Recalls: Holden JH Cruze
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Holden JH Cruze
2010-11 Holden JH Cruze Diesel: drive shaft may separate
In July 2014, a recall was issued for Australian-manufactured JH Cruze vehicles that had 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines, automatic transmissions and were manufactured between 19 October 2010 and 9 May 2011. In these vehicles, the right hand drive shaft may separate due to over-extension in certain conditions – this may result in a loss of drive, posing an accident hazard to occupants and other road users. The recalled JH Cruze vehicles had VINs in the range 6G1PE5EYXBL500241 to 6G1PE5EY5BL548505 (PRA 2014/14199).
2010-11 Holden JH Cruze manual: park brake may not be applied
In May 2015, a recall was issued for Holden JH Cruze sedans and hatchbacks that had manual transmissions and self-adjusting park brake systems. If the park brake lever was not applied as far as possible and the brakes were at a sufficiently elevated temperature, it is possible that vehicle may move after it has been parked – this could pose a risk or injury to persons or damage to property. The recalled JH Cruze vehicles were manufactured from 25 June 2010 to 1 December 2011 and had VINs in the range 6G1PE5E83BL500047 to 6G1PE6E8XCL619558 (PRA 2015/14708).
2011-12 Holden JH Cruze Turbo: reducedbraking performance
In August 2013, a recall was issued for JH Cruze vehicles that were fitted with 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines, automatic transmissions and manufactured between 22 February 2011 and 8 June 2012. In these vehicles, the supplementary electric vacuum pump may not work when the engine is cold. If this occurred, the braking performance of the vehicle would be reduced, posing a potential crash hazard. The recalled Holden JH Cruze vehicles had VINs in the range 6G1 PD5E80BL 518864 to 6G1 PE6E8XCL 661387 (PRA 2013/13702).
2011-13 Holden JH Cruze Turbo: fire hazard
In June 2012, a recall was issued for Holden JH Cruze vehicles that were fitted with 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines. In these vehicles, oil could spill onto the lower air deflector; if the oil were to come into contact with hot engine components, the exhaust manifold or catalytic converter, a fire could result (PRA 2012/13189).The recalled Holden JH Cruze vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- 2012 ‘model year’: 6G1P#6E8#CL600043 to 6G1P#6E8#CL623659; and,
- 2013 ‘model year’: 6G1P##E8#DL800001 to 6G1P##E8#DL801674.
2012-14 Holden JH Cruze 1.8i: driveshaft may fracture
In September 2013 (PRA 2013/13753) and April 2014 (PRA 2014/14039), recalls were issued for JH Cruze vehicles that had 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, manual transmissions and VINs in the range 6G1PD5E50DL814248 to 6G1PD6EMXEL968206. In these vehicles, the right-hand tubular driveshaft may fracture – if this occurred, all drive power would be lost, thereby posing a hazard to the driver and other road users. The build dates for these vehicles were as follows:
- 2013 ‘Model Year’: 18th October 2012 to 5th March 2013; and,
- 2014 ‘Model Year’: 18th March 2013 to 7th March 2014.
2010-13 model year Holden JG/JH Cruze: Takata airbag recall
In June 2018, August 2018 and August 2019, recalls were issued for 2010-13 model year Holden JG/JH Cruze vehicles. The Takata driver’s airbag in these vehicles contained propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision which triggered the driver’s airbag, excessive internal pressure could cause the metal airbag inflator housing to explode. This, in turn, would cause the metal fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16856.
Problems and faults: Holden JH Cruze
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
2011-13 Holden JH Cruze: GF6/6T40 automatic transmission failure
In November 2016, General motors initiated Special Coverage program 2022640 ZDSPP for 2011-13 Holden JH Cruze vehicles – with 1.8-litre petrol (2HO), 1.4-litre turbo petrol (LUJ) or 2.0-litre diesel (LLW/LNP) engines – that had six-speed GF6/6T40 automatic transmissions. According to the Special Coverage program, these vehicles may exhibit the following symptoms:
- Unable to engage reverse;
- Unable to engage forward gears;
- Slip or flare (i.e. engine speed increases without increase in vehicle speed) in forward or reverse gears;
- Illumination of the malfunction indicator light (MIL);
- Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0776 found as an active or a history code in the Transmission Control Module (TCM); and,
- Loss of forward motion while driving.
If the transmission was diagnosed as needing only a component of the transmission to be replaced – such as the input/output speed sensor, TEHCM (Transmission Electro-Hydraulic Control Module), valve body, torque converter, torque converter seal or driveshaft seal – then only that component was to be replaced.
Where, however, diagnostic procedures confirmed a failed transmission and the transmission assembly needed to be replaced, then this repair was covered by the Special Coverage program for a period of five (5) years or 150,000 kilometres, whichever occurred first, from the date the vehicle first entered service, regardless or ownership.
2014-16 model year Holden JH Cruze 1.8i: cracked cylinder head
In September 2017, General Motors issued Special Coverage Program A172110231-ZSPP for 2014-16 model year Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 1.8-litre LUW petrol engines. In these vehicles, the cylinder head could crack and cause the following symptoms –
- Rough engine running (misfires);
- Engine overheating and illumination of the instrument cluster warning light;
- Low coolant levels; and,
- Deterioration of the throttle body heater inlet pipe.
To fix, the cylinder head, throttle body heater inlet pipe and associated components were to be replaced. For these vehicles, Holden provided an extended warranty of six years or 120,000 kilometres, whichever occurred first, from when the vehicle entered service.
2011-15 model year Holden Cruze: loose negative battery cable and loss of power steering
In June 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin 14311B for 2011-15 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles; in Australia, the equivalent model was sold as the Holden Cruze. In these vehicles, the negative battery cable terminal clamp may have had an insufficient crimp at the negative battery terminal. Over time, internal resistance could increase such that electrical systems would not receive adequate power. If this occurred,
- Power steering assistance may be lost such that greater effort would be needed to turn the steering wheel;
- The radio/HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) display may turn off and on;
- Messages for the ABS, traction control, electronic stability control may come on and off;
- The turn signal may not be heard;
- The ‘Battery Saver active’ and ‘Service Steering’ messages may appear in the Driver Information Centre (DIC); and,
- The interior and exterior lighting may flicker.
To fix, the negative battery cable was to be replaced and a bolt was to fasten the small regulated voltage cable. In the USA, General Motors extended warranty coverage for this condition to ten years or 120,000 kilometres from the date the vehicle entered service, whichever came first.
2011-14 model year Holden Cruze: steering wheel resistance moving off-centre
In June 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin 14232A for 2011-14 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles; in Australia, the equivalent model was sold as the Holden Cruze. After driving long distances on a straight road, the steering wheel may exhibit increased resistance to moving off-centre due to increased friction in the steering system. While the steering wheel could be turned in this condition, increased effort would be required. To fix,
- The steering gear was to be replaced on pre-2012 model year vehicles; or,
- The power steering control module was to be re-programmed on 2013-14 model year vehicles.
In the USA, General Motors extended warranty coverage for this condition to ten years or 150,000 kilometres from the date the vehicle entered service, whichever came first.
Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi (turbo): whistle/chirp noise from engine bay
In February 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin PI1297B for 2013-15 ‘model year’ Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines. According to the Service Bulletin, the driver may notice a whistle or chirp noise from the engine area after the vehicle had warmed up and there were four possible causes:
- A vacuum leak at the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) control valve. To fix, the camshaft cover assembly was to be replaced (see below);
- A vacuum leak, most likely at the front crankshaft seal. For this cause, the whistling/chirp noise may head for up to 10 seconds after the engine was shut off due to the vacuum in the engine crankcase equalising with atmospheric pressure. To fix, the front crankshaft seal was to be replaced;
- A whistling noise from the water pump due to:
- Low coolant with air moving through the system;
- A noisy water pump bearing (indicated by a rattle or growl noise); or,
- The coolant shaft seal (indicated by a higher-pitched whine noise, typically heard at idle when the engine was warm).
- Drive belt or belt tensioner.
Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi: valve cover replacement
For the Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi, the valve/camshaft cover contains the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system. It may be necessary to replace the camshaft cover due to:
- A split in the PCV valve diaphragm; or,
- A rupture of the spring-loaded PCV disc. If this disc fails, the PCV draws oil from the crankcase since it is no longer sealed.
Symptoms of a ruptured PCV valve diaphragm include:
- The engine running rough at idle after turning the air conditioning off or on;
- Sluggish acceleration;
- Harsh gearshifts on low gears;
- Hard starting; and,
- Engine fault codes such as P1101, P0171, P013F or P0507.
Due to its high rate of failure, which often occurs before 80,000 kilometres, the camshaft cover was subsequently redesigned. The redesigned cover – GM part number 55573746, including gaskets and bolts pre-assembled – could be identified by its ramped vent.
For instructions on replacing the camshaft cover, please see Cruze Talk: How To Replace Valve/Camshaft Cover.
2011-14 model year Holden JH Cruze Diesel: oil leak from engine cover
In May 2017, General Motors issued Special Coverage Program A162069130-ZSPP for 2011-14 model year Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 2.0-litre diesel engines. In these vehicles, an engine oil leak may be detected from the front engine cover and the upper oil pan interface. To fix:
- The front timing cover was to be re-sealed; and,
- The lower oil pan was to be re-sealed.
For these repairs, however, the engine had to be removed from the vehicle and the engine mounted on a stand so that it could be inverted. For the Holden JH Cruze, warranty coverage for this problem was extended to six years or 120,000 kilometres, whichever occurred first, from the date the vehicle entered service.
2011-16 Holden JH Cruze Diesel: coolant flushing due to engine oil contamination
General Motors issued a technical service bulletin for 2011-2016 model year Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 2.0-litre LNP diesel engines. In these vehicles, the engine oil cooler may have been damaged by a machined chip and this could cause engine oil to leak inside the engine oil cooler and contaminate the coolant. To fix, the engine coolant needed to be flushed.
Holden Cruze Diesel: DPF regeneration
For Holden Cruze models with turbo-diesel engines, the vehicle may enter “limp home” mode if the diesel particulate filter (DPF) becomes clogged. To initiate the DPF’s automatic regeneration, the Holden Cruze requires sustained running with engine speeds above 2000 rpm.
2011-14 Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi: coolant leak from water pump
In January 2015, General Motors issued Service Bulletin 14371B for 2011-14 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles that had 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines; the equivalent vehicle for the Australian market was the Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi.
In these vehicles, the water pump may leak coolant from the weep reservoir or from the water pump shaft seal, causing coolant to drip onto the engine or onto the ground. Over time, the loss of coolant would reduce cooling performance and could lead to engine overheating. If not corrected, the ‘Service Engine’ indicator light may illuminate, an ‘Engine Hot, AC Off’ message may appear and the vehicle may enter ‘limp home’ mode which reduced engine power. To fix, the water pump was to be replaced.
In September 2017, General Motors issued Special Coverage Adjustment A172110251-ZSPP specifically for 2012-14 model year Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi vehicles. The warranty for these vehicles was extended to six years or 120,000 kilometres, whichever came first, from the date the vehicle entered service. This, however, was inferior to the ten year or 240,000 kilometre warranty offered in the USA.
2012-13 Holden JH Cruze 1.8i and 1.4 iTi: engine vibration when stationary
In September 2014, General Motors issued Service Bulletin PI0928C for 2012-13 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles that had automatic transmissions and were manufactured prior to 1 August 2013. The equivalent vehicles for the Australian market were the Holden JH Cruze 1.8i and 1.4 iTi.
In these vehicles, the driver may notice a bump sensation, a surge or an engine vibration when the vehicle was stationary, the engine was idling, their foot was on the brake and the transmission was in ‘Drive’. According to the service bulleting, this condition may be caused by:
- The ‘Neutral Idle’ feature of the transmission which shifted into neutral in certain conditions; and,
- Variation in the 1-2-3-4 clutch fibre plates.
Once verified, the clutch fibre plates were to be replaced by a plate kit (part number 24268545) which contained two clutch fibre plates.
2012-13 Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi: malfunction indicator lamp and DTC P0299
In December 2014, General Motors issued Service Bulletin PI1366 for 2011-14 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles that had 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engines. The equivalent model for the Australian market was the Holden JH Cruze 1.4 iTi.
In these vehicles, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may illuminate and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0299 ‘Engine Underboost’ may be logged. According to the bulletin, this code may be logged due to the loss of wastegate preload. Some wear in the wastegate actuator rod end to pin joint was considered normal and wear in this joint did not affect performance provided preload was maintained.
If, however, preload was insufficient – established if the wastegate pivot lever could be wiggled back and forth with little effort while the actuator rod remained static – then turbocharger was to be replaced.
2014 model year Holden JH Cruze 1.6 Turbo: engine thermostat and overheating
In May 2017, General Motors issued Service Update Bulletin A162072290-ZSUB for 2014 model year Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engines (RPO code LLU). According to this service update bulletin, the vehicle may exhibit the following symptoms:
- The cooling fan running after the engine had been switched off;
- Engine overheating;
- High readings on the temperature gauge;
- Illumination of the ‘check engine’ light; and,
- Thermally stressed engine components.
These symptoms were attributed to abnormal heating resistance in the engine thermostat/thermostat housing. To fix, the engine thermostat housing was to be replaced.
Holden JH Cruze 1.6 Turbo: leak from turbocharger coolant return hose
In December 2016, General Motors issued Service Update Bulletin E150210 ZSUB for 2014-16 model year Holden JH Cruze vehicles that had 1.6-litre turbocharged engines (RPO code LLU). In these vehicles, temperatures in the engine compartment could exceed the temperatures that the coolant hose was designed for. This heat could damage the turbocharger coolant return hose and cause coolant to leak. To fix, the turbocharger coolant return hose was to be replaced.
Holden JH Cruze: other problems and faults
- The air conditioning may stop working due to a hole in the air conditioning condenser caused by debris entering the front grille.
- The plastic shields in each wheel arch are prone to splitting.
