2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Chevrolet Cruze.
For oil changes, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 4 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Chevrolet Cruze, torque the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have reported 5 common issues including "PCV Valve Cover Diaphragm Failure and Oil Consumption", "Coolant Leak from Thermostat Housing and Water Outlet" and "Transmission Shudder and Hesitation (6T40)". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (4 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 100 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.
Common problems reported by 2017 Chevrolet Cruze owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
PCV Valve Cover Diaphragm Failure and Oil Consumption
The 1.4L turbo (LE2) engine has an integrated PCV valve built into the valve cover that commonly ruptures its internal diaphragm. When this fails, the engine develops a rough idle, excessive oil consumption, white smoke from the exhaust, and may trigger check engine codes P0171 (lean) and P06DE (crankcase ventilation). This is the single most reported issue on second-generation Cruze models.
Replace the entire valve cover assembly, as the PCV valve is not separately serviceable. GM released an updated valve cover design (part 25198874) with an improved diaphragm. Reference GM TSB 18-NA-305 for diagnostic procedures.
Est. Cost: $250 - $500Coolant Leak from Thermostat Housing and Water Outlet
The plastic thermostat housing and water outlet on the 1.4L turbo are prone to cracking and leaking coolant externally. Owners notice a sweet coolant smell, low coolant warnings, puddles under the vehicle, and in severe cases overheating. The plastic becomes brittle with heat cycles and often fails between 40,000 and 80,000 miles.
Replace the thermostat housing and water outlet with the updated GM parts. Some owners opt for aftermarket aluminum replacements for better long-term durability. Inspect the coolant surge tank for cracks at the same time, as it frequently fails concurrently.
Est. Cost: $200 - $500Transmission Shudder and Hesitation (6T40)
The 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission develops a noticeable shudder during light acceleration between 25-45 mph, similar to driving over rumble strips. The torque converter clutch slips and causes a vibration that worsens over time. Some owners also report delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse.
A transmission fluid flush with the updated Dexron HP ATF may temporarily resolve the shudder. Persistent cases require torque converter replacement. Reference GM TSB 18-NA-355 for torque converter shudder diagnosis. Complete transmission replacement may be necessary if internal clutch damage has occurred.
Est. Cost: $150 (fluid flush) - $2,500 (torque converter or transmission replacement)Turbocharger Wastegate Actuator Failure
The turbo wastegate actuator rod on the 1.4L turbo can seize or fail, causing boost control issues. Symptoms include a check engine light with codes P0299 (underboost) or P0234 (overboost), reduced engine power, a rattling noise from the turbo area at idle, and poor acceleration. The wastegate can also stick open, eliminating boost entirely.
Replace the turbocharger assembly, as the wastegate actuator is not separately serviceable on this unit. Some aftermarket suppliers offer rebuilt turbos at reduced cost. Reference GM TSB 16-NA-076 for turbocharger noise and performance diagnosis.
Est. Cost: $800 - $1,800Coolant Surge Tank Cracking
The plastic coolant surge tank (expansion tank) develops hairline cracks along the seams, causing slow coolant leaks and low coolant level warnings. The tank is located on the passenger side of the engine bay and often leaks only when the system is pressurized and hot, making the crack difficult to find visually. This is extremely common across the entire second-generation Cruze lineup.
Replace the coolant surge tank and cap. The part is inexpensive and the repair is straightforward. Inspect the rest of the cooling system (thermostat housing, water outlet, hoses) at the same time, as multiple cooling components tend to fail around the same mileage.
Est. Cost: $100 - $250