Family hatchback · 2009–2018 cars
Chevrolet Cruze reliability
The Chevrolet Cruze fails 39.2% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 17,922 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Chevrolet Cruze before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 39.2%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 17,922
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,700
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Chevrolet Cruze ages
Each point is the share of Chevrolet Cruzes of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Chevrolet Cruze | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 26.6% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 36.7% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 37.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 38.1% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 40% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 41.3% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 42.1% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 42.1% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Chevrolet Cruze years
2011 cars come out best and 2014 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Cruze | 1,628 | 35.8% | 28% more fails | 73,900 |
| 2013 Cruze | 4,271 | 38.3% | 26% more fails | 73,320 |
| 2012 Cruze | 5,105 | 38.8% | 19% more fails | 75,618 |
| 2011 Cruze | 3,533 | 39% | 14% more fails | 75,889 |
| 2010 Cruze | 2,380 | 43.2% | 15% more fails | 85,082 |
| 2009 | 932 | 42.5% | 10% more fails | 86,461 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Chevrolet Cruze
Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 122% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics16.6%24% above avg
- Suspension13.3%17% above avg
- Brakes9.1%24% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%122% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.1%46% above avg
- Tyres6.8%0% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure3.1%14% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%16% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.6%57% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 8.14% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Position lamp not working 5.93% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.49% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 3.48% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.04% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 6
Dipped beam headlamp not working 2.67% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 7
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.39% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 8
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.83% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Chevrolet Cruze's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit15.49%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive14.31%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking10.96%
- Brake disc pitted or scored10.16%
- Brake pads wearing thin8.51%
- Exhaust has minor gas leak5.76%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Chevrolet Cruze
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Chevrolet Cruze covers about 7,700 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol72.4%
- Diesel27.5%
- LPG0.1%
- Hybrid0%
Most common colours
Black, Silver, Grey, Blue, Red
Average engine size: 1.7 litres.
Compare
How the Chevrolet Cruze compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi S3 | 17.5% | 45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Infiniti Q30 | 14.9% | 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen e-Golf | 12.4% | 4% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 306 | 43.7% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Chevrolet Cruze | 39.2% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Fiat Bravo | 48.7% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| DS4 | 29.4% | 45% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family hatchback ranked in the family hatchback reliability index, or all Chevrolet models.
Questions
Chevrolet Cruze questions, answered
Is the Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
On MOT results, the Chevrolet Cruze is below average: it fails 39.2% of first MOT tests, 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 53 of 65 family hatchback models in our index.
What fails most on a Chevrolet Cruze MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Chevrolet Cruze are coil spring fractured or broken (8.14% of tests), position lamp not working (5.93% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.49% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 16.6% of its tests.
Which Chevrolet Cruze year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2011 cars do best (14% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2014 cars do worst (28% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Chevrolet Cruze do a year?
A typical Chevrolet Cruze covers about 7,700 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Chevrolet Cruze before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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