Quick answer: the 2011–2015 Chevy Cruze 1.4L turbo takes 4.25 qt (4.0 L) of SAE 5W-30 with a filter change. The 1.8L takes 4.76 qt (4.5 L) in the 2011–2012 manuals and 4.25 qt (4.0 L) from 2013. The 2014–2015 2.0L Clean Turbo Diesel takes 4.75 qt (4.5 L).
| Engine | Oil capacity (with filter) | Oil type | Specification |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4L turbo | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 1.8L (2011–2012) | 4.76 qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 1.8L (2013–2015) | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 5W-30 | dexos1 |
| 2.0L diesel (2014–2015) | 4.75 qt (4.5 L) | 5W-30 | dexos2 |
5W-30 is the grade for every first-generation Cruze. The manuals call 5W-30 the best grade and warn against 10W-30, 10W-40 and 20W-50. The 1.8L capacity dropped from 4.76 qt to 4.25 qt in the 2013 manual. The 2016 Cruze Limited is this same car; use these figures for it.
Oil capacity by year
| Model year | 1.4L turbo | 1.8L | 2.0L diesel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.76 qt (4.5 L) | — |
| 2012 | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.76 qt (4.5 L) | — |
| 2013 | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | — |
| 2014 | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.75 qt (4.5 L) |
| 2015 | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.25 qt (4.0 L) | 4.75 qt (4.5 L) |
GM lists one capacity per engine, including the oil filter. We checked the capacity table in every model-year manual on this page.
Recommended oil type
1.4L turbo and 1.8L: SAE 5W-30 dexos1; 0W-30 below -20°F (-29°C) (the 2014 manual says 0W-20 may be used in extreme cold).
2.0L diesel: SAE 5W-30 diesel oil meeting dexos2.
GM requires oils that meet its dexos specification (dexos1 for gasoline engines, dexos2 or dexosD for diesels) and carry the dexos approved logo. ACDelco dexos oil is recommended. Do not add anything to the oil.
How to reset the oil life on the 2011–2015 Chevy Cruze
See also: Oil life reset by brand.
- Display the remaining oil life on the Driver Information Center (DIC).
- Press and hold the select button (or SET/CLR) for several seconds until the oil life shows 100%.
Reset only after an oil change; the system will not reset itself.
Oil change tips
- A 5-quart jug covers one change on any engine.
- Add a little less than the full capacity, check the dipstick, then top up.
Sources and how we checked
All capacities and oil grades on this page come from Chevrolet’s owner’s manuals, published on GM’s official manuals site (“Capacities and Specifications” and “Selecting the Right Engine Oil”):
- 2011 Cruze owner’s manual
- 2012 Cruze owner’s manual
- 2013 Cruze owner’s manual
- 2014 Cruze owner’s manual
- 2015 Cruze owner’s manual
If your owner’s manual shows something different, follow your manual and tell us.
Last checked: October 23, 2026.
FAQ
How much oil does a 2011–2015 Cruze take?
4.25 qt (4.0 L) for the 1.4L turbo; 4.76 qt (2011–2012) or 4.25 qt (2013–2015) for the 1.8L.
What oil does a Chevy Cruze 1.4 turbo use?
SAE 5W-30 dexos1.
Can I use 0W-20 in a 2011–2015 Cruze?
Only in extreme cold per the 2014 manual; 5W-30 is the recommended grade.
What oil does the Cruze diesel use?
SAE 5W-30 meeting dexos2, 4.75 qt (4.5 L).
How do I reset the oil life on a Cruze?
Show the remaining oil life on the DIC and hold the select button until it reads 100%.
Newer Cruze? See the 2016–2019 Chevy Cruze oil type and capacity.