About this problem
Coolant carries heat away from the engine to the radiator. Leaks from hoses, the water pump, the thermostat housing, the radiator or internal gaskets let the level fall until the engine overheats. Owners usually notice a sweet smell, puddles, a low-coolant warning or a temperature gauge climbing. Driving an overheating engine even a short distance can warp the cylinder head.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Cruze since 2012, 365 (12.2%) describe coolant leaks and overheating, making it the most reported problem we track on the Cruze. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2013 and 2014 model years, and the 2012 drew the most, with 104. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 46,000 and 101,000 miles. 13 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Owners of 2011 to 2015 Cruzes with the 1.4-liter turbo report coolant leaks, a sweet smell, low coolant warnings and overheating. Leaks come from the water pump, thermostat housing, coolant reservoir and hoses. The 2012 to 2014 cars drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
The fix is replacing whichever part is leaking. Many owners replace the water pump and thermostat housing together.
Typical cost: Each repair costs about $300 to $900.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I could smell coolant/antifreeze when the heater was on and the temperature was set to a high setting. I didn't think anything was wrong, just thought it might be a break-in issue."
2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 590 miles
"2012 cruz new from the dealer and never had an issue with my car other than a water pump only reg mat always praised how great my car was and it is the first new car I ever bought."
2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 69,000 miles
"Over the last 3 years, I have had the same issues occurring. The engine overheats and a message that reads "A/C off high engine temp" appears. The hose was replaced, and it was ok for awhile, but the problem has reoccurred twice more."
2014 Chevrolet Cruze, 50,000 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 12 bulletins that mention this problem on the Cruze. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
14371a - special coverage (revised warranty information).
14371b - special coverage (labor code revised).
14773 - special coverage.
This engineering informational bulletin is requesting information from the field on vehicles that have the condition of Engineering Information ?
This preliminary bulletin provides information on diagnosing a water pump for what is considered a leak and replace the pump correctly.
General motors :2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet sonic w/ 1.4l engine: some model vehicles may experience engine coolant leak from the water pump.
Before you buy a Cruze
- Look for white or pink crust around the engine and reservoir.
- Check the coolant level when cold and ask if it needs topping up.
- Ask for water pump and thermostat housing records.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Cruze years have coolant leaks and overheating?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2013, 2014 model years. The 2012 drew the most, with 104 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 72,000 miles, and half reported it between 46,000 and 101,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
Each repair costs about $300 to $900.