RoadVitals

2016 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.
250
+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 May 10, 2018
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.
25
14 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 250 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and fuel system categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,330 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
18V304000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 10, 2018
111,966 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
The risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 18159View on NHTSA.gov
17V057000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Jan 26, 2017
17,197 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
The risk: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seats, replacing any with seat-back frames that are incorrectly welded, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 17035View 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

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 250
Body & structureDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Sep 17, 2026

I am filing this complaint due to repeated mechanical and safety problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The vehicle has had ongoing acceleration problems, including times when it would not accelerate properly even with the A/C on its lowest setting. The turbocharger has needed to be replaced multiple times, yet acceleration problems have continued. I have also had oil lines randomly snap and spray oil from the vehicle. Other issues include a passenger-side seatbelt that does not work properly, a tire-pressure sensor that began cutting out after new sensors were installed, and a piece of plastic underneath the vehicle that came loose and now hangs near the tire.also had a problem with the car losing liquids: exhaust leak, oil leak, and now coolant randomly. The most serious incident happened recently. The vehicle was running unusually whenever I slowed down at lights, stop signs, and turns. After stopping at a light, I tried to accelerate uphill. The RPM went to about 2,000, dropped toward 1,000, and the accelerator stopped responding. While turning at a red light, I then lost braking assistance and steering assistance. I had my hazard lights on and had to pull into a Red Robin parking lot. The dashboard and radio remained on, but the RPM eventually dropped to 0. After restarting, the vehicle shook and made a rough, grumbling sound when I pressed the accelerator. I scanned for diagnostic codes and none were present. After sitting, the vehicle was driven home for about 17 minutes without reproducing the problem, but the issue occurred suddenly while I was driving and created a serious safety hazard. I am requesting that the vehicle and its repair history be thoroughly investigated for defects, recalls, technical service bulletins, or recurring problems. I am especially concerned about the repeated loss of acceleration and the recent loss of braking and steering assistance while driving.

NHTSA ID
11764992
Incident
Sep 16, 2026
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 27, 2026

car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago

NHTSA ID
11760031
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
Engine
Filed Aug 24, 2026

Manufacturer: General Motors / Chevrolet Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT (VIN: [XXX]) Corporate Case Number: XXX Nature of Dispute: Premature mechanical failure of a major drivetrain assembly and administrative bad faith. Factual Timeline: Initial Failure & Prior Liability: At 51,490 miles, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure of the turbocharger assembly. General Motors acknowledged defect awareness and prior liability by funding a $1,000 payout to complete the repair. Premature Secondary Failure: Just 40,000 miles after that official manufacturer repair, a certified Chevrolet dealership service department formally diagnosed a second total mechanical failure of the turbocharger assembly (Error Codes: P0299 Underboost and P1101 Airflow Performance). Administrative Breakdown: Upon requesting a supervisor escalation due to a combative tier-1 case manager, the manufacturer reactively demanded unauthorized diagnostic fees and prematurely closed the file. General Motors subsequently breached its 24-hour supervisor review commitment and issued a final refusal to address the recurring mechanical defect on its network. Remedy Sought: Full manufacturer coverage for the replacement of the prematurely failed drivetrain component based on documented prior corporate liability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11759000
Incident
Aug 19, 2026
Fuel system
Filed Jun 22, 2026

After 3 years of having this car it’s overheating each summer requiring the coolant system, hoses, thermostat, and water pump to be replaced each summer. As well as major oil leaking after full tune ups.

NHTSA ID
11745807
Incident
Aug 9, 2023
Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2026

Coolant system and engine fan

NHTSA ID
11743067
Incident
Jan 11, 2026
EngineFuel system
Filed May 9, 2026

My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled the heat and was able to see after popping the hood the radiator fan is now not working and gas is coming through the valves

NHTSA ID
11736714
Incident
May 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Apr 15, 2026

While driving, I went to make a right turn and the power steering went out making the turn very difficult using manual muscle to complete the turn. Fortunately, it was in a parking lot. After the ignition was turned off for about 45 minutes, I turned it back on and the steering functioned normally. However, I am very concerned if this problem would again happen and I am driving at a speed and this problem would appear, it could possibly cause a serious accident because of the unexpected action that would be required.

NHTSA ID
11731311
Incident
Apr 14, 2026
Filed Apr 13, 2026

There has been no accident to report. My check engine light comes on periodically and will remain on for a lengthy time. It is the light that looks like a water spigot. When I have it checked they say it’s either the “Turbo” or “Air Filter” . I can. It get a clear answer as to what it is and why it comes on or how to fix the problem. My car is actually a 2016 Chevy Cruze Premier but that’s not an option to choose.

NHTSA ID
11730730
Incident
May 12, 2025

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
2016Viewing2504055.4
20152524052.7
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.