RoadVitals

2015 Chevrolet Cruze

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
252
+1 complaint in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 5, 2016
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24
13 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 252 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and driver assistance categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,553 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
16V502000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Jul 5, 2016
8,367 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
The risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 50490, 50491View on NHTSA.gov
15V876000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Dec 23, 2015
15 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
The risk: An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15777.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 15777View on NHTSA.gov
15V442000

STEERING

Jul 10, 2015
10 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
The risk: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 15386View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 252
Engine
Filed Sep 20, 2026

It started over heating and I had to replace multiple coolant lines/hoses from the thermostat, heater core, the reservoir, radiator. Ive replace the intake diaphragm. Thought since all the pieces that got hot and cracked or broke got replaced that the issue was gone. Then one day I drove 8 mins into Ohio and it started smoking so I pulled off the road and had to have a tow truck come get it. It had blown a head gasket at least I thought but found out it had water in the oil so now needs a new motor. I still owe on the car and cant drive it

NHTSA ID
11765699
Incident
Apr 2, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 13, 2026

I have replaced my whole engine and the cars fuel system.. my gas was backing into my oil along with the engine failing .. has happened again. This car has been a nightmare and just keeps failing. Strong gas and oil burning smell then car starts smoking. Had to shut it off in the middle of the road.

NHTSA ID
11743926
Incident
Jun 12, 2026
Engine
Filed Jan 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was leaking oil from the top of the engine onto the drive belts. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11714257
Incident
Dec 25, 2023
Mileage
90,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The warning light turned on and off, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and rolling while on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID
11709650
Incident
Jan 5, 2026
Mileage
113,000 mi
Filed Dec 16, 2025

Radiator leaks, car overheated. Looking online it is obvious that a lot of people have had this same issue, so why no recall. It's a peice of crap car, that is dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ID
11705439
Incident
Dec 1, 2025
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jun 25, 2025

I understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to replace the thermostat, I've had continued overheating issues, issues with the catalytic converters, the hoses and connectors becoming brittle and needing replacement throughout the engine. Suddenly the traction control light came on the dash after they check engine light. With the code reader showed problems with the mass air flow and the mass air flow electric wiring. Suddenly after a oil change, the vehicle is running terribly and is undrivable. The ECM or computer that powers the entire vehicle has lost all power was no explanation. All the pieces and relays are in good working order. After research on this issue of the ECM I've learned that even replacement of the computer for this vehicle causes the vehicle not even to start. I contacted customer service for GM and Chevrolet and they referred me to you because it is over 10 years old. No one was able to help me. My roommate has the exact same vehicle besides I have a turbo and she does not same year, and she is also having the exact same problems including her ECM is not getting any power. I'm sure of that there's nothing anyone can do financially but Chevrolet and GM really dropped the ball on this vehicle as far as dependability and safety. I counted on this vehicle to be dependable and and live up to the standards of gmn Chevrolet and it has not. Besides this website I don't know who could called Chevrolet and GM accountable for this disaster of a car. I would appreciate any suggestions to try to get this vehicle safe and in working order if it is even possible. I appreciate your time and consideration and I am available if anyone needs to contact me with any questions thank you.

NHTSA ID
11669241
Incident
May 1, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed May 12, 2025

I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!

NHTSA ID
11660519
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
Engine
Filed Mar 5, 2025

I have had to replace the turbo 3 times now. My car was leaking oil where the the oil filter is so I replaced that whole part. I watched a video how to replace the part. And it said in the video to remove the plastic piece from the engine oil cooler filter housing if you have a turbo because it feeds oil to your turbo. Well my car had the original part on it and the plastic piece wasn't removed causing no oil to get to the turbo. And the turbo has glowed red hot almost catching fire.

NHTSA ID
11646618
Incident
Jun 12, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP4902W

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP6104

This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

PIP4902U

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Cruze by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2019212057.7
20181093057.5
20172012050.1
20162504055.4
2015Viewing2524052.7
201470210058.1
20135865053.5
20128657362.3
20117327261.0
2010200—
2009000—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.