2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L Petrol · BJ61 CLY
2011 Chevrolet Cruze (1.6L, petrol). First registered 01 Oct 2011. Recorded mileage 111,854 miles. MOT valid until 05 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2026. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- CHEVROLET CRUZE
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Birmingham
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 05 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 111,854 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.6L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Outstanding Safety Recall Notice
Action RequiredOfficial DVSA telemetry indicates this vehicle has an unaddressed manufacturer safety recall. Remedial repairs are legally required to be carried out 100% free of charge by an authorised main dealer.
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
BJ61 CLY Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2026
- 111,854 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- 2 defects noted at the latest MOT
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
BJ61 CLY MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2011 Chevrolet Cruze (BJ61 CLY) between August 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 07 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (2 issues), Suspension (1 issue), Tyres (1 issue), Exhaust & Emissions (1 issue). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 2 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Rear Coil spring fractured or broken (5.3.1 (b) (i))”; “Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”; “Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))”.
BJ61 CLY Mileage History
- 24/08/2023106,749 mi
- 29/08/2024108,631 mi+1,882 mi
- 29/08/2024108,641 mi+10 mi
- 11/08/2025110,256 mi+1,615 mi
- 07/07/2026111,854 mi+1,598 mi
Average of roughly 1,779 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Chevrolet Cruze
Our database tracks 4 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is a reasonable buy if priced accordingly, but budget for minor exhaust and tyre work soon. Its MOT history shows a single failure in 2024 that was promptly corrected the same day, with clean passes since.
When viewing this Chevrolet, ask for proof that the 2024 failed items were properly repaired — the Offside Rear coil spring fracture and both headlamp aims were addressed on 29 August 2024, and the car then passed, so inspect the rear suspension and headlight alignment yourself. Request full service history; with no model aggregate reliability data available, a stamped book is the best evidence of care for this 1598cc petrol unit. Use the noted minor exhaust leak and tyre cracking as negotiation points, as both are advisory items likely needing attention within a year.
The 1.6 petrol Cruze typically returns modest fuel economy for its class; expect around 40-45 mpg in mixed driving, keeping weekly fuel costs moderate for a 111k-mile commuter. Road tax for a 2011 petrol car of this size is usually in the lower bands, likely £200-£250 per year, and insurance should sit in a low-to-mid group given the car's age and value. Routine maintenance such as tyres, brakes, and the noted exhaust leak repair may cost £300-£500 annually on top of fuel and tax, with no major model-specific expensive faults shown in the data.
Check the exhaust system closely for the minor gas leak noted at the July 2026 MOT — a small weld or joint repair may be needed before the next test. Inspect the Offside Front tyre for the cracking/perishing flagged and measure tread depth; replace if below 3mm or visibly aged. Verify the Offside Rear coil spring replaced after the 2024 failure is in good condition and listen for suspension knocks, and confirm both headlamps still aim correctly after the prior low-aim issue.
The grey 1.6-litre petrol Cruze (BJ61CLY) has covered 111,854 miles as of its July 2026 MOT, which is typical for a 14-year-old family car. It passed its most recent test with only a minor exhaust gas leak and a slightly perishing front tyre noted. The 2024 failure for broken rear coil spring and low headlamp aim was rectified on the same date, and the three subsequent passes recorded no defects.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Chevrolet Cruze, so condition must be judged on this vehicle's individual history alone.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Common Problems: CHEVROLET CRUZE
Known issues reported by owners and MOT testers.
- Diesel Oil Dilution and DPF Clogging(Serious)
Incomplete DPF regenerations lead to fuel entering the oil sump. If not caught, this can lead to engine "runaway" or bearing failure.
- M32 Gearbox Bearing Failure(Serious)
Like its Vauxhall cousins, the 6-speed manual gearbox can suffer from bearing wear, eventually leading to total failure.
- Cooling System Thermostat and Water Pump Failures(Moderate)
The thermostat housing and water pump are common failure points. The plastic thermostat housing can crack, and the water pump can develop leaks, leading to overheating.
- Electrical Sensor and Warning Light Faults(Moderate)
Various sensors including crankshaft position, oxygen, and mass air flow sensors can fail, triggering warning lights and causing poor running. The electronic boot release is also a known failure point.
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CHEVROLET CRUZE Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2011 model year cars.
- Diesel Oil Dilution and DPF CloggingSerious
Incomplete DPF regenerations lead to fuel entering the oil sump. If not caught, this can lead to engine "runaway" or bearing failure.
- M32 Gearbox Bearing FailureSerious
Like its Vauxhall cousins, the 6-speed manual gearbox can suffer from bearing wear, eventually leading to total failure.
- Cooling System Thermostat and Water Pump FailuresModerate
The thermostat housing and water pump are common failure points. The plastic thermostat housing can crack, and the water pump can develop leaks, leading to overheating.
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