Just like any other car, Chevy Cruze is not immune to issues and maintenance needs. One common issue that some Chevy Cruze owners have experienced is an oil leak.
An oil leak can be a cause for concern, especially if left untreated. It can lead to potential engine damage and affect the overall performance of your car.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Chevy Cruze oil leak, including its common causes and possible solutions.
What causes oil leak in Chevy Cruze?
There are a few potential causes for an oil leak in your Chevy Cruze. One of the most common reasons is wear and tear on the gaskets and seals in your engine. Over time, these components can become worn or damaged, leading to leaks.
Here is a list of other possible causes for your Chevy Cruze oil leak:
- Worn or damaged gaskets and seals.
- Loose or improperly installed oil filters.
- Cracked oil pan.
- Faulty valve cover gasket.
- Degraded oil cooler lines.
- Damaged or old oil drain plug.
- Excessive engine vibrations.
- Misaligned or damaged oil pan gasket.
- Improperly tightened oil filter housing.
- High internal pressure within the engine.
Worn or damaged gaskets and seals
The gaskets and seals in your engine are responsible for keeping the oil contained within. Over time, they can become worn or damaged, leading to leaks. This is a common issue with older vehicles or those that have been driven for high mileage.
Gaskets and seals act as barriers between different engine components, preventing oil leaks.
They can be found in various locations throughout the engine, including the valve cover, oil pan, and oil filter housing.
Reasons: Some possible reasons for wear and tear on gaskets and seals include exposure to high temperatures, chemical breakdown from old engine oil, and debris buildup. Regular maintenance and oil changes can help prevent this issue.
Symptom/sign: A common symptom of a gasket or seal leak is the presence of oil puddles or spots under your parked Chevy Cruze. You may also notice a burning oil smell coming from your engine while driving, indicating that the leaking oil is making contact with hot engine parts.
Additionally, you may experience a decrease in engine performance and fuel efficiency due to low oil levels caused by the leak.
Self-inspect: To check for leaks from gaskets or seals, you can visually inspect them during oil changes or regular maintenance. Look for signs of wear or damage on the gaskets and seals themselves, as well as any oil residue around them.
Error code: Another indication of a gasket or seal leak is the appearance of an error code on your Chevy Cruze’s onboard diagnostic system. This could be due to reduced oil pressure caused by the leak, triggering sensors in the engine and resulting in an error code.
Some possible error codes that may be related to worn or damaged gaskets and seals include
- P0171 (System Too Lean)
- P0174 (System Too Lean Bank 2)
- P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected)
- P0301-P0312 (Cylinder 1-12 Misfire Detected).
These codes can indicate issues with fuel delivery, combustion, and engine performance.
Solutions: If you suspect a gasket or seal leak in your Chevy Cruze, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your engine.
Depending on the location of the leak, repairs may involve replacing the affected gasket or seal, cleaning out any debris buildup, and ensuring proper installation and sealing.
Loose or improperly installed oil filters
In some cases, the oil leak could be caused by a loose or improperly installed oil filter. This can happen when the filter is not tightened enough during an oil change or if it becomes dislodged while driving.
If you see visible oil leaking from the area around your oil filter, it is important to stop driving and have your vehicle towed to a mechanic for inspection and repair. Continuing to drive with a loose or dislodged oil filter can result in significant engine damage.
An oil filter is a component in your vehicle that removes impurities and contaminants from the engine oil. It is typically located near the engine, usually on the side or bottom of the engine block.
Reasons: There are various reasons that may cause an oil filter to become loose or dislodged. One of the most common reasons is human error during an oil change.
If the person performing the oil change does not properly secure the filter, it can loosen over time and eventually lead to a leak.
Additionally, if your vehicle experiences rough driving conditions or hits large bumps or potholes, the filter may become dislodged.
Symptom/sign: One of the telltale signs that your Chevy Cruze may have an oil filter issue is if you notice a puddle of oil underneath your car while parked. This could indicate that the filter is loose or dislodged and leaking oil.
Other symptoms may include low oil pressure warning lights, engine knocking or ticking noises, and reduced engine performance due to lack of proper lubrication.
Self-inspecting: If you suspect that your Chevy Cruze may have a loose or dislodged oil filter, it is important to inspect the area around the filter before taking it to a mechanic.
You can start by checking for any visible signs of oil leakage and ensuring that the filter is secure and not visibly loose.
Error code: Loose or improperly installed oil filters may also trigger error codes in your vehicle’s computer system. These codes can range from low oil pressure warnings to engine misfires, and can potentially lead to more serious issues if not addressed promptly.
Basic Troubleshooting: If you find that the oil filter is indeed loose or dislodged, the first step is to tighten it as much as possible. This may solve the issue and prevent any further oil leakage.
Here is the step-by-step on how to tighten oil filters on Chevy Cruze:
- Open the hood of your Chevy Cruze and locate the oil filter, which is typically located near the front of the engine.
- Use a wrench to loosen the oil filter by turning it counterclockwise. This will allow you to remove the filter from its housing.
- Inspect the seal on the old oil filter for any damage or wear and tear. If it looks damaged, replace it with a new one.
- Apply a thin layer of fresh oil to the rubber seal on the new filter before installing it.
- Carefully screw the new filter back into its housing by turning it clockwise. Make sure not to over-tighten as this can cause damage to the seal and potentially lead to another oil leak.
- Double check that the filter is securely in place and then close the hood of your car.
- Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off and check for any signs of oil leakage.
- If there are no visible leaks, you have successfully tightened the oil filter on your Chevy Cruze.
It is important to tighten the oil filter securely, but not too tight.
A general rule of thumb is to use your hand to tighten it as much as you can and then give it a quarter turn with a wrench.
This ensures that the filter will not loosen while driving, but also avoids damaging the seal. So always make sure to check for leaks after tightening the oil filter to ensure that it is not too loose or too tight.
If tightening the filter doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to replace it altogether. Make sure to use the correct type and size of filter for your Chevy Cruze to ensure proper installation.
Solutions: There are a few different solutions to address an oil leak in your Chevy Cruze. The first step is to determine the source of the leak, whether it be from a loose oil filter or a damaged seal.
If tightening the oil filter doesn’t solve the issue, replacing it with a new one may be necessary.
In some cases, the leak could be coming from a damaged or worn gasket, which would require replacement. It’s also important to regularly check and change your engine oil as recommended by your vehicle’s manual to prevent any potential leaks.
Cracked oil pan
In some cases, a cracked oil pan may be the cause of an oil leak in your Chevy Cruze. This can happen due to road debris or hitting something on the road, causing damage to the pan.
The oil pan is a metal container located at the bottom of the engine that holds and contains the engine oil. It is typically attached to the bottom of the engine block and sealed with a gasket to prevent leaks.
The location of the oil pan may vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle, but it is usually towards the front or middle of the engine.
There are a few reasons why an oil pan may crack and cause an oil leak in your Chevy Cruze.
Reasons: One common reason is hitting road debris, such as rocks or potholes, which can cause damage to the bottom of the engine and lead to a cracked oil pan.
Another reason could be poor maintenance, such as not regularly changing your engine oil or neglecting to check for any potential damage or wear and tear on the oil pan.
Additionally, extreme temperature changes or over-tightening of the oil drain plug can also cause a cracked oil pan.
Symptom/sign: If you have a cracked oil pan in your Chevy Cruze, you may notice an oil leak underneath your vehicle. The leaking oil can be seen as dark spots or puddles on the ground where your car is parked.
You may also notice a burning smell while driving due to the leaked oil coming into contact with hot engine components.
Additionally, low levels of engine oil and an illuminated oil pressure warning light on your dashboard may indicate a potential oil leak from the pan.
Self-inspect: Before taking your car to a technician, you can do a quick self-inspection by visually checking the bottom of your engine for any visible cracks or damage to the oil pan. You can also check the level and colour of your engine oil to see if there are any signs of leaks.
Error code: A cracked oil pan may sometimes trigger an error code in your Chevy Cruze’s On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) system. This code, also known as P0230, indicates a fuel pump primary circuit malfunction and can be caused by a cracked oil pan leaking onto the fuel pump wiring harness.
Basic troubleshooting: If the damage to your oil pan is minimal and you catch it early, there are a few steps you can take to temporarily fix the issue before taking your car to a technician.
These include using an epoxy or patch kit specifically designed for repairing engine oil pans or using a high-temperature sealant around the affected area.
However, these methods are only temporary fixes and may not provide a long-term solution.
Solutions: It is recommended to seek professional help for repairing or replacing a cracked oil pan in your Chevy Cruze. A mechanic will be able to properly assess the damage and determine if a replacement is necessary.
They will also ensure proper installation of the new oil pan, preventing any further oil leaks.
Faulty valve cover gasket
Another common cause of oil leaks in Chevy Cruzes is a faulty valve cover gasket. This gasket seals the valve cover to the engine and can become worn or damaged over time.
The valve cover gasket is a rubber or cork seal that sits between the valve cover and the engine. It is located on the top of the engine, typically near the spark plugs. Its purpose is to keep oil from leaking out of the engine and onto other components.
Reasons: There are several reasons why a valve cover gasket may fail in a Chevy Cruze.
One of the most common causes is simply wear and tear over time. As the engine runs, the gasket can become brittle and crack, allowing oil to seep through.
Another potential reason is improper installation of the gasket during previous repairs or maintenance. If it is not installed correctly, it may not create a proper seal and lead to leaking.
Extreme temperatures can also affect the gasket’s integrity, causing it to shrink or expand and lose its sealing abilities.
Additionally, the buildup of debris or oil sludge can put pressure on the gasket and cause it to fail.
Symptom/sign: If you notice an oil leak near the top of your engine, it may be due to a faulty valve cover gasket. You may also experience a burning smell coming from the engine compartment, as the leaking oil can drip onto hot engine components and cause a burning odor.
Self-inspecting: If you suspect your Chevy Cruze may have a faulty valve cover gasket, there are some steps you can take to self-inspect before bringing it to a technician.
First, open the hood of your car and locate the valve cover – it should be on top of the engine and have several bolts holding it in place. Check for any visible signs of oil leakage around the edges of the cover and along the gasket.
Next, wipe off any excess oil and start the engine. Look for any smoke or fumes coming from the valve cover area, as this could indicate a leak. You can also use a flashlight to check underneath the cover and see if there is any oil pooling on top of the engine.
If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your Chevy Cruze has a faulty valve cover gasket and should be inspected by a professional technician.
Error code: In some cases, a faulty valve cover gasket on a Chevy Cruze may trigger an error code in the car’s computer system. This code is usually related to a loss of oil pressure or a misfire in one of the engine cylinders.
Some possible error codes that may be triggered by a faulty valve cover gasket on a Chevy Cruze include
- P0171 (System Too Lean Bank 1)
- P0300 (Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected)
- P0523 (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Voltage)
However, it is important to note that these error codes can also be caused by other issues within the car’s engine.
Solutions: If your technician confirms that the issue is indeed a faulty valve cover gasket, there are a few repair options available.
The most common solution is to replace the gasket entirely, which involves removing the valve cover, cleaning the surface, and reinstalling a new gasket. This repair can range in cost depending on your location and the labor rates of the mechanic you choose.
Another option is to use a sealant product, which can temporarily fix small leaks in the gasket. However, this is not a permanent solution and may lead to more significant issues down the line. It is always best to replace the gasket for a long-term fix.
Degraded oil cooler lines
Another common source of oil leaks in Chevy Cruzes is the degraded oil cooler lines. These are metal lines that run from the engine to the radiator and can become corroded over time, leading to leaks.
The oil cooler lines are located near the engine and radiator, typically on the driver’s side of the vehicle. They serve to cool down the hot oil that comes out of the engine before it reaches the radiator for further cooling.
Reasons: These lines can become corroded due to exposure to heat, vibration, and other environmental factors. Once they start leaking, it is essential to replace them to prevent further damage to the engine.
Symptom/sign: The most obvious symptom of degraded oil cooler lines is visible oil leaks under the vehicle, especially near the front driver’s side. You may also notice a decrease in engine performance and higher than usual oil consumption.
Error codes: If your vehicle has a check engine light on, you may see a code related to oil pressure or temperature. It is crucial to have these codes checked by a mechanic to determine the root cause of the issue.
- P0181: Fuel Temperature Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Range/Performance
- P0522: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch Low Voltage
- P0523: Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch High Voltage
Basic troubleshooting: If the oil leak is minor and not causing any performance issues, you can try using a sealant specifically designed for oil leaks. This temporary fix may buy you some time before having to replace the degraded oil cooler lines.
It is essential to note that this is only a temporary solution and should not be considered a permanent fix. It is still necessary to have the lines replaced as soon as possible to avoid any potential engine damage.
Solutions: If your Chevy Cruze has a leak due to degraded oil cooler lines, it is necessary to have them replaced by a certified mechanic. This involves draining the oil and coolant, removing the old lines, and installing new ones.
The cost of this repair can range from $200 to $500, depending on the extent of the damage and labor costs. While it may seem like a costly repair, it is necessary to prevent further damage and ensure the longevity of your engine.
Damaged or old oil drain plug
Another potential cause of an oil leak in your Chevy Cruze could be a damaged or old oil drain plug.
The oil drain plug is a small bolt located on the bottom of the engine oil pan.
Its purpose is to allow for easy drainage of old oil during an oil change. If this plug becomes damaged or worn out, it can lead to an oil leak.
Reasons: Over time, the threads on the plug can become stripped or worn out, causing it to loosen and allow oil to leak out.
Symptom/sign: Signs of a damaged or old oil drain plug may include visible damage to the plug, oil pooling underneath the car, or low oil levels despite recently changing the oil.
Error codes: There are no specific error codes associated with a damaged or old oil drain plug.
Basic troubleshooting: If you suspect that your oil leak is due to a damaged or old oil drain plug, the first step would be to visually inspect the plug for any signs of damage.
If there is visible damage, it will need to be replaced. Additionally, if the plug feels loose when tightened, it may also need replacing.
Solution: In this case, the best solution is to replace the damaged or old oil drain plug with a new one. This is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix that can be done by a certified mechanic during an oil change service.
It is essential to address this issue as soon as possible to prevent any further oil leaks and potential engine damage.
FAQs
How much does it cost to fix an oil leak on a Chevy Cruze?
The cost of fixing an oil leak on a Chevy Cruze can vary depending on the cause and severity of the leak. In the case of a damaged or old oil drain plug, it may be as simple as replacing the plug itself, which typically costs around $20-$30 for the part.
However, if the leak is due to more significant issues such as a faulty gasket or seal, the cost can range anywhere from $150-$500.
Chevy Cruze oil leak recall
It is worth noting that there have been reports of oil leaks in previous models of the Chevy Cruze, specifically the 2011 and 2012 models.
In response to these reports, General Motors issued a recall for over 475,000 vehicles to address potential engine compartment fires caused by leaking oil.