2019 Chevrolet Cruze: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own

Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data

Final-year Cruze and the best of the run: complaints fall sharply and the transmission and electronics are sorted, though it shares the 1.4L turbo cooling/turbo risk and GM discontinued the line. A solid budget used compact if well maintained. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze ranged from $17,995 to $26,120 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).

6/10

Mixed track record

Sources (5)

fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-the-chevrolet-cruze-g…
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze.html
samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze-16.html
carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-cruze-reliability-and-common-problems/
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…

Known issues

1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement.

commonly reported · 89 NHTSA complaints · engine
Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive.

occasional · 28 NHTSA complaints · transmission

Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.

Sources (4)

api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…

Recalls & safety

Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.

Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.

Pros & cons

Pros

Excellent fuel economy, including a 1.4L turbo around 30/40 mpg city/highway and an available diesel rated about 52 mpg highway.
Spacious, modern interior with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a comfortable, quiet ride.
Affordable to buy used and pleasant, refined daily commuter.

Cons

Discontinued by GM after 2019, which can mean weaker long-term parts and dealer support.
1.4L turbo engine concerns persist, cracked pistons, coolant leaks, turbo failures and stalling on some examples.
Manual-transmission clutch and automatic shifting complaints reported.

Trims & original pricing

Trim	Original base MSRP	New today	Engine	MPG
L Sedan	$17,995	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
LS Sedan	$19,120	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
LS Hatchback	$19,620	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
LT Sedan	$21,720	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
LT Hatchback	$22,120	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
Premier Sedan	$23,520	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
Premier Hatchback	$24,020	discontinued	1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp)	32
Diesel Sedan	$25,620	discontinued	1.6L turbo-diesel 4-cyl (137 hp)	37
Diesel Hatchback	$26,120	discontinued	1.6L turbo-diesel 4-cyl (137 hp)	35

Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Sources (6)

iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-chevrolet-cruze-price
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40471
en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cruze
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40482
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40330
fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/40240

Cost to own

Repairs (rises with mileage)	≈ $500–550/yr
Insurance (medium tier)	≈ $2,800–2,900/yr
Fuel (12k mi/yr, 32 MPG)	≈ $1,200/yr
Expected lifespan	~200k miles

National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.

Sources (2)

repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/cruze
moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-cruze-insurance/

Frequently asked questions

What problems does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have?

Documented issue patterns include: 1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement; Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

How much did the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze cost new?

Between $17,995 and $26,120 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.

Is the Chevrolet Cruze expensive to maintain?

Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.

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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.