Smarter than your average Sedan, Chevy Cruze Diesel is a fantastic five-seater compact car that’s classy, bold, and technologically advanced to make everyone crave it. But on the other side of the coin, this electrically wired car comes with different aftermarket problems.
The Chevy Cruze Diesel also has some common problems regardless of its launching year. As an owner and user of the vehicle, you may have noticed some errors like throttle lag or delayed acceleration, braking, or electrical problems, right?
Well, problems are not actually problems if you have solutions in hand to fix them. Yup, you have the fixes for some common Chevy Cruze problems right here! So, let’s read along to check them out and get the wheels burning!
6 Common Chevy Cruze Diesel Problems (with solutions)
Here are 6 common problems discussed that you might face with Chevy Cruze Diesel.
problems #1- Engine Misfire
Like any other commuter car, the Chevy Cruze Diesel also runs into engine misfire issues. The most common signs of misfires are rough idling, sluggish acceleration, lack of speed, black exhaust, and of course the change of engine sound.
>>Solutions
Check the spark plug if you experience sudden poor acceleration. The spark plug is also to be blamed for higher fuel consumption. Generally, spark plugs get broken due to wear and tear, uncleaned fuel injectors, and not using the vehicle for a long time.
You can also try replacing the coil pack to fix the engine misfire problem of your Chevy Cruze Diesel. The coil pack is basically an electronically controlled pack that’s operated through the vehicle’s computer. You experience engine failure due to corrosion or other issues that prevent the spark plug from receiving enough voltage.
The price of the Chevy Cruze Diesel is around $100. You can either replace it by yourself or from the nearest car workshop within an hour.
problems #2- Excessive Oil Consumption
Have you noticed the code P0171 or P0106 on your Chevy Cruze Diesel? Well, that’s because of the over-oil consumption of the vehicle. Besides, blue smoke at the tail and rough idle are two other common symptoms of over-oil consumption in this vehicle.
>>Solutions
This oil consumption problem can be solved by either replacing the intake manifold or the valve cover. The price of the intake manifold is around $180 to $200.
Brake fluid leaks is perhaps the major brake-related problem of a Chevy Cruze. The brake warning light of the vehicle should indicate this problem, and you may need to use a parking brake to bring the car to a halt.
problems #3- Rear Brake Problem of Chevy Cruze Diesel
The 2018 Chevy Cruze is the one that’s mostly prone to brake-related problems. Drivers often go on about the smallness of the brake pedal. It’s pretty simple to identify brake issues. Your vehicle might not be braking on time. Besides, you might be noticing brake fluids leak!
>> Solutions
However, you may still be able to come to a stop using the brake pedal if the brake doesn’t fail completely. But keep in mind that a car without an efficient braking mechanism is always at risk of collisions and injuries.
Typically it takes about $100-$200 dollars to fix the problem from a workshop. Your mechanic may suggest you replace the brakes or come up with a different solution if required.
problems #4- Delayed Acceleration
You experience the ‘Engine Power is Reduced’ message in your Chevy Cruze Diesel mostly because of throttle lag and delayed acceleration problems. Too annoying, and the problem can also be dangerous when you’re trying to cross traffic.
>> Solutions
The problem and its solution lie in the drive-by-wire system. There are a lot of wiring and sensors in that area that carry the information from the acceleration pedal to the electronic control unit or ECU. Basically, this ECU controls the throttle.
Note here, this area of electrical devices can cause an acceleration delay even if all other components are in service. So, to fix it, you can try to identify if there is any problem in that ECU area through a professional mechanic.
However, if you don’t see the ‘Engine Power is Reduced’ message, chances are high that the drive-by wire is faulty. Try replacing it, which is a hard task since replacement parts of Chevy Cruze Diesel are not always available.
Another solution could be installing a throttle controller. This can minimize delayed acceleration and lag, if not eradicated. It takes about $100 to $300 to fix a delayed acceleration problem in a Chevy Cruze Diesel.
problems #5- Antifreeze Leaks
Antifreeze Leaks is the obnoxious, sweet smell that you experience inside the cabin of your Chevy Cruze Diesel. This smell is typically found in various places inside the car, and it’s toxic. Owners complain that it gets very hard to breathe in that smell as their throat gets dry and their eyes hurt.
>> Solutions
Antifreeze leak is associated with cooling your engine and keeping the car running properly. Besides, your health risk is also associated with it. So, it’s really important to identify and diagnose the problem immediately.
Check for signs of coolant leakage. You will find a light-colored residue or stain around the radiator cap. The chances are high that the hose is leaking near a clamp. Tighten the clamp simply using a screwdriver.
If the problem remains, you may need to come across a mechanic to assess your car and find out a solution. It should cost about $200 to solve the Antifreeze leak issues of a Chevy Cruze.
problems #6- Power Steering Issues
You are driving for a long time in a straight line, and you try to steer the wheel but it doesn’t move. Well, that’s a common issue with any Chevy Cruze Diesel. Owners also mention the periodical hardness of the steering which is also associated with the power steering issues.
>> Solutions
The solution to power steering could be found within a few nudges into the steering. Because sometimes your steering gets stuck while holding for a long time. But if you think the stiffness of the steering is dangerously high, you should check the power steering fluids.
Contamination to power steering fluid and improper fluid level can cause your steering to get stuck from time to time. On the other hand, too much fluid can cause the valve or seals to fail under increased pressure.
Broken belts or even a damaged pump can also cause power steering issues. Although the power steering pumps and belts are extremely durable, too much can wear them out prematurely.
If you can do a DIY the cost of replacing the power steering pumps will be between $100-$200. Can’t do it by yourself? Well, bring 500 bucks for your workshop mechanic.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Chevy Cruze Years Should I Avoid?
The Chevy Cruze is a compact car that was created for the average consumer. However, some of the year models like 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 should be avoided as they are prone to problems.
Which Models of the Chevy Cruze Are Safe to Buy Used?
The Chevy Cruze 2008, 2009, 2010, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 are the models you should consider as safe options.
How Long does a Chevy Cruze Diesel Last on Average?
The average lifetime of a Chevy Cruze Diesel is between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. You will be able to move for about 15-17 years, on an average of 15000 miles per year, before it breaks down.
2014 Chevy Cruze Diesel problems >> Check out the video below:
final verdict
The Chevy Cruze Diesel had so many recalls over the past few years. From minor to major, flaws were always with the series. However, in general, commuter cars or any car will run into problems – and that’s quite normal. And you will always find a way out to any problem.
Here’s some friendly advice to end things with; don’t delay solving problems with your cars. At the end of the day, it’s your life risk associated with it. Drive safe and always wear seatbelts!
Here are other Chevy Cruze related articles you might like:
Chevy Cruze Oil Capacity & Change Guide – (All Years)
