouldn’t even turn over. i sat about 15 mins on the side of the highway before it actually started and i drove home. a week goes by, and now this ecm is effecting more and more- driving on the highway/streets it’s shifting really hard, immediately following that, my speedometer and rpm meter fall to “0” on the dash but the vehicle is still driving and the message pops up about the service stability system. i replaced my tire and now it’s telling me to service airbag system and the abs light is stuck on, as well as traction control and it’s just so weird. i just don’t feel safe in this car and after looking it up, apparently everyone with the make and model have very similar problems, but specifically searching by my VIN- apparently there’s no recalls and it’s just extremely frustrating and i don’t know what to do. if i fix the ECM will all these issues be resolved or will i waste $600-$800 replacing it?
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine started overheating, and a coolant leak was discovered. During the failure, the check engine warning light was displayed, and the message "A/C Off Due to High Engine Temp" was displayed even though the A/C was not activated. The temperature gauge was elevated, creating a risk that the engine might stall or catch on fire. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V288000 ( ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.
The vehicle continues to overheat. The fan has been changed, the thermostat has been changed, the coolant reservoir has been changed, the cadilatic converter has been changed. Still running over hot. We continue to check oil and coolant levels, making sure they are where they need to be. Occasionally smoking.
Constant overheating issues with coolant loss. I have changed so many parts in this engine to correct the issue and nothing is working. There are far too many complaints online with this specific model. Why hasn’t there been a recall on this issue? This is a safety concern especially when the engine loses power while driving.
Radiator leaks, car overheated. Looking online it is obvious that a lot of people have had this same issue, so why no recall. It's a peice of crap car, that is dangerous to drive.
Repetitive coolant leak repaired 5+ times over 9 years; incurred costs over $X,XXX. Coolant (toxic) leak causes burn off in the engine compartment and the vapors from this are transferred into the cabin, posing a risk to driver and passenger health.
I understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to replace the thermostat, I've had continued overheating issues, issues with the catalytic converters, the hoses and connectors becoming brittle and needing replacement throughout the engine. Suddenly the traction control light came on the dash after they check engine light. With the code reader showed problems with the mass air flow and the mass air flow electric wiring. Suddenly after a oil change, the vehicle is running terribly and is undrivable. The ECM or computer that powers the entire vehicle has lost all power was no explanation. All the pieces and relays are in good working order. After research on this issue of the ECM I've learned that even replacement of the computer for this vehicle causes the vehicle not even to start. I contacted customer service for GM and Chevrolet and they referred me to you because it is over 10 years old. No one was able to help me. My roommate has the exact same vehicle besides I have a turbo and she does not same year, and she is also having the exact same problems including her ECM is not getting any power. I'm sure of that there's nothing anyone can do financially but Chevrolet and GM really dropped the ball on this vehicle as far as dependability and safety. I counted on this vehicle to be dependable and and live up to the standards of gmn Chevrolet and it has not. Besides this website I don't know who could called Chevrolet and GM accountable for this disaster of a car. I would appreciate any suggestions to try to get this vehicle safe and in working order if it is even possible. I appreciate your time and consideration and I am available if anyone needs to contact me with any questions thank you.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2011 and 2012 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through may 31, 2012. Spilled or dripping oil (such as after an oil change) may collect in the engine shield (bellypan) near hot engine or exhaust system surfaces. As a result, the oil and the engine shield may ignite and burn.
- Risk
- Either condition could result in an engine compartment fire, possibly causing injury or death.
- Remedy
- Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the engine shield to prevent fluid from contacting the shield. Also, on vehicles with a manual transmission, dealers will apply a protective tape to the electronic power steering wire harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge to the owner. The safety recall began on july 10, 2012. Owners may contact the chevrolet owner center at 1‑866‑694‑6546.
Recall number 12V288000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Cruze overheating
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have engine overheating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2013 (59 complaints), 2011 (53 complaints) and 2012 (47 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine overheating on the Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $870 (median of 24 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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