2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Engine oil leaks2.9× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  25.6% All 2010 cars

  8.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2010 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.

• Exhaust system1.9× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  13.5% All 2010 cars

  7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Engine warning light3.3× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  6.5% All 2010 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.5%, against 2% of all 2010 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.2× usual
  Chevrolet Cruze

  5.6% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.6%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  33% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  27% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  27% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  15% 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 an engine warning light.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol

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 2.9× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2010 Chevrolet Cruze petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?