2011 Chevrolet Cruze 1.8L Petrol · MA61 VAU
2011 Chevrolet Cruze (1.8L, petrol). First registered 10 Oct 2011. Recorded mileage 32,388 miles. MOT valid until 28 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027. A manufacturer safety recall is currently outstanding.
- Make & Model
- CHEVROLET CRUZE
- Year / Origin
- 2011 · Manchester & Merseyside
- Safety Recall
- Recall Notice
- MOT Status
- Valid until 28 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 32,388 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.8L
- 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.
AI-generated interpretation of this vehicle’s MOT record — not an official statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
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.
MA61 VAU Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Outstanding manufacturer safety recall notice
- Latest MOT passed on 07/07/2026
- 32,388 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.
MA61 VAU 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 (MA61 VAU) between July 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: Tyres (4 issues), Brakes (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 5 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 Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick (1.1.13 (a) (ii))”.
MA61 VAU Mileage History
- 03/07/202344,027 mi
- 02/07/202447,019 mi+2,992 mi
- 02/07/202549,552 mi+2,533 mi
- 07/07/202632,385 mi-17,167 mi
- 07/07/202632,388 mi+3 mi
Average of roughly -3,864 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Generate an instant valuation benchmark based on live market listings, vehicle mileage, and recent dealer auction figures.
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: Average
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
Proceed with caution and budget for immediate brake and tyre work before this 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is road-safe. The recent MOT failure shows worn rear brakes and tyres that must be addressed regardless of the same-day pass after repairs.
Ask the seller for proof of the brake and tyre work carried out between the failed and passed MOT on 2026-07-07, including invoices for rear pads, discs, and any tyres fitted. Confirm the mileage discrepancy where the failure was logged at 32,385 and the pass at 32,388 on the same day, which suggests a quick turnaround rather than a concern but should be documented. Given no aggregate reliability data exists for the Chevrolet Cruze, rely on the individual history and insist on a full service record to validate the low mileage and confirm cambelt or chain intervals were met for the 1796cc petrol unit.
As a 1796cc petrol with no published insurance group in the data, expect modest fuel costs though the Cruze 1.8 is not noted for class-leading economy; annual VED for a 2011 petrol should fall in a standard band but confirm with DVLA using the reg. Routine maintenance for this age of car is inexpensive via independent garages, but the recent brake and tyre renewal shows wear items are now due. Estimated annual running cost including fuel, tax, insurance, and typical upkeep is around £900-£1,200.
Check the rear brake discs and pads personally or via a mechanic, as the 2026-07-07 failure cited scored discs both sides and offside rear pads less than 1.5 mm thick; verify new parts are fitted and not just adjusted. Inspect the Nearside Front tyre for edge wear and the Offside Rear for age cracking noted as advisories on the pass, as these were not fixed by the retest. With only 32,388 miles recorded, examine for signs of clocking given the 49,552 miles logged in 2025, and review MOT paperwork to reconcile the drop.
This blue 1.8-litre petrol Chevrolet Cruze (MA61VAU), first registered in October 2011, shows low recorded mileage of 32,388 miles as of July 2026, having dropped from 49,552 miles in July 2025. MOT history is mostly clean with passes from 2023 to 2025 showing no defects, but a failure on 2026-07-07 flagged rear brake discs scored and offside rear pads under 1.5 mm, plus tyre wear. A retest the same day passed after rectification, though tyre advisories remain.
No aggregate MOT reliability data is available for the Chevrolet Cruze, so assessment is limited to this vehicle's individual history.
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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