Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Transmission problems, electrical system issues, engine problems, and brake problems.
There have been three recalls issued for the 2018 Chevy Cruze: one for potential fuel leaks, one for insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons, and one for missing bolts on the start/stop accumulator. These recalls took place in May 2018, August 2018, and October 2020 respectively.
As a vehicle owner, one of the most distressing things to come across in your vehicle is a serious defect that threatens the safety of you and your passengers.
Even worse is when this defect reveals itself early in the vehicle’s term of ownership, as it changes the exciting experience of a new vehicle into a stressful path to get back on the road.
Being aware of what defects your vehicle may have left the lot with is crucial as a consumer: continue reading to learn more about those reported in the 2018 Chevy Cruze, as well as the lemon law and how you can use it to be compensated.
Common 2018 Chevy Cruze Problems
- Transmission Problems: Gear slippage, clutch gets stuck, rollaway
- Electrical System Issues: Automatic start/stop system doesn’t work, loss of power to vehicle
- Engine Problems: Stalling, banging noises, loss of engine power, oil leakage or spilling, jerking forward
- Brake Problems: Brake failure, brakes slow to engage, brakes difficult to apply, brakes easy to apply but without braking power
2018 Chevy Cruze Transmission Problems
A fairly common but significant defect for vehicles to contain are defects with the transmission, which is responsible for moving the power created by the engine to the wheels and allowing the vehicle to accelerate.
A faulty transmission can result in problems accelerating, decelerating, and with general speed control.
Consumers who own the 2018 Chevy Cruze mention their transmission slipping gears, their clutch getting stuck, and their vehicles rolling away when in park.
Since the 2018 Chevy Cruze has a manual transmission, problems with the transmission may be more easily noticeable. Once any transmission defect is noticed, the defective vehicle should be taken in for inspection and repair.
2018 Chevy Cruze Engine Problems
Much like the transmission, engine problems are fairly common but very significant. The engine in a vehicle generates power for it, which is then used to make the vehicle mobile.
When the engine doesn’t work properly, it can be dangerous because of the fluids inside the engine and the temperature at which the engine operates.
In the 2018 Chevy Cruze, consumers reported the engine stalling frequently, making banging noises, losing power, leaking or even spilling oil, and jerking forward.
Engine problems will likely make themselves known quickly, and once they do, should prompt a trip to the dealership for repair work.
2018 Chevy Cruze Brake Problems
Brakes are also an extremely vital part of a functioning vehicle. Their job is to stop the vehicle by applying the brakes to the tires, creating friction between them and slowing the vehicle down.
2018 Chevy Cruze owners report their brakes failing, being slow to engage, difficult to apply, or too easy to apply but with too little power.
Having functioning brakes is arguably the most important part of a safe driving experience, so consumers should be especially careful with regards to brake defects and taking them in to be repaired.
As soon as a brake problem is noticed, the vehicle should be driven with extreme caution and inspected as soon as possible.
Complaints from Affected Vehicle Owners
“The clutch peddle is low without pressure. Mine and my kids was in danger when the clutch was not working when I had a green light. I could not get my car to go into gear. My husband thought that maybe there was air in the lines but he is unsure. After pumping the clutch several times, probably 100 times my husband was able to get me to safety. Problem was reproduced with my husband 2 days later when he was stuck in Atlanta traffic. I did have a warning that said something about trac suspension. I am unable to remember what popped up. This incident has happened 3 times. I think there should be a recall out.”
“I have owned this car for a month and I’ve already had to take it back to the dealership three times for different problems. The check engine light is on more than I drive the car. Also I have the Premier Hatchback and no lumbar adjustment?? WILL never buy another chevy!”
“I have a brand new 2018 Chevy Cruze. The car will make a screeching sound when I try to start the car and will not start. It will also shut off at the intersection, almost causing an accident. This is very unsafe. The car will eventually turn back on after a few minutes, but it leaves me and my children stuck at busy intersections. I have to turn my hazards on while I’m trying to get the car to start. I’ve taken the car to the dealership and it took over a month to get the part they said was causing the problem. On the way home from picking up the car it stalled out again. The car would not start for a few minutes then finally turned back on. I called Chevy and told them about the issue and all they could offer me was to take the car back to get it looked at again. This is very frustrating. It is a brand new car, I’ve only had it a few months.”
Lemon Law Rights for Your Problematic 2018 Chevy Cruze
The lemon law protects consumers who buy or lease defective vehicles. It does so by creating a process for consumers to file claims against the manufacturer so long as the vehicle is repaired during its original warranty.
In California, the law follows a “reasonable number of repair attempts” standard, usually requiring two to four attempts before the vehicle is considered a lemon. This number may vary if the defect is particularly hazardous or significantly impacts the value of the vehicle.
Once a consumer finds a defect in their vehicle, the lemon law process has already begun. The consumer should take their vehicle to an authorized manufacturer dealership to be inspected and repaired.
If the repair is unsuccessful, the process continues, and the consumer needs to have their vehicle repaired until it satisfies the reasonable number standard. Alternatively, if the vehicle is under repair for 30 days or more, it may also count as a lemon.
Consulting with a skilled lemon law attorney is recommended for guidance and organization. If choosing to pursue a lawsuit, an attorney becomes basically essential.
Remedies for a lemon law claim are either a refund or a replacement vehicle. A refund covers the full amount paid, including interest, taxes, and sometimes also includes incidental fees like registration renewal costs or rental costs.
A replacement vehicle will be one of similar make and model to the defective vehicle. In both cases, the manufacturer deducts a usage fee for the time the consumer drove the vehicle without issues. This fee is mileage-based. Keep in mind that the consumer is responsible for any difference in price if they go with the replacement remedy.
Problems with Your 2018 Chevy Cruze? Call Us Today!
Experiencing a new vehicle is a lot of fun for most drivers, but the experience can quickly become stressful if the car contains defects that impact the consumer’s ability to drive.
Thankfully, all 50 states have lemon laws consumers can leverage to be compensated for purchasing a new but defective car. Navigating the lemon law process can add more stress, but don’t worry! The Lemon Law Experts are here to assist you in bringing your claim.
Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have worked with consumers just like you to ensure consumer rights are protected. If you are dealing with a lemon vehicle, don’t hesitate to contact us today, either by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form on our website!
