Watch This Before Buying the 1st Gen Chevy Cruze and Sonic 2011-2016

[@Wisconsin4eyes]

Did I hear that right $15,000 at a local mechanic shop to replace a turbo?! 😂

[@deucesttjds313]

No fifteen hundred = $1,500

[@Samuel-369]

Free for me

[@ElonmuskXXX]

Mahn😂😂😂

[@brentsrx7]

Buy a used Honda Civic. That's the $15,000 mechanic shop charge.

[@calebyork5004]

1.4l turbo here..I’ve gotten by with just replacing the exhaust manifold instead of the whole assembly when the actuator pin wore out. Used a heat gun to separate the manifold from turbo. Saved myself 400 bucks. 2. If you get a weird belt squeal that won’t go away regardless of how many pulleys and belts you replace, it could be your crank pulley seal. 3. If you have to remove your turbo for any reason, go ahead and replace your oil feed, oil return coolant feed and coolant return lines. Ask me how I know. My chitty crust has given me more headaches than I care to admit but Once I figured out all of its issues, it’s been a good little car

[@elijahingram6811]

Yoooo

[@joeortega8122]

Like the information of the video Have a 2011 Chevy Cruze 1lt for about a year now. I have been all over Texas and 22k miles later the only thing bad is tire pressure sensor

[@SMILEY.45]

My advice if you have any problems is to do some research on the Cruze Talk forum. ZZP makes really good aftermarket parts that have been re-engineered. The coolant system Is made out of plastic, so anything you can find that is made of metal I’d strongly advise upgrading those. They are pretty good cars if you fix all the poorly engineered GM parts. If you replace faulty OEM parts with the same faulty OEM parts, you’re always going to have problems. GM knows this and won’t take responsibility. You can pick up a used Cruze for $5000-$7000 and once you put in some work it’s basically a Honda with a nicer interior.

[@Ep1CxHaCkEr]

What are the "must dos" on a 2011 Chevy Cruze (with the 1.8L non turbo) to ensure longevity?

[@craigbrown5510]

Agreed....they just run way too hot for the cheap plastic cooling system pieces. if you fix those things along with the intake "nipple" issue then you've covered 80-90% of the problems that arise. Of course I've replaced my coolant overflow tank like 3-4 times...but they are cheap and easy to do.

[@SMILEY.45]

@@craigbrown5510 in 2011 the Cruze looked better than anything in Honda or Toyota’s lineup. I kinda liked the idea of an upgraded Cobalt 4 door that could compete with JDM and the ‘Murica pride got the better of me. In 2023, I’d take anything Honda/Toyota makes over a Cruze 😂 Also I’ve probably been breathing in burning coolant for the last decade every time I drove it so that’s great 😅

[@scotthartwig7190]

Have owned a 1.4t sonic for around a year and a half now. Only parts I've had to change are pcv hose, EVAP solenoid, and coil pack. I do drive the car hard at times but it mostly has highway mileage at this point. 118000 miles. Another common issue in these engines is that they are very prone to knocking due to a multitude of reasons, but to sum it up, GM tuned the car for fuel economy and not engine reliability. They run the engine to hot, to lean, and rely on the turbo to power the engine, not the other way around. They also told people they could run regular 87 octane fuel in a turbocharged engine🤦‍♂️, ive always ran 91 minimum and try to 93 when I can.

[@dtbrown1978]

Good overview. Just missed the valve cover and intake manifold pcv which commonly fails as well. GM now covers those as they were identified as a recall. But it's also a very easy fix.

[@LOLONO666]

True,,,the belt tensioner assembly is weak too, design is horrible

[@RandoManFPV]

@@LOLONO666 yea I think mine has an issue. Rarely but I've every once in a while while idling ill here it 'sound off'.. first couple times I thought it was a lifter or something :( I finally caught it one day I seen the spring for the belt tensioner was just compressing and relaxing repeating really really fast lmao idk what's up with it XD

[@SMILEY.45]

Good luck getting reimbursed. I even received official letters from GM that said past repairs were covered and over 2 months of going through customer service, they paid me like $176 of the $550 repair bill.

[@choncoconcos5912]

Would they still fix my 2015 chevy cruze 1.4?

[@ITS_JAYJAY_2006]

I always feel like the Chevy Cruze is very underrated. Glad you made a video talking about it :)

[@AutoMotivate]

Honestly, it is a great car after you workout all the kinks. Thanks for stopping by Prince 🙏

[@melodyxiong8094]

What do you think of the Chevy cruz? I want to buy a 2015 but not sure

[@LastTrump7]

@@AutoMotivate​​⁠ I got a choice of a 2014 Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo 105,000 miles or a 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.8 185,000 miles. Both cars look great. Which car is probably going to be the most maintenance in the next 75,000 miles?

[@mikejaxn]

Bought a brand new 2011 Cruze 1.4T ECO and had it for for almost 2 years, but couldn't get rid of it fast enough. Traded it at about 28K miles after both front wheel bearings, thermostat, fuel pump, and driver's side window motor all went out in a period of about 6 months. Great fuel mileage and the car could be fun to drive with the 6-spd manual, but it was not worth the long term risks RE reliability. This was my daily commuter and I worked at a hospital, so not having a reliable car was a huge issue. I am a car guy, so for me to throw in the towel on this one while it was still under warranty is saying something...

[@jonathonloredo8026]

The Eco was notoriously worse than the standard 1.4T in all fairness

[@AnonymousUser-xy7op]

I have a 2012 with the same engine. Currently has 135k miles and I bought it with about 115k for 4 grand. Haven’t had any mechanical issues yet besides a small transmission leak lol

[@lazystudent26]

2015 LTZ RS 56,000 miles and still going strong 🥰

[@ThomasFountain-k1r]

Bought a second owner 2014 Chevy Cruz Eco with the turbo charge. Changed out the belt tension pulley, water pump and all cheap plastic elbows and fittings. Going on 6 months running without any problems. Well...

[@PeterBornAgain]

I own a 2015, I have had no problems with it

[@spevomax2]

Guess what, basically all small turbo petrol engines have poor reliability. It only depends on how much you need to pay for repairs. While everything for german cars (except opel) usually have whooping prices which forcing you to rethink your self is it worth saving the engine or not, GM is a master of easy and super cheap repair. I have cruze 1.6 N/A 124hp petrol with some 105.000 miles, sure was repairing some things like 2nd oxygen sensor, oil cooler or throttle body sensor but it was nothing expensive about it for sure. Engine still doesn't burn oil, it's not overheating, behind the wheel feels like a 5 year old car tops and not 11 and it still runs fine and very smooth.

[@waynechernick3526]

You are spot on sir. Still have a 2011. Original turbo and rear brakes. 105,000.

[@Nathan-si4eq]

Thanks for the review! Might buy one tomorrow

[@jclafi]

I have one 2012 w/ 1.8L NA engine. About 75k miles on the clock. So far been a reliable car, few issues. But i do take care of maintenence. Its a cheap car too.

[@Lilbitofeverything-g2b]

What kind of issues?

[@eemililkka3102]

For the European audience, the 1.6L model is pretty much free from these failures. The motor has been used in Opel Astra H and J atleast. Cheap parts are plentiful

[@chris2Agearreviews]

Thank you for this video.....I'm looking for a "new used car" and a local car lot I got my current vehicle from has 5 2015 Chevy Cruze's on the lot for sale....🤣😂.....that tells me people get rid of this car quickly and the issues you state are true 💯

[@LastTrump7]

⁠ I got a choice of a 2014 Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo 105,000 miles or a 2007 Toyota Corolla 1.8 185,000 miles. Both cars look great. Which car is probably going to be the most maintenance in the next 75,000 miles?

[@caseybetts-malloy5357]

I have a sonic 1.8l LT sedan and I replaced my plastic thermostat your honest and luv your videos any advice for my 1.8L

[@oliverrojas3185]

Lots of information , wow!, thanks

[@speeder9554]

Remember the cruze is a Holden by heart

[@pacor1977]

This the most optimistic video.

[@queenmoebetter6470]

New Subscriber 9-10-23 and thanks for this information.

[@INDIANVINESENTERTAINMENT]

Hi. I bought a used 2012 1.8 Chevy Cruze the car shifts hard when coming back into first gear i.e going below 20km/hr This commonly happens when i let the car slow down by it's on. I used lucas transmission fixed as well but it didn't work. Don't know whats causing the issue been like this for 6 monts now. Any idea what's going on?

[@SimbaUchihaa]

Coming from a saturn ion, I'd like the same realibility with a better interior, thats what the cruze/sonic offers

[@paulhager1281]

Let me ask you this...I got a turbo replacement cuz I was told it went out...a different one not a new turbo is on it now and I can't tell the difference.i can't hear it..period no whoosh no whistling..it's running better but should I be able to hear it !? Right?

[@mikeblenheim117]

Water outlet leaked on mine twice , but it’s a 50 dollar part and a 30 minute job . 152,000 miles and counting

[@haydencutrone6443]

Mine has never had a coolant leak but oil leaks different story but my turbo has gone now

[@sibusisondaba4354]

What about the 20212, 2 litre diesel LT model? Does it have the same problems as the 1.4?

[@Alen1000Pro]

How are the Diesel engines?

[@rottmanthan]

i have a 2012 sonic with the 1.8l and 5 speed stick, both are the best options for reliability.

[@Lilbitofeverything-g2b]

Why do you say this about the 1.8l?

[@rottmanthan]

@@Lilbitofeverything-g2b less known problems.

[@dijeansaunders3117]

Found a 2011 Cruze with the 1.4l for 4000 Canadian ( 3000 us) 111k miles should I go for it ? I work at a shop so me and my buddies would work on it but I don’t want to buy something I will regret lol

[@itssean4629]

Ngl, I love my 1st gen 1.8l (105k miles). I haven't had too many problems. The only thing I've had to change was the radiator since the last owner put rv weld around both radiator hoses. Because of that, it cracked the radiator. I'm guessing they took it to a shady mechanic or did it themselves. Either way, they weren't thinking whatsoever.

[@Lilbitofeverything-g2b]

That’s the only problem you had with the 1.8L?

[@itssean4629]

Yes, that's the only major problem I've had. The 1.8's are good, I've had this one for nearly a year. The only thing I've done with it is routinely maintenance. The 1.4's have too many problems because of its turbo and coolant lines being so enclosed. Chevy isn't really good with making turbocharged engines in general. Each 1.4 turbo I see on the road, marketplace, or dealership has issues. Especially the automatics (which are the majority, and I'm excluding the diesels. Those diesel varients are really good). If you find an NA 1.8L, especially in 6-speed, get one. Reliability is a 7-8.5 out of 10 for me. Those turbo 1.4's don't last long...

[@itssean4629]

Not to mention the extreme turbo lag they have

[@Lilbitofeverything-g2b]

Hmm, thanks I’m gonna do more research on the 1.8 I want this car for my first car, but want to make sure I’m not gonna have to deal with these issues as the 1.4 has.

[@Lilbitofeverything-g2b]

They say the 1.8 has oil leak into the coolant or something I don’t know

[@NeverFollowTheCrowd]

Thanks mr German yup I own one of these transmissions also terrible On them

[@Arson501]

15000 to change the turbo where you get your info from?

[@zippy0099]

He probably meant $1,500.00🤷‍♂️

[@ivanruiz5032]

¿Is it the same problem with the 2016 2nd Gen 1.4 Tubro Cruze? ¿Is the 2nd Gen Cruze a better car o not?

[@pigeon8198]

2nd Gen = Better

[@Notkeiran]

I had the Cruze 2014 LE 1.4 Turbo boost and I absolutely hated the car. I bought it brand new Nov 2013 (‘round that time)and in the first year I had a recall then next year I had another recall dealing with the negative terminal it was causing the car to accelerate even though I had foot on break. That 2nd year (or 3rd don’t remember ) the driver window actuator broke, then a little later the passenger window actuator broke as well. Soon after fixing them they both broke again. That same year the rear driver side window started making a really awkward noise like it was about to break as well. Then in 2015 I had another recall (don’t remember what it was). In 2018, the intake manifold messed up and wasn’t covered by warranty anymore. Soon after that fix the coolant reservoir started leaking and very soon after that the water outlet valve and hose connecting to it messed up. And a year later the A/C started acting up until it fully went kaput. I had the car about 6 years and was just a daily driver with a commute of about 10 miles and only logged in about 48k miles in those 6 years and I can confidently say that this was the worst purchase I have ever made and has soured me from ever buying a GM product ever again. Oh and I didn’t mention the fact that the chrome parts around the car started falling off, paint peeling on the roof, and cloth car seats started tearing as well. This was the absolute worst car I’ve ever purchased.

[@SMILEY.45]

I feel ya. I was really hopeful when the Cruze came out because it was their entry into the Honda/Toyota category at the time. Everyone said why buy an unknown vehicle when Honda and Toyota have a proven track record, but I didn’t listen because the Cruze looked better than a Civic or Corolla in 2012 and it seemed like a good purchase at the time. Nowadays there are so many better and more reliable options in this category that I completely regret buying it. All because I wanted to buy a US made car instead of Japanese… GM has become the 2001 Hyundai of the modern world.

[@ziadbastati5372]

I am going to college in a couple months and I am trying to find a good reliable car (not Toyota) for daily cheapy, Is the Chevy Cruze 2011-2015 a good reliable car for a students? If not what you guys suggest? Please let me know if you have knowledge about cars I’ll really appreciate if someone replies Thanks 😊

[@peterepeat7066]

No it's apiece of $hit car

[@benlawton4026]

Did you say have it replaced for $15,000!? (0:44)

[@timbrown49]

Don't buy one, and you will not have this long list of problems.

[@eddie3500]

The metal thermostat is not for the 1.4 turbo ecotec. They do not make a metal thermostat for the 1.4 turbo cruzes

[@0000Otto0000]

Yes they do, they are not GM but you can get both the thermostat and (most recently) the coolant water outlet neck in aluminum. I have a 1.4 Sonic

[@eddie3500]

@@0000Otto0000 where can you get a metal thermostat for the 1.4 ecotec turbo?

[@eddie3500]

@@0000Otto0000 where can I find it

[@eddie3500]

@@0000Otto0000 I'll take the no reply as you didn't find a metal thermostat for the 1.4 ecotec cause there isn't one lol

[@billrogers1243]

@@eddie3500 Dorman - OE Solutions Integrated Thermostat Housing Assembly

[@CrazyGunNoob]

In the market for a Cruz RS. The pic @0:06 is exactly what I'm going for. What is that tire size? They look to be at least 17 inches. But the fitment looks fantastic. Anyone know?

[@andrescabrera44]

RS package comes with 18 inch wheels

[@LOLONO666]

i got a used one and my belt tensioner fails and belt shreds, replaced it 4 times in a year, any suggestions?

[@AutoMotivate]

Most likely one of your pulleys aren’t aligned properly. Maybe one of the pulleys are sliding off or something was installed slightly crooked. Those are my two immediate assumptions, could be wrong

[@LOLONO666]

@@AutoMotivate thank you,,i will need to get that inspected, this is what i think ,i don't hear any noise on the pulleys

[@rjm474]

Bro said you can get a shop to replace the turbo for the price of a whole new sonic, bro what are you talking about... $15,000 What the hell?

[@BRUCEWAYNE-oo1ou]

I would've thought the bigger engine would have more issues, but then again I don't know much lol

[@ricgunn1439]

Turbo is crap. Standard trans better to

[@The_Fat_Turtle]

All turbo setups will make an engine less reliable, just because these are parts that get extreme heats and pressures and become wear/leak points that an N/A engine doesn't have to deal with. Even the best turbo setup requires more care and maintenance to last, they can't be mistreated without major consequences. However, the 1.4L in the Cruze/Sonic is full of cost cutting decisions that do hamper their reliability even further. The actual engine block, internals and cylinder head on both the 1.4 and 1.8L are great, but everything bolted to the outside of them is plastic or shitty.

[@haydencutrone6443]

The 1.4 have the top thing go a lot the gasket cover

[@hotpeppaman]

The Forbidden Milkshake.

[@joce1218]

Maybe that's not in the US

[@jakegenocide]

I've had all these issues within a year of owning one. 😅

[@luisviscencio9615]

My boy said 15000$ what the world

[@AutoMotivate]

I say wrong thing sometimes. $1,500

[@haydencutrone6443]

The pin broke on mine and I fixed it

[@daveh9335]

I think I might have the fastest Cruze with only 95k miles w the 1.8 / 6 spd manual that's blue (2012).

[@klankrank187]

Naw my sonic is faster its lighter same engine an they dont make a 6 speed yours is a 5 like mine

[@braxtonfps3580]

@@klankrank187 yes they do make 6 speed my Cruze is a 6 speed

[@klankrank187]

@@braxtonfps3580 yea i looked it up after i made that comment i am very sorry i was wrong im glad you commented so i could apologize

[@RandoManFPV]

@@klankrank187 I've never shifted into 6th from the true top of 5th gear(high rpms) I'd have to be going 110+ atleast to get 5rpms in 5th gear. I'm not saying I get there super quick, and I'm not saying your car doesn't go fast and quicker. Just sharing some info. I got the 1.4l

[@ricgunn1439]

​@@klankrank187my 2011 has a 6 speed std. 🤗Plus a reverse🤣🤣🤣

[@BRUCEWAYNE-oo1ou]

How does the 1.8l have less problems than the 1.4l??

[@RandoManFPV]

It's diesel

[@christianarthur3828]

Because 1.8 has no turbo so less problems.. The turbo in the 1.4 causes more problems..

[@christianarthur3828]

@@RandoManFPV I. 8 is not diesel.. Only 2.0 is diesel

[@RandoManFPV]

@@christianarthur3828 ah thas wild, I read on Google about 1.8 diesel but now i cannot find anything but 1.6 and 2.0 being diesel

[@jclafi]

Less things to break

[@shawnking4671]

I have 266000 mi on my 2012 cruze...

[@asthmanaut3430]

still going strong? have you made any modifications along the way?

[@shawnking4671]

@@asthmanaut3430 Yes still going strong and no modifications made. Does not use any oil between changes.

[@RandoManFPV]

@@asthmanaut3430 I'm only at 130k but if you take care of everything explained in the video you'll have a pretty solid car. I havnt replaced all the things he mentioned. And like another commenter said he left out the pcv system, if you have or are getting a cruze look into it. Install the pcv fix kit and save yourself in the long run

[@businessbasics6777]

What motor?

[@adamlangley6033]

$15,000.00 WoW! You can buy another car for that

[@josephpuchel6497]

No way it should cost that much

[@dadof3239]

So basically they sell us a car and than we put it together nice

[@timcrawford8722]

Cruze ls 1.8 is garbage as well

[@queendesireers6358]

Passed. Luxury Vehicle. X Judge Katria Delena Dyson

[@danielcarrillo8839]

Hate them I regret buying one they are the worse car ever made just an endless money pit every little thing wrong they will never compare to Honda and all these Japanese cars

[@Michael-jo9jb]

I own one and they are absolute crap!! Do not even think about buying one. Chevy should be ashamed

[@RandoManFPV]

What happened to yours? I drove mine for a year 15kmiles without changing the oil and never had a real issue.

[@rustyboltz2820]

@@RandoManFPV A year and 15k miles without changing the oil? Wow good luck driving much farther than that even if you do plan on changing the oil soon.

[@RandoManFPV]

@@rustyboltz2820 that was the first year bro. I've owned this car for almost 3 years and put another 25k on it since that first year. (First year no oil change miles 90k-105k.) 2nd year till now it has been oil changes on time everytime and I've done a bunch of upgrades. I don't have any issues outside of the stock pcv being trash and I havnt installed the fix kit sitting in my closet.

[@luxurybuzz3681]

@@RandoManFPV I thought it was common sense to change oil every 3k miles?

[@RandoManFPV]

@@luxurybuzz3681 lol well yea it is. When I purchased my car it was via PayPal to a family friend in Virginia. I was living in Arkansas at the time but only getting home for a few days about every 3 or 4 months cuz I was working and staying on the road all over the place. Since I didn't have time to leave work and retrieve the vehicle my dad offered to go pick it up in Virginia for me since he also lived in Arkansas near my home and would be able to drop it off before I even returned from work. My dad took it to a shop before leaving Virginia and asked them to change the oil and put new tires on and jus make sure it was ready to take the 12hour trip since it had been just sitting for a couple years. The shop did everything but chage the oil, claiming that they couldn't because something was damaged or stripped. So they just topped it off with some fresh oil since it was a bit low and my dad drove it home. Before i returned home to my new car covid struck and got me laid off. I was stuck in Virginia visiting with my girlfriends family when it happened. What was supposed to be a few days or week break from work and a chill little time away from home; turned into 3months of hearing "yea we should be ale to start back up in a few days" Needless to say by the time I did find my way home I was dead broke still tryna keep my gf and dogs fed and rent paid. I knew I needed to change my oil real bad the entire time but gone stay could not afford it until I did nearly a year later, plus I was ignorant for taking that one shop's opinion and thinking it was gunna be harder than normal or any extra money to try to change the oil with the elleged damages. But when I did finally change it we couldn't find any reason that the shop didnt do it in the first place. Anywho car still runs great and yes I am a bit of a dummy

[@sergiogarza1422]

I dont recommend ANYONE buy a first gen Get a gen 2

[@RandoManFPV]

I hear the opposite. really I think their both fine if you replace/ fix the handful of notorious issues and design flaws