2013 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Engine oil leaks4× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  17.8% All 2013 cars

  4.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Coil springs2× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  15.2% All 2013 cars

  7.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 10.6%, against 3.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Sidelights2.5× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  9.2% All 2013 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3.3% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Number plate lights1.9× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  10.8% All 2013 cars

  5.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 1.7% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Exhaust system2.3× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  9.1% All 2013 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.2% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2013 Chevrolet Cruze MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Chevrolet Cruze MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Brakes
  28% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Suspension
  22% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Exhaust and emissions
  12% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the sidelights? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?