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CarComplaints.com Notes: What’s that smell – it’s a tad sweet with a tinge of chemical toxicity? If you own a 2011 Cruze it’s probably a coolant leak. It’s a widespread and notorious problem for the car and is the subject of a class-action lawsuit filed in the state of New York. And that’s not the only problem 2011 owners face…

Many say the 2011 model year suffers from a throttle lag that is probably due to a fauly electronic throttle control. The problem is signifigant enough that some owners say they are too scared to drive their cars. Those that do get behind the wheel often say their transmission isn’t shifting properly and problems start occuring as early as 15,000 miles.

All of this leads us to say you’re probably better off without this car’s headaches (they’re probably chemically-induced anyway).

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
4 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,902 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze brakes problems

brakes problem

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2011 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #61

May 082024

Cruze

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I bought my car used. I have replaced the Brake Pedal Position Sensor 3 times on my own and 1 time by Anderson General Tire. Sometimes when I go to brake, there is no brake and I have to push real hard with my foot and finally the car will brake. It feels as if my brakes go out and sometimes I have to pump the brake pedal. It happens also when I start my car after it's been sitting and I brake to shift into drive. My car says it doesn't have any recalls but I have been having this problem. My car has been serviced numerous times by Chevrolet immediately after buying it. I only had to stop taking it there because my warranty ran out and then they wouldn't cover the costs anymore. Codes that come up are P057D and U0140-71: Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit High and Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit High Voltage and Anti-lock Brake System (although this does not show on the dash).

- Flagstaff, AZ, USA

problem #60

Jun 022022

Cruze

  • miles
Last month the car started ti show me this errors Stabili Trak Control and Traction Service Control, I keep getting them driving on the highway, every road I drive, the steering wheal just becomes stiff and its hard to maneuver, the Air Condition turns off itself and the car has a big vibration, like there is an earthquake outside, I have been calling General Motors to tell them about the problem but they are telling me there is nothing they can do. There are times when I get in the car trying to get to work and the car won't start, the car would show me the errors and would not clear for hours, it's a nightmare.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

problem #59

Jun 282022

Cruze

  • miles
I drive daily taking 2 freeways. I stopped at the traffic light and the car felt like shaking. Stabilitrack warning and traction control warning light and messages appeared on the screen and also the check engine light turned on, and ABS too. Break pedal was really hard to push and breaks were not working (i was not reducing speed at all) and it felt like the engine loose power and the car felt rough while driving. I was approaching to another traffic light and it was a red light so I prepared to decrease my speed and stop to wait for the green light. When I placed my foot and pressed the break pedal, it was hard. I was pushing it hard but the pedal did not respond, it was very hard and not moving at all and I was almost on the intersection, which always has heavy traffic with cars, 18 wheeler trucks and delivery trucks and more because its an industrial zone and Amazon and UPS are on this avenue along with other major companies. I could be involved and be responsible for a really bad crash if the light wouln't turn green on time. Fortunately it changed to the green light and I was in the very front. After this, I tried to go to the side if the road but there was a sidewalk and it was a no parking zone with no space/edge to park In case of emergency. I drove slowly with my emergency lights on and moved to the right lane until I found a space to stop. The car was shaking really bad, same lights on the dash were on and messages on the control panel did not change or disapear. The car was still moving when the engine suddenly stopped working while I was driving it. Music was playing and all lights worked so I knew it wasn't the battery. This situation was so scary that I was afraid to drive my car. I did not want to cause an accident resulting in injury to myself, others or any fatality. I've always taken my car to service and to be fixed in chevrolet. My car shook a little since 2020 and chevy guys don't know the reason. Total is about $2800 to get it fixed.

- Visalia, CA, USA

problem #58

Jul 302021

Cruze

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Unknown. When stopping then going to accelerate again the engine acts like it-??s in nuetrual and revs the engine up then causing it to jerk forward. This happens at almost every stop.

- Cleves, OH, USA

problem #57

Aug 262021

Cruze

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm and difficult to depress. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed as brake pump failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer, awaiting the brake pump part for replacement. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was over the 100,000 miles warranty and that the recall for the brake pump had expired in 2018. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

- San Clemente, CA, USA

problem #56

Nov 302020

Cruze

  • 95,000 miles
I leased a 2011 Chevy Cruze and had it less than 1 month. Deer were in the rd, so I slowed down, then brakes locked, I went over an embankment into a lightpole. Total loss, transported via ems to mmmhc hospital, unconscious for half hour my memory is now horrible, I have bad headaches, my back is horrible and im without a vehicle. I wasnt driving above speed limit. No collision warning and I've been to er and my dr many times

- Stuart, VA, USA

problem #55

Aug 052020

Cruze

  • 115,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The 2011 Chevy Cruze eco has been having a couple issues from there being a small oil leak coming from the engine it drips more after driving and also another little leak toward the back of the car then also my stablitrak and traction control issues kept me from getting out of an accident because my wheels didn't move the way I planned too, the radiator fan also has been working harder then usually it non stop is blowing very hard to keep the car cool. Last under the car the bottom trays have some oil building up and building

- Cape May Court House, NJ, USA

problem #54

Apr 012020

Cruze

  • 188,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 45 mph, attempting to slow down the brakes began to lock. There was smoke coming from the dashboard of the vehicle. The driver pulled over and was able to stop the vehicle by applying excessive pressure to the brake pedal. The driver and the passenger of the vehicle were able to get out of the vehicle by kicking the doors to force them to open. Once the passenger was able to get out of the vehicle the passenger side of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The contact spoke with fort Dodge Ford Toyota Lincoln (2723 5th ave S, fort Dodge, ia 50501 phone: (515) 576-7505) who informed the contact of a recall for the brakes and low oil leaking causing a fire. The vehicle's VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V36000 (service brakes, hydraulics) however, the vehicle was never repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 188,000.

- Gallery, IA, USA

problem #53

Sep 262019

Cruze

  • miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While the contact's daughter was reversing the vehicle, the brakes failed to operate without warning. As a result, the vehicle tapped the vehicle parked behind her. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to stewart Chevrolet (780 serramonte blvd, colma, ca 94014, (415) 570-7351) to be inspected. The manufacturer was notified and stated that an inspector would be sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty brake booster, vacuum pump, and brake pads. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

problem #52

Jul 022019

Cruze 4-cyl

  • 43,163 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 30 mph, when the contact released the accelerator pedal, the vehicle stopped abruptly. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to david stanley Chevrolet (located at 614 w interstate 240 service rd, Oklahoma city, ok 73139, (405) 632-3600), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 43,163.

- Oklahoma City, OK, USA

problem #51

Apr 202017

Cruze

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Tamara recall transmission, valve cover, brake sensor, throttle sensor, this car has gave me problems after problems, every month it's literallg something new I have about 20 pages of receipts

- Warwick, RI, USA

problem #50

Aug 312018

Cruze

  • 144,600 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. When the vehicle was initially started, the power booster for the brakes failed to operate. The power booster began to work after approximately one minute. Quirk Chevrolet manchester (1250 S willow St, manchester, nh 03103, (603) 263-4530) stated that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer assigned a case and advised the contact to file a complaint with NHTSA. The failure mileage was 144,600.

- Raymond, NH, USA

problem #49

Mar 242016

Cruze

  • 140,000 miles
I bought the 2011 Chevrolet cruz in 2014, I used the car primarily for work so throughout the first few years I didn't notice anything strange as it remained parked most the time. When I did start driving it as a primary vehicle the first issue I had was the clutch and gear system seemed to be touchy when the car was in park, resorting to me using the emergency brake every time I would park it. At the time it didn't seem to be a big issue as it became a habit. In 2016 shortly after this my oil consumption and turbo failed, and the vehicles exhaust started blowing blue smoke and the car lost all power. As this was a new car I took it to a mechanic and had vehicles turbo replaced. Just over a year later in 2018 the vehicle is exhibiting the exact same effects such as removing and replacing the eco,1.4L engine, turbocharger, evacuate and replace air conditioning system, and transfer of the fuel and electrical assemblies and engine mounts. I'm almost certain this car is defective and needs to be recalled.

- Glenwood City, WI, USA

problem #48

Dec 262017

Cruze

  • 127,000 miles
Manual transmission, neutral gear and emergency brake always used when parking the car. Noticed that when removing the E-brake on a hill, the car rolls slightly backwards and it seemed as if the E-brake engaged even after it being removed. There was also friction when using the brakes, almost like the brake pads were getting low, however they had just been replaced. Took the car into the mechanic and was told the E-brake cable running from the emergency brake to the back tires is malfunctioning to where it fails to retract fully when the emergency brake is disengaged. I have been told that this part is on a 4 week back order through GM because it is a reoccurring problem, and it is not a safety issue according to GM. However, having the emergency brake partially engaged is definitely a major safety issue, since it conflicts with normal braking when driving, causing friction in the brakes. Not safe to drive on, and can't even be fixed since it is on back order due to a fault part! mechanic says hes surprised my brakes were not smoking. I drive long distances between states frequently, and is completely unsafe to drive, and cannot fix the part until the back order is caught up through GM.

- Asheville, NC, USA

problem #47

Jan 172018

Cruze

  • 96,000 miles
I was driving in a 25 mph speed limit zone and when coming to a stop sign I was unable to apply the brakes as they would not go down and rode completely through an intersection. Thankfully I was able to get the vehicle to a stop after and apply the brakes with no accident or injury.

- Struthers, OH, USA

problem #46

Aug 082017

Cruze

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving approximately 20 mph and depressing the brake pedal approaching a stop sign, the vehicle failed to stop. As a result, the contact crashed into another vehicle that was traveling eastbound. The vehicle was launched over the median westbound lane and landed in a ditch. The seat belt failed to retract and caused the contact to sustain head injuries and bruises. Medical attention was not required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was pushed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #45

Jul 252016

Cruze 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While reversing at 5 mph, the brake pedal required extra force to depress. The failure occurred intermittently without warning. In addition, while driving 8 mph pulling into the driveway, the brake pedal failed to depress. The contact mentioned that the brake pedal became stiff as if it were manual. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V360000 (service brakes). The dealer (classic Chevrolet, 500 Lincoln ave, pittsburgh, pa, 15202, 412-451-8962) and manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. No further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000...updated 08/22/17

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #44

Jan 192016

Cruze

  • miles
Takata recall'' a whole burn into my air condensor causing my fluids to leak out and causing a bad smell

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

problem #43

Sep 092014

Cruze

  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 40 mph and coming to a stop or when the vehicle was in reverse and depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the brakes were replaced; however, the failure recurred three times. In addition, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum and pump failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 13V360000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

- Winchester, VA, USA

problem #42

Jul 042016

Cruze

  • 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving 25 mph, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated independently. As a result, the contact crashed into a fence. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic after the crash. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.

- Manassas, VA, USA

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