Recall 13V360 affects 292,879 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles for intermittent loss of brake assist. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 292,879 2011-2012 Cruze vehicles equipped with 1.4L turbo engines and 6T40 automatic transmissions because the electric vacuum pump for brake assist can fail to activate. Loss of brake assist means extra pedal force or stopping distance, and Chevrolet dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The brake assist system on the 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze uses engine vacuum to help multiply the force from your foot at the brake pedal. On Cruze vehicles with the 1.4L turbo engine, 6T40 automatic transmission, and an electric vacuum pump, that pump supplies extra vacuum when the engine does not provide enough on its own. That assist keeps the pedal effort normal during low-speed braking, startup, and idling.
On affected Cruze vehicles, the electric vacuum pump does not always switch on when extra assist is needed. GM's investigation found silicon residue on the switch contacts, which can keep the pump from activating. Without that supplemental vacuum, the brakes still have hydraulic braking, but the power assist is reduced or lost and the pedal takes more force to slow the car.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is intermittent, so the pedal can feel normal on one stop and hard on another.
Who's affected?
Two model years are listed, both tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 292,879 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 27 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A loss of braking assistance means the brake pedal takes more force and the Cruze needs more distance to stop, increasing the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, leave extra room, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free microswitch replacement in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly that fixes the intermittent loss of brake assist.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V360 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra stopping distance and press the brake pedal harder if brake assist drops.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician replaces the microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly. That switch is part of the brake assist system that helps the supplemental vacuum pump activate when vacuum is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. After the switch is replaced, the service department should confirm the brake assist system operates as designed before returning the Cruze.
Timeline
| August 15, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 7, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V360?
Recall 13V360 covers 292,879 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with brake-assist vacuum pump equipment that can reduce or remove brake assist. That means the driver needs extra pedal force or stopping distance. Chevrolet dealers replace the microswitch in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cruze is included in recall 13V360. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the free microswitch replacement in the power brake vacuum pipe assembly. Reference NHTSA campaign 13V360 and Chevrolet recall number 12213 when you call.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost, and the remedy for recall 13V360 says dealers replace the microswitch free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What is the safety risk with recall 13V360?
The safety risk is reduced or lost brake assist. Per NHTSA campaign 13V360, that requires extra brake pedal force or extra distance to stop the vehicle, increasing crash risk. If your brake pedal feels harder than normal, contact a Chevrolet dealer before driving farther.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Cruze used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner, so a used 2011-2012 Chevrolet Cruze included in recall 13V360 still gets the dealer repair at no cost. Check your VIN, then call a Chevrolet dealer with the recall number.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V360000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V360 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V360000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →