Chevrolet Cruze Antifreeze Leak Problem Heats Up In Winter Months
Many owners of Chevrolet Cruze vehicles enjoy an incredibly smooth ride and a silent cabin space when operating the car. Unfortunately, our clients have been distracted by a sweet, toxic smell seeping through the air vents of the vehicle. This is the result of the Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak into the cabin.
1 800 LEMON LAW has successfully resolved a number of Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak cases. In both 2012 and 2013, we previously addressed the antifreeze leak problem and received over a hundred responses from consumers experiencing the same issue. And we continue receiving calls from clients about the Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak in 2014-2016 models.
According to a Car Complaints blog, consumers have experienced medical issues due to the Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak. WSB-TV, the ABC affiliate in Atlanta flew out to Pennsylvania to interview LEMON LAW founding partner Bob Silverman for the story in 2013. In their story, two consumers suffered severe medical issues because of the antifreeze leak while operating the Chevrolet Cruze. The first consumer claimed the sweet, toxic smell put him in the hospital for a week and kept him out of work for two months. The other consumer suffered second-degree burns to her feet from the leak while she was driving the car. Bob was also interviewed on Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak for stories which appeared on WPXI TV in Pittsburgh and NBC10 in Philadelphia.
The Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak has surfaced again on our radar within the past couple of months. The problem is the result of leaking heater cores, activating the toxic smell and makes the car physically inoperable; so, keep this in mind with the weather changing.
If your car is experiencing symptoms of the Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak, take it to the nearest General Motors dealership as soon as possible for warranty repair. It is imperative that you gather all invoices from each visit. Every invoice should display mileage, days out of service, the complaint, and the fix. If they claim they cannot smell the leak, take the service adviser on a test drive.
Depending on your State Lemon Law (more info on our state lemon law pages NJ Lemon Law, TX Lemon Law, PA Lemon Law, NY Lemon Law) or Federal Warranty Law, with repeated visits to fix the Chevrolet Cruze antifreeze leak you may be entitled to monetary compensation, a complete repurchase, or a new vehicle. Feel free to email or call, 1 800 LEMON LAW (1 800 536 6652) to further discuss a solution that’s best for you. Most importantly, our help is 100% free so there is no cost and no risk to filing the claim.
May 25th, 2018 at 5:36 pm
Yes I have a 2014 chevy cruze last night my car overheated I pulled over noticed the antifreeze was low put antifreeze in the vehicle drive home it was steaming there was coolacoolant all over the engine. I noticed there was a recall on these models and I received a letter from lemon law stateing that if I had any problems contact you Now I had the vehicle towed to the dealership they give me a whole list of issues with the engine in total over $3000 And they won’t fix it under that recall what should I do please thanks
June 6th, 2018 at 11:36 am
@Tyler were there any issues under the GM warranty?
December 29th, 2018 at 12:12 am
This is the second time I’ll be taking it in for the coolant leak from water pump to be fixed. It has 70,000 miles on it. They replaced it the first time since it’s under 100,000. They will replace it again because it’s under 100,000. That’s not the point. The point is the problem keeps reaccuring. I live in CA. Does my vehicle qualify for the lemon law?
March 24th, 2019 at 11:03 am
I Have many work orders concerning the coolant leak, thermostat replaced turbo replaced etc. To this day i still have a coolant leak and many other issues with my 2012 Chevy Cruze. I need help!♀️
April 10th, 2019 at 6:56 am
Same here took the car 3 times to dealership they told me there was no leak found then my husband came with me on fourth visit they said there was a pinhole leak in water pump a month later same thing now my husband change the out take coolant flow next to the engine and now I’m having problem with the electric I’m sick of this car change the battery that didn’t work so now there are a couple of things that it can be I always bought a Chevy but I have to say this is the worse car I have ever owned and would not recommend it to anyone else sick and tired in ct
May 1st, 2019 at 5:48 pm
I have a 2012 Chevy Cruze and am having issues with a coolant leak with no recall, I now have over 200,000 miles on my car and have spent over $3000 because once 8 fix 1 issue something else happens.
May 16th, 2019 at 10:49 am
My 2014 Cruze was not covered by the special warranty extension because the parts were not manufactured in the same place as those covered. At 123,000, I had a coolant leak and spent $600+ plus for repairs. Do I have any recourse?
Thanks,
Kelly
June 21st, 2019 at 11:29 pm
My daughter Brooklyn has a 2014 chevy cruze 1.4L eco motor. I have to agree with each and everyone of you…..ITS A PIECE OF JUNK!! I’m some what of a mechanic and this car is like the domino effect…..one thing after another….you name it!! PCV valve(which is the whole value cover cause the plastic junk is all one piece)…wheel psi sensors going bad more than once….the headlight marker lenes broke for whatever reason so they’re floating around inside the “sealed” headlight assemblies. Numerous AC problems as well….had it worked on twice already. I could keep going but I’m probably going to run out of room. And last but not least the antifreeze!! I’ve noticed it low quiet a few times too it off with Dexcool of course…..not so much as the heater coil leaking(I don’t think) but for whatever reason the coolant temp sensor went bad replaced pretty cheap. But actually what was leaking was the over flow hose coming from the antifreeze jug where it plugs into the “thermostat housing with some kind of piece of junk plastic clip!” Fixed that now about a week later (PLASTIC MIND YOU)……the thermostat housing itself has got a crack in it. So now I have to replace this plastic crap. It cost $70 to $85…….FOR A PIECE OF CHEAP PLASTIC!! And then of course more antifreeze!! Don’t about every body else…..BUT THIS IS ONE PIECE OF JUNK AUTOMOBILE THAT IF I WAS CHEVY……WOULD HAVE NEVER PUT MY BRAND ON. IF SO…..THEN THERE SHOULD BE SOME RECALLS OR LIKE OTHERS ON HERE……LEMON LAW EVERY ONE OF THEM!!
July 19th, 2019 at 10:00 pm
I have replaced the water outlet 3x! The water pump… the turbo coolant line… the reservoir… the water inlet… and EVERY single coolant hoses… and it’s only been 4 years!!! This is absolutely ridiculous!!! How does Chevy get away with this!!!
July 23rd, 2019 at 11:48 am
I have a 2014 cruze LT 1.4 turbocharged
The car leake coolant
I cant figure out from what or where
Please help
July 28th, 2019 at 8:54 am
Have a 2016 cruze kike everybody else leakage in the plastic housing also gas fuel pump not acting properly is this under the lemon law
July 29th, 2019 at 12:37 pm
2016 Chevy Cruze Lt water pump went out and overheated without warning during summer! I had to fix it myself! Dealership wanted $ 75o to fix and no loner vehicle while fixing it after being told it’s covered by warranty, when I get the car their they told me they couldn’t help! They just said trade car in for another! Dealerships just want more money to do either in my opinion! There shou5have been a recall on all Cruze models so it could be checked and replaced
July 30th, 2019 at 4:37 pm
The water/coolant leak went in to the engine, now the engine is dead, but the warranty only covers the replacement of the pump. It is completely unfair. I have so much regret.
August 7th, 2019 at 8:36 am
I have a 2012 Chevy cruze it started over heating after i had it about 4 months i had the thermostat changed and it continued so i had the water plump changed it continued then it jus stopped running i was told it was the computer system so i took it to a Chevy dealership because of the recall on the system they wouldn’t do the recall they said the car was salvaged so now i have a car that the dealer said needs an engine do i qualify for the lemon law
September 13th, 2019 at 7:26 am
Purchased a used 2015 Chevy Cruze from dealership 2 months ago. Needless to say that it began using water and not eating to start up Kelly having to get a jump start with on 40,000 miles on this car it’s now in the shop having diagnostics ran on it. I’ve been to the dealership to return the car twice in which I’m told there’s nothing they can do. Does this apply under the lemon law ?
September 17th, 2019 at 5:31 am
I have a 2016 Chevy Cruze LT. I got the car now going on 2 years now and the recently I had to replace one of the coolant hoses because my car was leaking coolant. Now another hose is leaking coolant am I the only one with this problem?
September 19th, 2019 at 9:22 pm
I have a 2014 Chevy Cruze first I had to get the reservoir fixed then had another leak got the hose fixed now my coolant is leaking again from somewhere! I need help what is the issue with Cruze leaking I called dealership Nissani bros Culver City they keep telling there are no recalls and I don’t have a warranty I need my car fix for or a new car I’m still paying on his car ! Makes no sense very inconvenient!
October 10th, 2019 at 6:17 pm
I have a 2012 Chevy Cruze, I’ve had the water pump changed twice! I had the turbo charge fail! I had my 02 sensors fail! GM Chevy has put over $5000 worth of work on my car and until this day I have the same problems, my car which is now sitting in my driveway has another water pump failure and no longer covered under warranty.
October 21st, 2019 at 8:09 am
I have a 2013 Cruze with the 2.4 engine. I had to replace the temp sensors in 2016 . They just went out again . Seems like every 3 years having to replace sensors. I continue to have to top off the antifreeze. What is it with Chevy. They made a piece of junk when they made the Cruze. Very disappointed.
December 5th, 2019 at 9:09 pm
I have a 2015 Chevy Cruze it has been to the dealer 3x now for coolant issues just 2 months ago they told me it was a hose now in December still smelling antifreeze look under hood to see coolant almost gone after he had me do a coolant flush which was a waste of $259 just to flow out the car now it’s the reservoir which isn’t covered under warranty to be a amount of $560 for a piece of plastic container is this covered under lemon law?
December 8th, 2019 at 11:26 pm
I have the same issue can’t find a coolant leak although I go through 2 gallons of antifreeze a month. Does my car fall under the lemon law
December 12th, 2019 at 4:36 am
My son has a 2013 Chevy Cruze. Dealer covered the water pump for the second time. I noticed 2 more leaks. I’ve ordered a new heater core because I know it’s leaking. There’s antifreeze all around it. I’m also replacing the turbocharger coolant return line and the Dorman 902-846 Engine Coolant Water Outlet. I use aftermarket parts since gm obviously couldn’t get it right the first time. Dorman makes good updated parts to fix the issues so hopefully won’t have to replace them again anytime soon.
December 19th, 2019 at 6:02 pm
I replaced the Water Pump and Thermostat and 3 months later it overheated and the Engine had to be Replaced. A month Later I had to Replace The Lower Coolant Hose and a Plastic Housing.Three weeks Later my engine Overheated and now wont start and needs another major Fix,. I am so at the end of my rope….Brian
February 10th, 2020 at 12:48 pm
I have had my cruze 2016 since 2018 and it was smoothe sailing until about 5 months ago when my engine just kept overheating.. eventually, the turbo broke and the head gasket blew and most likely will need a new Engine 🙁
February 20th, 2020 at 6:02 pm
2013 Chevy Cruze 1.4 LT – New water pump, outlet, upper hose and radiator hoses, new reservoir and new thermostat housing all from autozone. Leak appears after vehicle is heated, driven, then appears during cool down and is isolated to water pump area. I suspect the gasket and the dozen multi length bolts do not allow the unit to seat properly. Have utilized 4 dex cool jugs of antifreeze but no real solution yet. Anyone use a special WP gasket or just more RTV. Mileage is under 80k.
February 28th, 2020 at 10:39 am
I just got my 2011 cruze feb 15th and i already had to take it into the shop for almost 900 dollars of repair. Water pump, thermostat housing, and a coolant leak. Now 3 days later after the fix i have to put more coolant in. Its stated that their mechanic okayed it to be on the lot and nothing was wrong. I dont know what to do. Does this fall under the lemon law?
February 28th, 2020 at 2:15 pm
I own a 2016 Cruze LT. Great car. I have 62.000 miles on it, and have followed the mfg maintenance program. I just had to replace the water pump! Conveniently after the manufacturers drivetrain warranty had expired! Thank heaven I purchased a extended warranty.The service rep at my local dealership told me this is a common problem! with what otherwise is a dependable vehicle. I have not owened a vehicle manufactured after 1979 that has had a water pump failure.
March 19th, 2020 at 9:03 pm
I bought my car April 2012. I have 127k miles never had a problem until the last couple months. Everytime I get into my Chevy Cruz there is an awful smell of antifreeze coming through the vents I have to keep the vents on the floor & my window cracked because the smell is so bad it gives me headaches and makes me very nauseous. It’s not losing any fluids and no leaks.
May 17th, 2020 at 11:10 am
I have purchased a 2015 cruze a little over a year ago amd it has had a coolant leak at the thermostat housing once before. Called the dealer where I got the car no recalls they told me that it wasnt even covered under the warranty. So out of pocket cost to fix. After 3 months the thermostat housing is leaking once again. Also now the a/c will not come on. I have to agree with everyone else on here that the cruze is junk and GM needs to recall every make amd model of the cruze
June 15th, 2020 at 5:50 am
My husband owns a 2014 Cruze and last year 2019 was when this expensive nightmare began. We took the car in to be serviced because of a coolant link. To me it just seemed like a one time repair problem. $650 later the car was fixed and we had the oil changed. Off we went; BARELY 3 months go by and the SAME problem happens again! I tell the husband to stop and take my car because I smelled coolant. So he takes his car over to a shop his father insisted would do good work. Another $600 bill for the SAME ISSUE. In March of this year I was driving to work with his car and the heat was entirely gone. I froze the rest of the way to work, so I open the the hood and the coolant was bone dry upon inspection. This time I’m upset/annoyed this marks the THIRD time he has had this happen. So I make him take it to the GM place to have the car inspected; $1500 later…Assured the problem was fixed.
Now I’m suspecting we have a 4th issue with the coolant leaking all over.
In all my years of owning cars; I have driven 2 to the point the frames broke while driving them. My old 1996 Monte Carlo out-performs the 2014 Chevy Cruze in reliability, dependability, and safety. These repairs add up fast; we cannot keep sinking money into a lemon of a car. You should get more than 6 years out of these ‘newer’ fancy computerized cars.
A 24 year old car that gets regular maintenance puts these ‘modern’ cars to shame!
GM needs to take responsibility for these coolant leak/fan problems and replace them for free with ‘real’ metal parts. Not plastic junk. Along with compensation for the multiple repairs or a voucher towards a new car and trade in on these ‘toy cars’.
June 21st, 2020 at 9:45 am
I’ve had my 2015 Chevy Cruze for 6 months now And it definitely overheats And leaks coolant And had to put in new water pump by the dealership costing $670I Before that over $400 For new hose and radiator flush Which happen 2 weeks before my water pump replacement I also had to fix my electric windows which I did myself for $100 dollars THIS CAR IS NOT ONLY A LEMON But a piece of CRAP!!! Please help me is this covered under the lemon law ?
July 21st, 2020 at 5:34 pm
I have a 2014 Chevy Cruse 1.4L Turbo, I’m having the same issues as other with disappearing coolant. I fixed the thermostat housing and the reservoir tank, the return hose and it just keeps disappearing. No sign of it leaking anywhere! I purchased this car used this year with 65,000 miles on it and I totally regret it. Where do I go from here?
September 1st, 2020 at 10:59 am
2011 Cruze, 141,00 miles. Waterpump failed and replaced just under 100,000 miles. Car has always smelled like coolant through the vents since repair. Turbo failed just after 100,000 – replaced myself. Had to replace overflow tank hose, and now will need to change valve cover for PCV valve. Thermostat housing has now developed a pinhole leak. The chevy cruze has got to be the most unreliable car I have EVER owned.
September 19th, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Just bought a 2017 Chevy Cruze and when I got it home it was leaking coolant going to take it back Monday. 57.000 miles JUNK.
September 29th, 2020 at 11:30 am
Have my 2014 Chevy Cruze, bought in 2017 and it has been the worst since the first year. Catalytic converter.. water pump.. thermostats and all the components.. coolant tank and lines.. cracked engine cover and valves.. over $2k worth of work for things just to keep breaking. Piece of junk stay as far away from this
December 21st, 2020 at 4:59 am
I’ve had random incidents of my 2014 Cruze rough idling and running hot. In October, my serpentine belt shredded, and I had it replaced, I continue to experience overheating and rough idling, now with constant coolant loss, though I can hear the coolant running through the engine. I work remotely so I only drive the car short distances for fear of overheating. I smell coolant inside my car, along with a burning smell. I have also received information from Chevrolet that the air intake valve needs to be replaced, as it is a cause of oil leaks and the rough idling. I contacted the dealership and they want to charge me to check it even though I received the notice and have experienced everything that verified the recall. What do I do?
January 7th, 2021 at 12:18 am
For 30 years all I bought was GM automobiles. I bought a 2008 Impala and put over 250K miles with only regular maintenance . In 2013 I bought my daughter a new Chev Sonic and in 2014 bought myself a new Cruze. Both cars have had so many issues and have cost so much money . The Sonic was parked a year ago repair was going to cost more than the car is worth. Still having anti freeze leaks and overheating with the Cruze. I will never buy another GM car. We have switched to jeeps and Nissan.
February 1st, 2021 at 5:31 pm
I have a 2013 Cruze w/ 68,000 mi. that had slow coolant loss and kept reading that it was overheated but there was never any steam or signs of it. It was reading overheated while stone cold. I Had it towed to dealership(Mark wahlberg)3900 w. Broad St. (Cols, Ohio) Their rep., while admitting the car’s design is flawed proceeded to try to get me for nearly $900 to replace the water outlet and upper hose!! My point is these guys know what they’re doing; they know they’re selling junk, they’re capitalizing from it! Class action lawsuit! That’s what needs to happen.
February 11th, 2021 at 5:32 pm
Purchased 2012 Cruze LT new. Have had a coolant leak twice. Water outlet replaced once. Thermostat and water outlet replaced second time. Camshaft cover replaced three times. Being told it needs a new engine. Such bad design and little to no help from Chevy.
February 17th, 2021 at 4:16 pm
I’ve had my Chevy Cruze since 2016 and after the first I noticed puddles under my engine, and after looking closer I noticed it was anti freeze and I’ve ended up replacing nearly every hose/ part that has to do with the coolant and no matter what fix, it still manages to leak from somewhere
March 31st, 2021 at 1:05 pm
2012 Chevy Cruze, so far, I’ve replaced, the turbo, the thermostat, the pcs valve thing! None under warranty. Since this is the first “new”car I was able to buy in my life I was so excited……what a piece of crap!!! I was raised with chevy’s in the driveway my whole life, but this car and all the problems with no permanent fixes has soured me on ever buying another. LEMON, LEMON, LEMON, LEMON. I won’t buy chevy again!! They’ve lost what would have been a loyal family following and I post about it all the time, telling people, DON’T BUY CHEVY!! Thats a shame because my father had worked for Chevy for 40 years.
April 16th, 2021 at 2:03 pm
I have a 2016 Chevy Cruze LT. I have had 2 coolant leaks in this car that I have fixed in less than a year. the first was the plastic (crap) coolant housing. Just this week I had to replace the water pump and oter cooling components and yes the coolant housing again. I called GM and they refused to help pay any of the repair costs. instead they tried to offer me a 12 month warranty, ok that’s what the dealership offers. Now they are sending a accessories voucher for $250 dollar, well ok but how does that help me recoup the 1200 dollars i spent to fix my car. this happened at 67k miles. GM needs to issue special coverage on the car for this issue. and it should be covered under power train since this is the cooling system we are talking about. DO BETTER GM
April 24th, 2021 at 5:27 am
I have a 2015 Chevy Cruze and I’m having every problem with it. And now I am sure its going to need a water pump and what ever else from over heating.. MY COMPUTER IS ALSO STUCK READING CHECK SKID CONTROL. I just spent 1500 on problems with it. I am recently widowed and needed something reliable, I am sure my husband would have picked something reliable. Thanks to his 03 Ford Ranger I at least have something. But its going on 300,000 miles,great truck. I need this car to be replaced with something that at least has some pain free years to enjoy. What can we do?
November 7th, 2021 at 12:38 pm
we have a 2017 cruze with under 39,000 miles ,have brought it in for th4e 8th time 11-10 -2021 for check engine lite.
November 7th, 2021 at 12:41 pm
we have a 2017 cruze with less than 39,000 miles will bring it in for the 8th time 11-10-2021 for check engine lite.
November 11th, 2021 at 1:21 pm
@Ron: Please give us a call at 800 536 6652 to discuss or visit https://www.lemonlaw.com/rid.html