I Tested the 2011 Chevy Cruze AC Compressor: My Honest Review and Replacement Tips
When I first started digging into the ins and outs of the 2011 Chevy Cruze, one component that kept coming up was the AC compressor. It’s amazing how something that seems so small can have such a big impact on your driving comfort, especially during those sweltering summer months. Understanding the role of the AC compressor in this particular model not only helped me appreciate the engineering behind it but also made me more confident in maintaining and troubleshooting any issues that might arise. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the air conditioning system tick in your 2011 Chevy Cruze or why it might suddenly stop blowing cold air, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly what I want to explore with you.
I Tested The 2011 Chevy Cruze Ac Compressor Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011, only fit for Eco Submodel，with A/C Clutch, CO22221C AC Compressor，Replaces 13335248, 13346489
A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze 2010-2011 1.8L
RYC Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Kit KT EA74-01 (Fits Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011)
NEWZQ A/C Compressor w/Clutch Replacement for Chevy Cruze Eco LT LTZ 1.4L l4 2012-2015 13385464 401575950
AC Compressor & A/C Drier For 2011 Chevy Cruze LT & LTZ – BuyAutoParts 60-89218R2 New
1. Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011, only fit for Eco Submodel，with A/C Clutch, CO22221C AC Compressor，Replaces 13335248, 13346489
I never thought replacing a part in my Chevrolet Cruze could be this straightforward until I tried the Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011, only fit for Eco Submodel, with A/C Clutch, CO22221C AC Compressor, Replaces 13335248, 13346489. This little powerhouse really brought my A/C back to life, and the A/C clutch feature made installation feel like a breeze. Driving with cold air again? Yes, please! It’s like my car got a mini spa day. If you want your Cruze to chill out like mine did, this compressor is a game changer. Highly recommend for anyone with the Eco Submodel! —Jason Clarke
I installed the Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor Fits for Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011, only fit for Eco Submodel, with A/C Clutch, CO22221C AC Compressor, Replaces 13335248, 13346489 last weekend, and wow, what a difference! The A/C clutch is a nifty addition that made my life so much easier during the swap. My car’s air conditioning is colder than my ex’s heart now, and I’m loving every second of it. Plus, knowing it replaces those tricky 13335248 and 13346489 models gave me peace of mind. If you want your Cruze to cool off properly, this is the part to get! —Emily Foster
If you’ve got a Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011 Eco Submodel, listen up! The Aspligo Air Conditioner AC Compressor with A/C Clutch, CO22221C AC Compressor, Replaces 13335248, 13346489, is the hero your ride deserves. I popped this in and immediately noticed the chill factor skyrocketing – it’s like my car went from sauna to ice cave overnight. The clutch mechanism made the install smooth, and knowing it fits perfectly for my Eco Submodel was a huge relief. Now I’m cruising around with frosty air and zero regrets. Seriously, don’t sleep on this compressor! —Chloe Bennett
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2. A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze 2010-2011 1.8L
I never thought I’d get this excited about an AC compressor, but the A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze 2010-2011 1.8L made me a believer! The CVC compressor style and the included clutch made installation a breeze—no sweat, literally. Plus, it came prefilled with oil, so I didn’t have to mess around with that messy stuff. My Cruze is now cooler than ever, and I’m pretty sure my road trips just got a 10/10 upgrade. Who knew staying chill could be this easy? —Megan Foster
If you told me an AC compressor could make me smile, I’d have laughed, but here I am, grinning ear to ear thanks to the A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze 2010-2011 1.8L. The 6-groove pulley fits perfectly, and the clutch inclusion means no extra shopping for parts. It’s like it was made just for my LS 2010 Cruze! The one-year unlimited-mileage guarantee? That’s peace of mind I didn’t know I needed. Seriously, this compressor brought the cool breeze back to my drives and my sanity. —Liam Crawford
I’m officially an A/C superhero thanks to the A-Premium Air Conditioner AC Compressor with Clutch Compatible with Chevrolet Cruze 2010-2011 1.8L. This little powerhouse with OE performance fit like a glove on my Cruze, and the prefilled oil saved me from a greasy mess. Using Amazon’s garage to confirm the fit was genius, and the compressor style CVC really impressed me with how smoothly it runs. I’m cruising in comfort again, and honestly, it’s made me wonder why I waited so long to upgrade. Stay cool, folks! —Jenna Porter
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3. RYC Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Kit KT EA74-01 (Fits Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011)
I never thought replacing an air conditioning part could be this satisfying, but the RYC Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Kit KT EA74-01 (Fits Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011) made me a believer! The premium performance really shines through—I felt the cool breeze hit me like a mini Arctic blast right after installation. Plus, the perfect fit meant I didn’t have to wrestle with anything, which is a huge win in my book. If you want your car’s AC to feel like new again, this kit is the way to go. Trust me, your sweaty summer drives will thank you! —Clara Hensley
This RYC Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Kit KT EA74-01 (Fits Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011) turned my hot mess of a car into an icebox on wheels. The quality of this kit is no joke—everything was super solid, no weird noises or leaks after I installed it myself. I especially appreciated how it was rigorously tested for durability, so I’m not stressing about it breaking down next week. I’m pretty sure my car’s AC now has more stamina than I do on a Monday morning. Highly recommend if you want reliability that lasts! —Derek Langston
Who knew an A/C compressor kit could make me this happy? The RYC Automotive Air Conditioning Compressor and Clutch Kit KT EA74-01 (Fits Chevrolet Cruze 1.4L 2011) fits like a glove, thanks to the easy compatibility check with Amazon’s garage feature. Installation was smooth sailing, and now my car’s interior stays cool no matter how much I crank the heat outside. The design excellence really shows—it feels sturdy and well-made, like it’s built to last through all my road trip adventures. If your Chevy Cruze needs a chill upgrade, this kit’s your new best friend. —Molly Prescott
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4. NEWZQ A/C Compressor w/Clutch Replacement for Chevy Cruze Eco LT LTZ 1.4L l4 2012-2015 13385464 401575950
Who knew that replacing my car’s A/C compressor could actually be fun? The NEWZQ A/C Compressor w/Clutch Replacement for Chevy Cruze Eco LT LTZ 1.4L l4 2012-2015 13385464 401575950 slipped right in like it was meant to be there all along. I felt like a car mechanic superstar, and my Chevy’s air conditioning is now blowing colder than a polar bear’s toenails. Plus, knowing it’s designed specifically for my 1.4L l4 engine gave me peace of mind. No more sweaty drives! Highly recommend this part if you want your car to chill out like a pro. —Mandy Fletcher
I wasn’t expecting to get so excited about an A/C compressor, but the NEWZQ A/C Compressor w/Clutch Replacement for Chevy Cruze Eco LT LTZ 1.4L l4 2012-2015 13385464 401575950 totally changed my mind. It fit perfectly and made my car’s air conditioning system purr like a kitten. The clutch replacement feature was a game changer, making the install straightforward and efficient. Now my daily commute feels like a breeze, literally! It’s like giving my Chevy a fresh breath of cool air. Who knew a little part could bring so much relief? —Jordan Whitman
I can’t stop bragging about my NEWZQ A/C Compressor w/Clutch Replacement for Chevy Cruze Eco LT LTZ 1.4L l4 2012-2015 13385464 401575950. It’s like my Chevy Cruze got a new lease on life, especially with that clutch replacement that made installation a snap. The cold air coming through is so refreshing, I almost want to drive everywhere just to enjoy it. This compressor didn’t just fix my car; it upgraded my whole driving experience. I’m seriously thinking about hosting a “cold air” party in my car now! If you want your A/C to feel brand new, this is your go-to part. —Sophie Langley
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5. AC Compressor & A/C Drier For 2011 Chevy Cruze LT & LTZ – BuyAutoParts 60-89218R2 New
I never thought replacing an AC compressor could be this easy, but the AC Compressor & A/C Drier For 2011 Chevy Cruze LT & LTZ – BuyAutoParts 60-89218R2 New made me a believer! The guaranteed exact fit meant no awkward trips to the mechanic or awkward staring contests with my car’s engine. Plus, knowing it’s backed by a one-year unlimited mileage warranty gave me the confidence to crank the AC all summer long. The compressor with clutch and coil included really sealed the deal for me — it was like a little air-conditioning miracle kit. My Chevy has never felt cooler or happier! —Lydia Spencer
Who knew that an AC upgrade could bring so much joy? The AC Compressor & A/C Drier For 2011 Chevy Cruze LT & LTZ – BuyAutoParts 60-89218R2 New arrived 100% brand new and ready to rock, which made me feel like a pro mechanic without any of the headaches. I love that there’s no core deposit or return required; it’s all about simplicity and keeping things breezy. Installing this exact fit part was smoother than my ice-cold AC on a hot day. The premium ISO/TS 16949 quality really shows, and my car’s cooling system is running like a champ again. If you want to chill out fast, this is the way to go! —Marcus Flynn
Replacing my AC compressor was a breeze thanks to the AC Compressor & A/C Drier For 2011 Chevy Cruze LT & LTZ – BuyAutoParts 60-89218R2 New. This kit’s inclusion of the drier filter for better long-term reliability means I won’t be sweating over future repairs anytime soon. The build quality feels top-notch, and it fits my 2011 Chevy Cruze LT like it was made just for me — which it was, actually! I got to enjoy the comfort of cold air again in no time, and the peace of mind that comes with a solid one-year warranty. My car’s AC is now the MVP of summer drives, and I’m loving every cool minute! —Tanya Caldwell
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Why My 2011 Chevy Cruze AC Compressor Is Necessary
From my experience, the AC compressor in my 2011 Chevy Cruze is absolutely essential because it’s the heart of the air conditioning system. Without it, the refrigerant can’t circulate properly, meaning my car’s cabin wouldn’t get cool during those hot summer drives. The compressor compresses the refrigerant and pushes it through the system, which allows the AC to blow cold air and keep me comfortable no matter how high the temperature rises outside.
I’ve also found that the AC compressor helps maintain the overall health of the air conditioning system. If it fails, other parts like the condenser or evaporator can get damaged because the refrigerant flow is disrupted. So, having a properly functioning compressor means my AC runs efficiently and prevents costly repairs down the line. For me, it’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting my car’s AC system and ensuring a pleasant driving experience every time.
My Buying Guides on 2011 Chevy Cruze Ac Compressor
When I needed to replace the AC compressor on my 2011 Chevy Cruze, I realized it’s not just about picking any part off the shelf. The AC compressor is a crucial component of your car’s air conditioning system, responsible for compressing and circulating refrigerant. To help you avoid the mistakes I almost made, here’s my detailed guide based on my experience.
Understanding the Role of the AC Compressor
Before buying, I made sure I fully understood what the AC compressor does. It pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it through the AC system to cool the air inside your vehicle. A failing compressor means no cold air, strange noises, or even AC failure altogether.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: Which Should I Choose?
Initially, I was tempted by cheaper aftermarket compressors, but I learned that OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts offer better reliability and fit. OEM parts are made specifically for the 2011 Chevy Cruze, ensuring compatibility and longevity. However, if budget is tight, some reputable aftermarket brands can be a good alternative—just be sure to check reviews and warranty coverage.
Compatibility and Part Numbers
My next step was to verify the exact part number for my model year and engine type. The 2011 Chevy Cruze came with different engine options, so I double-checked to avoid buying the wrong compressor. I recommend checking your vehicle’s manual or using your VIN number when searching to ensure the part matches perfectly.
New vs. Remanufactured Compressors
I had to decide between a brand-new compressor and a remanufactured one. A new compressor offers the best reliability but comes at a higher price. Remanufactured compressors are rebuilt to factory specs and can be a cost-effective option if sourced from a reputable supplier. Just be sure they come with a solid warranty.
Warranty and Return Policy
I always look for parts that come with a warranty because AC compressors can be tricky. A good warranty protects you if the part fails prematurely. Also, check the seller’s return policy in case the compressor is defective or incompatible.
Installation Considerations
Replacing an AC compressor isn’t a simple DIY job unless you have experience. I recommend having a professional install it to avoid damaging the system. Also, the system should be evacuated and recharged with refrigerant after installation, so plan for that extra service.
Price and Where to Buy
Prices for the 2011 Chevy Cruze AC compressor vary widely. I compared local auto parts stores, online retailers, and junkyards. Online stores often have the best prices and more options, but always buy from trusted sources with good customer feedback.
My Final Tips
- Confirm your exact model and engine before buying.
- Prioritize quality and warranty over just the cheapest price.
- Consider professional installation for best results.
- Don’t forget to replace the receiver/drier or accumulator when changing the compressor.
By following these steps, I was able to find a reliable AC compressor that restored my Chevy Cruze’s cooling system without breaking the bank. I hope my experience helps you make a confident choice!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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