How Long Do Chevy Cruze Last?

Did you know that the Chevy Cruze has been around for more than a decade? Its production began in 2008, and it replaced the Cobalt.

The Cruze is an amazing sedan, and there have been some of these cars that competed in the 2011 World Touring Car Championship.

With it still being in production, many people ask, how long do Chevy Cruze last?

The answer is something you might not like. It can last anywhere from 150000 to 200000 miles. That is not on par with other vehicles in its class but is still decent enough.

Now, you can continue your research to find out more about the Chevy Cruze, but I would advise that you continue reading.

The question you came here for has been answered, but you need to know a lot more information. This article will cover all of that.

So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Chevrolet Cruze?

This one is a great sedan, which will be discussed later on in this article.

What it lacks is mileage. It can be driven for up to 200k miles, which is decent but not impressive.

If you drive at the average American rate of 15k miles annually. Now, this number is pretty decent.

If you put this number in years, you can easily expect it to last you for more than a decade. Combine that with the car’s reliability, and you will have an amazing experience.

Does Chevy Cruze Last Longer Than Other Similar Vehicles?

Normally, the Chevy Cruze is preferred by many. It cannot be declared a winner unless compared to its top competitors.

This section of the article will be comparing the Cruze with three of them, so you can be the judge of whether it is worth it or not.

1. Chevy Cruze Vs. Honda Civic

The first vehicle that will be compared to the Chevy Cruze is also perhaps one of the most famous ones. The Honda Civic is a reliable vehicle used by people around the globe.

Let’s see how it stacks up against Chevrolet’s offering:

• In terms of the number of complaints, there is no competition.
• Where the Chevy Cruze has gathered 1000 complaints, which is not a small number, the Honda Civic has gathered more than 6000. So, the Cruze wins this round with ease.
• Although it is close, the Chevy Cruze etches out a lead in the reliability section. This means that it has a lower chance of major failures throughout its usage than the Honda Civic.
• This round is one in which the Honda Civic easily wins. However, the Chevy Cruze can be driven for a respectable 200000 miles.
• The Honda defeats it. It has a lifespan of 200000 to 300000 miles. So, it can last more than Chevy’s offering.

The competition was a good one, but the Chevy Cruze is one that you should buy if you choose between it and the Civic.

It may not last as long, but it will provide you with an overall better experience.

Related: What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Honda Civic?

2. Chevy Cruze Vs. Hyundai Elantra

Another famous option that has made its way onto this list is the Hyundai Elantra. This sedan is packed with features but let’s compare and see how reliable it is in the long term.

• There has never been a closer competition in this round before. Both vehicles have several complaints that are just north of 1000.
• But when you compare the Hyundai Elantra’s appearance since 1990 and the Chevy Cruze since 2008, I think you can automatically guess who the winner is.
• A proper draw takes place in the reliability section. The Hyundai Elantra and the Chevy Cruze are great sedans, and they are reliable.
• This means that if you were to pick any one of the two just because of reliability, you could not pick wrong.
• Finally, when it comes to longevity, the Hyundai Elantra takes the lead. It can last for 200000 to 250000 miles, which is pretty decent for a sedan.
• So, if you want one that can go a long way, the Hyundai Elantra is your best bet.

This competition was not even close. From the number of complaints to the lifespan, the Hyundai Elantra easily beats the Chevy Cruze. It is a great vehicle, and you should opt for it.

Related: How Long Does A Hyundai Elantra Last?

3. Chevy Cruze Vs. Toyota Corolla

The final vehicle that will be compared to the Chevy Cruze is the Toyota Corolla. This is also a famous sedan worldwide and is driven by thousands of people.

Let’s find out how good it is compared to Chevy’s offering:

• This round goes to the Toyota Corolla. Although the number of complaints is roughly the same, the Corolla has been around for longer.
• So, the Chevy Cruze has accumulated the same number of complaints in a shorter period.
• Both the Chevy Cruze and the Toyota Corolla are reliable sedans. They are so reliable that you can choose either one and not go wrong.
• According to JDPower, there is only a one-point difference between them out of 100. That is a tie.
• The Toyota Corolla outshines the Chevrolet Cruze in terms of longevity.
• It can last for up to 300000 miles or even more, which is at least 100000 miles more than the competition. So, it is a clear winner in this round.

As it can be seen, the Toyota Corolla wins against the Chevy Cruze. Although it gives a good competition, the Corolla is on another level.

So, I would recommend going for the Toyota if you choose between the two.

Related: How Long Does A Toyota Corolla Last?

Life Expectancy Of Chevy Cruze Car Parts

The lifespan of this one is directly dependent on the type of parts its uses. I am not talking about the oil and the filters but the hardware that makes it function.

This section of the guide will discuss all of them to have a better look at what is going on underneath.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Brake Pads

Although it does depend on how they are used, the brake pads are normally designed to last anywhere between 40000 and 60000 miles.

This is on par with pads that other manufacturers include in their vehicles. There have also been instances of owners crossing the 60000-mile mark, which is impressive.

If you are one to brake at the last second, which comes into the category of aggressive, then you can expect the brake pads to last you for around 30000 miles.

Yes, this number is less, but aggressive braking results in quicker wearing out of the pads.

You should keep the brake pad condition in check. If you notice that Chevy Cruz’s braking capability is not as effective as before, then it may be time to replace the brake pads.

Fortunately, they are pretty cheap, and you can expect the replacement to cost you less than $200, with all costs included.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Battery

As it is a traditional gasoline-based vehicle, the battery on the Chevrolet Cruz is nothing out of the ordinary.

It can last anywhere from three to five years, which is on par with what other manufacturers offer. You may be wondering about the two-year gap in the range.

This can be due to several factors, including environmental conditions or heavy load, which can be due to the installation of aftermarket accessories.

When the battery of your Chevrolet Cruz has given up on you, you might want to find a good replacement. I would suggest getting an AGM battery!

It may cost more than a traditional battery, but it also brings many improvements, including resistance to vibrations.

The overall cost of a new battery, including the labor ones, is around $500. That is steep, but it has to be done once every three to five years justifies the price.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Tires

The tires on the Chevrolet Cruz are decent.

The OEM ones are designed to last anywhere from 50000 to 60000 miles. That is not bad. Because some vehicles’ OEM tires cannot cross the 30000 mark, this is great.

When you look at it from a different perspective, the original tires are stated to last for at least three years.

This number is valid only if you drive at the average American rate of 15000 miles annually.

Now, when it comes to talking about the tires of a Chevrolet Cruz, the replacements can be cheap, or they can be expensive.

I would recommend not spending too much or too little on this investment.

If you decide to save some money, then there is a good chance that the tires that you will be buying will barely be able to cross the 10000-mile mark. So, cheap is not always the best.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Transmission

The transmission system of the Chevy Cruz is one that is extremely reliable. There have not been many complaints about it, and there have been far lesser ones that report it failing.

But you are here for numbers. In the case of the Chevrolet Cruz, the transmission is expected to last for 150000 miles.

This can be pushed to 200000 miles with proper maintenance. Yes, it has been designed to last for exactly the same time as the lifespan of the vehicle itself.

There is nothing bad about that except for the fact that people who are aiming to maximize the longevity of the vehicle may need to get a replacement or a repair done.

Both of them cost a lot, and the cost can easily exceed a thousand dollars. So, this is something to keep in mind before you finalize the decision to purchase this vehicle.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Spark Plugs

Once again, the Chevrolet Cruz does not use any special spark plugs.

They are normal OEM ones that can last for up to 60000 miles. This number is decent, and it also means that you can go without replacing them for four years.

The lifespan of these plugs is dependent on carbon build-up and dirty fuel injectors. They can significantly reduce the lifespan.

When you have to change your Chevy Cruz’s spark plugs, you should make sure to buy ones that are not copper. It is better to get iridium or platinum ones.

The latter is preferred because iridium is used mostly in racing cars. Spark plugs usually cost a maximum of $50 apiece.

So, if you change all of them, which is recommended, you can expect to pay around $300, including labor costs.

A plug replacement should not be delayed due to the fact that a faulty one can result in misfires and even engine stalls, which can result in an accident.

So, you should replace all of them whenever one goes bad.

Average Lifespan Of Chevy Cruze Key Fob

The final thing I will be talking to you about is the key fob that comes with the Chevy Cruz. The key fob itself is similar to the ones that are offered by other manufacturers.

It is durable and sturdy and can easily last for 4 to 5 years before needing a battery replacement. If you are using a smart key, then this number drops to 2-3 years.

You should make sure that you don’t lose the key to your Chevrolet Cruz.

The reason for this is that replacement fobs are unjustifiably expensive. When you buy from a Chevy dealer, a simple key will cost you north of $100.

Proximity one can go as high as $400, which is an insane amount. I would recommend getting your existing key copied so you don’t have to rely on replacements.

What Is Good Mileage For A Used Chevy Cruze?

As has been mentioned multiple times in this article, the Chevrolet Cruz can last for a maximum of 200000 miles before it may need major repairs.

So, now the question arises, how much should a used one be driven if you even want to consider it?

Well, you should not pick one that has more than 100000 miles on the odometer.

The reason for this is that you may want to keep the car for the long term, and if you buy one that is closing in on the end of its lifespan, then what is the point of buying it?

This is something that should be checked properly before making the final decision. Another thing to know is that the transmission is also designed to last for 150000 miles only.

So, unless you want to spend thousands of dollars on fixing your new vehicle, you should avoid getting one that has been driven a lot.

How To Increase How Long Your Chevy Cruze Last

If you are wondering and are worried about the Chevy Cruz but want to know what can be done to improve its lifespan, then this section of the article will help you out.

These are some of the more common ways of improving the longevity of the Chevy Cruz.

• The first thing that I always repeat in my article is maintenance. Regular maintenance is the key to getting your Chevy Cruz to last for the maximum number of miles.
• The next thing that you should do is to make sure that all major repairs are taken care of as soon as they come into view. This will prevent them from damaging other parts of the vehicle.
• The final thing is to not drive aggressively. As parts wear down faster according to use, if you drive more carefully, hardware such as the brake pads and the tires will last much longer.

Problems That Limit The Life Of Your Chevy Cruze

We are almost at the end of this article, and still, important information is being provided.

This section of the article will cover common problems that Cruz users have had to face over the years:

1. Engine Issues

Just like any other gasoline-based vehicle, the Chevy Cruz is prone to engine issues. Some of these problems are serious enough that they can shorten the lifespan of the vehicle.

The most common problems reported are failures of valves and leaks in the engine. In the case of the valves, it is the PCV valve that is the main problem maker.

2. Issues With The Cooling System

Now, the cooling system has been designed to ensure that the engine never overheats. If it does, then you are looking at a reduced lifespan.

Well, the 2011 to 2019 models of the Chevy Cruz have the issue of the pump failing, essentially rendering the entire cooling pump useless.

Some other reports also included the failure of the fan.

3. Problems With The Turbo

The Chevy Cruz has a turbo engine under the hood. This is something most of you already know about.

What you may not know is that there is a valve present in the engine that is responsible for pushing air out but at a controlled rate.

That valve becomes loose over time, which means it cannot keep the air in. The issue is not difficult or expensive to fix, but it can cause serious engine problems.

Related: Chevy Cruze Starting Problems

What To Look For When Buying A Chevy Cruze

Now we are done with all the information that you need to buy a Chevrolet Cruz.

Before you head on to buy a used one, there are something things you need to check in order to make sure that the vehicle you are buying is worth it:

1. Rusting

Rusting is one of the most important things that one should check when purchasing a Chevy Cruz.

Rust occurs due to moisture and can result in the vehicle’s structural integrity being compromised.

So, if you are buying a used Cruz, you should make sure that the rust has not reached an advanced stage.

2. Condition Of The Interior

You may be unaware of this, but it is possible to reverse the number shown by the odometer of the Chevy Cruz.

What cannot be faked is the interior. Its condition can easily give you an idea of whether it is worth driving or not.

3. Ownership Records

Although the previous owners of the Chevrolet Cruz may not be bad drivers, the older ones maybe.

Regardless, you should have complete information regarding all of the owners of the car.

4. Maintenance History

If you don’t have any experience in checking a car before buying, then there is one more thing that can be checked, and that are maintenance records.

Wherever you go, people always keep their maintenance records. The same is the case with the Chevy Cruz.

Related: Chevy Cruze’s Worst Model Years

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is The Chevrolet Cruze A Reliable Car?

Although it is not the most reliable car out there, it is still a decent one.

Over the course of its decade of production, it has been loved by users due to one reason, practicality.

There are fewer issues that they need to deal with, so they can enjoy their everyday rides.

Q2. Does Chevy Cruze Have A Lot Of Problems?

It does have its fair share of problems, but I can guarantee you they are far from being many.

Common problems, which were discussed in the article above, included engine and cooling system issues, all of which can be fixed without spending a lot of money.

Q3. Is It A Good Idea To Buy A Used Chevy Cruze?

I normally recommend going for a used vehicle because you are saving a good amount of money. In the case of the Chevrolet Cruz, that is not the case.

It can last for only 200000 miles, and the chances are that most preowned ones have already been driven for half of that limit. So, it makes sense to buy a new one.

Q4. Does Chevy Cruze Rust Easily?

No, it does not. The Cruz has had no reports of rusting, whether on the body or the frame. This means that the company did not cut any corners in this regard.

So, if you live in a place that has high moisture content, then you should not be worried about corrosion on your vehicle.

Q5. Is Chevy Cruze Expensive To Maintain?

The annual maintenance costs of the Chevy Cruz are $545. This is not a bad number, but it can change according to where it is being driven and how it is being driven too.

But the Cruz has proven itself to be a reliable vehicle overall. So, the $545 number is actually pretty decent.

Conclusion

There you have it, folks, a fully detailed article that answers the question, how long do Chevy Cruze last?

Chevrolet has created an amazing vehicle. Although it does not fare well when compared with the competition, it definitely does not mean that it is a bad vehicle.

The fact that it can be compared to the likes of the Honda Civic and the Toyota Corolla alone tells you that it is a very capable sedan.

If you do buy it, you will certainly have a memorable experience.

I hope this article helped you in deciding if the Chevy Cruz is worth spending your money on. I also wish any confusion or misconceptions were cleared.