Our 2011 Holden Cruze was 10 years old when the transmission started playing up. Up until then, there had been no issues.
In 2021, it began slipping marginally when changing up. Then one night, it began slipping in all gears. The following morning, it would not reverse out of our steepish driveway.
Our service centre reported it required a major overhaul suggesting a reconditioned transmission. The quote for fitting a reconditioned transmission was AU$4,000.
It went in on Wednesday and was picked up on Saturday. It’s been fine ever since.
A bit of research uncovered… Cruze automatic cars built between 2011 and 2013 has been an issue. Shudder, take its time shifting up under acceleration or not go into gear at all.
Unfortunately the Cruze has a reputation for unreliability beyond these issues as well, including ECU (engine control unit) and PCM (power control module) failures (often due to water ingress), positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure that makes the car perform sluggishly, and rough engine running due to faulty ignition coils.