Chevrolet Cruze Recall Includes Two Major Issues

After issuing a recall for every Cruze that has been produced, it turns out that there are two problems plaguing the Chevrolet-built car, not just the one we originally reported.

The first, and larger of the two issues, is a problem with fluids hitting the engine heat shield, which gets extremely hot, potentially causing an engine fire. Engine oil is the first liquid that may hit the shield, a problem stemming from the engine bay configuration that increases a fire’s likelihood after an improperly-performed oil change. The company also reports that manual transmission equipped Cruzes are prone to transmission fluid leaks after the clutch receives sufficient wear. This hot transmission fluid has also been hitting the heat shield which can cause a blaze.

The other major issue affects a confirmed 249 of the vehicles out of a possible 53,239 units. Welds on secondary gas tank brackets have been omitted, allowing the gas tank to come loose in collisions, increasing the risk of fire.

Chevy dealers will be assessing the cars as they are brought in to determine which of the repairs are necessary on a per-vehicle basis. Expect to wait about 30 minutes for the heat shield fix and up to three hours if your Cruze needs new welds. For more info, you can contact the NHTSA safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236.