Recalls Plagued the 2011 Chevy Cruze, but It's Still Got Some Redeeming Qualities
Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 4 min read
Many people are attached to
Chevrolet
. It's one of the best-selling American brands, along with Ford, after all.There are some Chevy cars that are less beloved than others, such as the 2011 Chevy Cruze. It had some serious issues in the past. However, it is not a complete loss, and it is worth going over it in detail before
deciding what to buy
.
Meet the 2011 Chevy Cruze
Consumer Reports (CR)
says that this substantial-feeling compact sedan provided a solid, predictable ride. It handles corners well, and the 138-hp engine has adequate acceleration.The basic engine is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder, but most Cruze's have the 1.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder. It seats five and has front-wheel drive.
It performed well on Consumer Reports’ test track. The teters got a decent speed on their obstacle course, and they liked the braking and handling.
The interior of the 2011 Chevy Cruze has chrome and metallic accents and a padded panel on the dashboard that matches the seats. Leather seats are an option, but the textured cloth upholstery of the Cruze LT is fine, too.
You can still find plastic molding and wide gaps between components. The features are decent, however, and CR found them easy to use. The Cruze has Chevrolet's MyLink electronic connectivity system, and it has OnStar telematics.
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What has gone wrong with the 2011 Chevy Cruze?
MORE: Recall Alert: Tesla EVs Have Issues with Suspensions Separating
The NHTSA has recalled the 2011 Chevy Cruze seven times. The problems started in 2012. GM discovered that oil in the engine shield could cause an engine fire in some models and that the fuel tank could come loose in a crash.
In 2016, the car was recalled because it rolled away if you left the key in the car and didn't put the transmission in park when you got out. There was a recall over braking assistance in 2013, and there was a recall in 2011 because the intermediate steering shaft wasn't properly bolted to the steering gear input shaft.
Beyond that, Consumer Reports gives it a one out of five in overall reliability. CR says that the most common problems are major and minor engine problems.
Owners complained that the antifreeze system developed leaks, and that the engine computer acted up. Other owners complained that the air conditioner failed and had to be replaced.
Consumer Reports ranked the 2011 Chevy Cruze 10 out of 11 in reliability among 2011 small cars. The Cruze performed poorly in many of the 17 trouble spots that Consumer Reports collects data on.
Not all bad news with the Cruze
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Even with the reliability problems plaguing the Chevy Cruze, owners still say it is a comfortable ride. Consumer Reports lists a roomy front cabin and decent steering feedback as advantages to this car.
Visibility with the Chevy Cruze is good because the seats have upright styling. The Eco model doesn't add much to the fuel economy, but it does brake faster than their turbocharged version.
It is a quiet car, and the suspension is good. Consumer Reports recommends the 1LT with the 1.4-liter engine for most people, and you might want to buy the $790 Enhanced Safety Package. The backup camera system is an extra $380, but it is worth the cost.
You can currently get one of these cars for $6,525 to $7,425.
Obviously, if you feel that a 2011 Chevy Cruze is worth the risks, you will need good car insurance. That is where
Jerry
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