2013 Chevrolet Cruze: a steering, engine, transmission and water pump mess!
Automobile manufacturers release Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) to inform dealerships of unanticipated problems that can emerge after a vehicle is sold. TSBs focus on nonsafety-related defects that might affect a vehicle’s performance or longevity, such as parts that fail prematurely or don’t operate the way they’re meant to. They advise service technicians about how to diagnose and repair a problem, specifying tools, techniques, and the required parts.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze has over 405 (!!!) Technical Service Bulletins. Here are the most serious and prevalent complaints addressed by TSBs that I've discovered covering the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, along with the summary from the manufacturer (in their own words and font-type):
TSB #PI-0659-E (Issued April 25, 2016)
Summary: THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN SEAL TO CORRECT A CUSTOMER CONCERN ON A RUBBER SQUEAK TYPE NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL DUE TO THE SEAL FOR THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT.
TSB #PIE-0298-A (Issued July 1, 2014)
Summary: CHEVROLET: WHEN SHIFTING, TRANSMISSION IS HARD TO SHIFT INTO GEAR, WOULD HAVE A GRINDING OR BINDING WHEN SHIFTING, THERE IS NOISE, CLUTCH ODOR OR SLIPPING OR A CLUTCH PEDAL NOISE, WHILE SHIFTING. MODEL 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE
TSB #PI0715 (Issued May 1, 2015)
Summary: GM: ENGINE RATTLE/KNOCK NOISE, LOOSE OR BROKEN FRONT CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT AND/OR FLYWHEEL BOLTS. ALSO INCLUDED BUICK ENCORE (see also Buick lemon law), CHEVROLET SONIC, AND CHEVROLET TRAX. MODEL YEAR 2014. *JS UPDATED 09/30/2013 *JS UPDATED 2/5/16. *PE
TSB #PIP5262 (Issued February 1, 2015)
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS: 2012-2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE EQUIPPED WITH 1.4L TURBO ENGINE(RPO LUJ OR LUV) INFORMATION REGARDING ENGINE POWER MESSAGE ON THE DIC WITH NO REDUCTION IN POWER AND NO DTC'S SET. *LJ
Automobile manufacturers may, from time to time, offer extended warranties (at no charge to the consumer!!) on vehicle components that the manufacturer has identified as a particular problem area for that model year vehicle.. Along that vein, Chevrolet has also issued two special campaigns for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. Chevrolet Cruze owners who experience issues with their water pumps or steering systems can use the two special campaigns below to potentially avoid having to pay out of pocket for repairs!
Water Pump - 14371B - SPECIAL COVERAGE (10 year / 150,000 mile warranty extension!)
SOME 2011-2014 MODEL YEAR CHEVROLET CRUZE VEHICLES AND SOME 2012-2014 CHEVROLET SONIC VEHICLES WITH THE 1.4L ENGINE MAY HAVE AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK FROM THE WATER PUMP.
Steering - 14232 - SPECIAL COVERAGE (10 YEAR / 150,000 MILE WARRANTY EXTENSION!)
SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCREASED FRICTION IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. THIS COULD CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO STICK IN THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD POSITION AFTER DRIVING LONG DISTANCES ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN BE TURNED BUT IT MAY REQUIRE INCREASED EFFORT.
If you're in California and own a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze (or any 2011-2014 Chevrolet Cruze) and have experienced any issues related to water pump failure, stalling, power steering failure, steering sticking, or any other concern that was covered under the manufacturer's warranty, please contact us immediately at 424-299-4447 for a free consultation for information regarding your vehicle and a potential lemon law claim!