mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

GM Recalls 292,879 2011-2012 Model Year Chevrolet Cruze Sedans Over Braking Issue

General Motors is recalling nearly 293,000 Chevrolet Cruze sedans produced between the 2011 and 2012 model years. Specifically, only models that were built in Lordstown, Ohio, and feature a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and six-speed automatic transmission combination.

The issue stems from a loss of braking assist, causing drivers to exert more braking effort than normal. It’s said that 27 low-speed crashes have occurred that were related to this issue. GM will notify owners of affected vehicles, and dealers will remove a micro-switch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly and replace the unit at no cost to the owners.

Former staff.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. Why are recalls only for safety issues?

    Reply
  2. Bummer, the Cruze is doing so well too. I hope nothing else comes up in the future.

    Reply
  3. I own a 2011 Cruze and received a text notification from an unknown source, (dealer?). I have experienced this issue many times, reported it to the dealer, but they indicated there was no problem. My experience has primarily been while backing out of my driveway in the morning. There have been a few times where I felt I might not get the car stopped in time. However, the car always stopped, just maybe a short distance further than intended. This has happened at other times too, but not frequently.

    Reply
    1. Yikes… Not Good…

      Reply
    2. Did the Jedi service tech wave his hand in front of your face and say “There is no problem with your vehicle”… Again this is GM’s biggest fail is there dealer network…

      Reply
      1. So if the issue is not tripping any codes or warning lights, and the car doesn’t do it for the tech (since the owner says it is very intermittent), how exactly is a tech suppose to diagnose the issue?

        Its like a plumber trying to find a water leak in a pipe that shows no evidence of a leak and the water is turned off so he can’t see it leaking.

        yeesh!!

        The Cruze has been one of the most dependable cars in its class and as with any car, the longer it is out on the market, the more little things that will come up. Look at Toyota’s issues over the last 3-4 years and yet everyone “love” their Yota’s. Vehicles have over 15,000 pieces and if a manufacturer is 99% bulletproof (which is as close to perfect as possible), that still leaves 150 pieces that could go wrong.

        With the computers/sensors on vehicles these days, try taking your laptop outside in January and leave it on your step for a week in minus 30 weather. Then pick it up and bang it on your knee a couple times. Would you be upset if it didn’t work?

        Yet cars have multiple computer/components, sit in cold, hot, wet, etc weather every day, hit potholes and take a beating and yet we get mad when something doesn’t work, especially when its electronic.

        These aren’t the mechanical cars of the pre-90’s any longer people.

        Reply
  4. SO, Chevrolet Cruze for european market Made in Korea dont share the same components? for the mopment we have no recall here in Europe

    Reply
  5. Follow-up to my previous note: I love my Cruze. Plus, I love GM in general. I’ve owned many! 🙂
    I did not expect the techs to easily diagnose an intermittent electrical problem. I would have liked to see a little more pro-active investigative or reporting effort though. My Chevy dealer has a great service center. You have to remember, this is a brake issue which has apparently led to numerous low-speed incidents. Thankfully, none yet serious. I hope that continues. This cannot really be compared to general consumer electronics, like a laptop, because it relates to vehicle braking. These matters must be taken seriously, always. I’m just glad they have now identified the root cause and they’re doing the right thing.

    Reply
  6. I own a 2012 Chevy Cruze and I noticed the exact same problem as Sean. I brought my car to the dealer for this issue and they could not duplicate it, but told me they replaced the master cylinder, because they suspected it was leaking. I drove it for a while and the problem came back, but this time I couldn’t stop in time and hit a post. The dealer claimed there was nothing wrong with the brakes after running 17 different brake tests on the vehicle. I told them again that this used to happen only after the car had been off and sitting for a couple hours or more (usually in the morning on my way to work or on my way home). I also asked if they were aware of the possible recall for this problem and they said they will look into it. They eventually replaced the micro-switch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly and the unit. However, when I asked them about the minor damage to my bumper the dealership said, “it is not our problem you need to talk to GM and file a claim” After several stressful and aggravating phone calls with the dealership and Chevy I finally got the dealership to agree to fix the damage caused by the faulty brakes. We will see howh that goes. Disappointed GM customer.

    Reply
    1. That’s too bad. Dealerships are independently owned and operated. I wish they had more accountability to the company. I’ve had mixed experiences. In fact, I go to one dealership for sales and another for service. Each to their own strength.
      They should have taken care of the bumper at the same time as the brake repair, but I would venture to guess that GM was still getting their plans fully implemented. Whenever a huge company makes a decision to spend money, the sign-off line can take quite a bit of time. Plus, that’s a tricky one because it’s your word. That damage could have been human error for all they know. They can’t know for sure that it was a direct result of the brake issue. Either way, it sounds like they finally came around. I’m glad you worked it out.

      Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel