2016 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems

Coolant system and engine fan

NHTSA ID

11743067

Incident

Jan 11, 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

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). The contact pulled over, added water to the coolant reservoir, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

NHTSA ID

11646493

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

Mileage

104,000 mi

The turbo has gone out twice, it was replaced under an extended warranty policy and it has gone out again and is out of warranty, also the plastic intake manifold has gone bad again. also there is a plastic piece that comes off the engine and distributes coolant to the heater core etc...it has gone bad as well and is common on all 1.4 turbos..

NHTSA ID

11626888

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Purchased a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze on [XXX]. [XXX]. As of July 26th I paid $862 on repairs for the car to be smoking this morning on my way to work [XXX]. In total I’ve spent Almost or close to $2,000 in car repairs. This purchase was for my 17 year old daughter as a graduation present and for college. She was driving and car started to run hot and cut off in a busy intersection. She was unable to take the car to North Carolina. The owner blocked me and the staff haven’t been accommodating since this process. Nor will they look at the car. This has put me in a financial burden and the safety conditions this vehicle is under. And damage this could have cause my daughter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11611143

Incident

Jun 18, 2024

I HAVE A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND THE TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER HOSE BASICALLY BROKE FROM WHERE THE END OF THE HOSE STARTS AND A LITTLE BIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE END PART OF THE HOSE. AND THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE'S POWER TO BE REDUCED INMENSLY. TO THE POINT THAT I HAD MY FOOT PRESSING ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT COULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER DOWN, AND MY CAR WAS MOVING SLOWER THAN A TURTLE, AND THIS IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION! AND ALSO, AT TIMES WHEN I HAVE BEEN AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR TURNS OFF. ONE TIME MY CAR TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET WITH CARS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A SHOPPING CENTER. AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ALSO FAILING BECAUSE I KEEP PUTTING FREE ON SO IT CAN BE COLDER AND ALL THAT COMES OUT IS HOT AIR. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS INTERCOOLER HOSE WAS A MAJOR PART OF MY VEHICLE'S FUNCTION. ALSO, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I ALREADY HAD IT OFF. IF CHEVROLET CRUZE OWNERS DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE, THEY NEED TO KNOW. BECAUSE THIS ISSUE COULD EVENTUALLY MESS UP THE ENTIRE MOTOR AND POSSIBLE BLOW IT OUT. WHICH WE ALL KNOW A NEW MOTOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE

NHTSA ID

11608482

Incident

Aug 11, 2024

Defouw Chevrolet was negligent in performing the proper repairs per a GM service bulletin and special coverage. They refused to provide service, falsely claimed that I refused diagnostic, misdiagnosed the vehicle, replaced the wrong part, and were extremely rude and misogynistic. Additionally, they claim the issues were pre-existing while lacking any evidence. As a result, the vehicle now needs $6,400 in repairs, and neither GM nor Defouw will compensate us. Additionally, we have incurred $1,000 in towing costs, among other expenses.

NHTSA ID

11603190

Incident

Jun 5, 2024

Power train system (po299) A turbocharger harnesses the flow of exhaust gases that spins an internal turbine. This turbine then forces or packs air into the engine faster than normal .This action increases the horsepower of the engine. When it doesn’t work!!!!A failed turbo charger will cause a decrease in engine performance which isn’t for family . (Manufacturer recall number:A212338300 recall date 11/05/21

NHTSA ID

11570609

Incident

Oct 16, 2021

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shut off without warning. The contact stated that soon after the failure, the vehicle independently restarted, and the vehicle resumed normal vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed and recommended that the fuel system be cleaned. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11557053

Incident

Oct 27, 2023

Mileage

33,000 mi

At first, and only on cold/rainy/snowy weather, while driving the radio would randomly turn off and turn itself back on (i have videos of this). Sometimes it would last a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes. While this was happening, the blinker sounds wouldn't work. I brought it to Chevy in Geneva, NY for diagnostics. No check engine codes ever. They told me that the radio computer needed to be updated. I had them fix it, only to find out that the problem would still happen. Over a few months, it developed more symptoms. It started to not shut off when I pushed the button, and it also started stalling when it went into auto off, but would turn back on if I put it in park and re started. At first it would stall in auto off at random times. This caused an accident in the summer of 2019. I was at a stop sign, waiting to make a right hand turn, took my foot off the brake and car stalled. The car behind me thought I was going and rear ended me. I had to drive around in the summer with the heat on, as it was the only way to prevent the car from going into auto off. I had the car looked at a few more times after that (paying $100 diagnostic fees every time). Brought it back to chevy and the told me it was because of the damage to my trunk allowing water to get to the battery (it wasn't). Issues then turned into stalling at auto off, but not turning back on once in park. I brought it to the dealership I bought it from and they looked at the alternator and had them clean all battery terminals and replace the battery. This worked for 2 weeks before continuing. It got to the point that I had to jump start my car everytime I wanted to drive it or it stalled. Finally it just wouldnt start, So i had it towed to chevy again in 2021. They determined the issue was the starter and replaced. It worked but as of now (9/13/23) my car has began stalling at auto off. It is very dangerous, car gives no warning!! There is too much to say with limited space

NHTSA ID

11544286

Incident

Jul 19, 2019

I have been taking a burning smell emanating from the vehicle. When I took vehicle in for servicing last week, I was told that the smell was as a result of an engine leak. I was informed that my vehicle was not the first of the same make and model that the service center has seen in recent weeks. Worried that this could be an issue can lead to a fire. Planning on having repairs done, but would like to know whether this is something that can be investigated to determine whether it is a manufacturer defect.

NHTSA ID

11538135

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

There is currently a recall for Chevrolet Cruzes because of overheating, that is caused by the cooling system and the antifreeze leaking out at the thermostat housing. This is exactly what happened to my 2016 Cruze as we drove down the highway and warning lights and sounds started going off that required it to be put in the shop (Local Chevy Dealer) and have these parts replaced. If you read the safety recall for this issue on the Chevy Cruze and look at my receipt it is almost the same wording. However, the dealer told me that my Chevy Cruze was NOT covered by the recall. I believe the recall should be expanded to include all Cruzes.

NHTSA ID

11538069

Incident

Aug 5, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Brake System" was displayed simultaneously. The vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that he applied more pressure to the brake pedal and the vehicle responded. The contact was able to continue driving; however, the failure recurred while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the vacuum pump had seized, which fractured the camshaft. The mechanic diagnosed that the vacuum pump and the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The contact wanted to include the number of the brake pump part of their vehicle - 12662789. The contact also stated that other SUV models of various model years have the same defective part.

NHTSA ID

11536538

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

Mileage

108,000 mi

When I start my car it will sputter then die, also cuts off while driving. It cuts off but will crank up and die again after so many tries it will drive a while and do it again. The check engine was on and I have fixed the O2 sensor, the mass air flow sensor, Ive replaced the turbo hose it had a big chunk ripped out of it which we have no clue how that happened, I just changed the PCV valves a few weeks ago and the car started but would not go in drive nor reverse put it back in shop and cleaned the throttle body and it ran good the whole day today I started cutting off again.

NHTSA ID

11533949

Incident

May 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after two attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,800.

NHTSA ID

11532968

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

Mileage

97,800 mi

It suddenly come up with ac off to keep engine feom overheating on message .I have had 4 theromstat housings put on in the last month and it is still leaking around housing and leaking coolant out onto ground and thit has only 73000 miles .Yes it will be available to inspect if in local area afraid to drive to far and i still owe a year on this car.

NHTSA ID

11525273

Incident

May 5, 2023

Keep having the engine light on. First time it was my Catalyst and now my engine light is on again with code P0420 and keeps leaving from the coolant

NHTSA ID

11506601

Incident

Dec 19, 2022

Paid thousands of dollars into getting a thermostat housing and thermostat leaking antifreeze a couple months ago started leaking antifreeze again just now

NHTSA ID

11499313

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

My car, started to get a messaged saying reduced engine power, after that it started to make a noise I took it to re pair and the car, sometimes makes that noise and I’m driving and out of nowhere the car turns off

NHTSA ID

11495143

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that he noticed that the coolant level was low and added coolant to the reservoir. The contact stated that when he returned, he noticed the coolant had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,070.

NHTSA ID

11493487

Incident

Nov 11, 2022

Mileage

55,070 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle was low on antifreeze, and added antifreeze. The next day when she returned home from work, she became aware that the antifreeze level was again low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a message was left. The failure mileage was 69,000.

NHTSA ID

11492642

Incident

Oct 29, 2022

Mileage

69,000 mi

Around 150,000 miles I had the code p0011 the dealership did work but code kept coming back on. So I was told I needed a cylinder head. I wanted a 2nd opinion so I took it to another dealership and was told I need to replace the engine. So July of 2021 engine was replaced. Around 09/2021 cylinder head was replaced with other work done. Now code p0011 came back on again and it’s in the show getting another cylinder head around 188,000 miles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by Vann York Chevrolet in High Point, NC and Modern Chevrolet in Winston Salem, NC. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes it have been. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, I do feel like I was at risk due to engine surge and or reduced power at times. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes an inspection can be done at any time. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to this I kept my car service and I do have receipts. Check engine light came on 04/2021 with code p0011. Then on 07/2021 is when I got my car back with the remanufactured engine. So a 1st cylinder head came with the engine, the around 09/2021 2nd cylinder head, and now 3rd cylinder head of this remanufactured engine. This p0011 code cost me over $7,000 which I had to take a loan out and still paying for but still having the same problem. Which every thing now is covered under the engine warranty which is 3yrs or 100,000 miles. Not to mention 04/2021 I had just spent $1,339.55 water pump gaskets and seals. I have connected GM customer support. But I shouldn’t had to replace an engine around 150,000 miles and the cylinder head shouldn’t had to be replaced 3 times now. I have my records if you need to see them.

NHTSA ID

11487940

Incident

Apr 7, 2021

2 issues. 1st is the PCV system. PCV valve will fail regularly 1-3 years. This requires a new intake manifold and valve cover possible new hose and possible sensor replacement. Can cause stability and traction control failure. 2nd is the engine's head gasket. Between 60-70k miles these vehicles get blown head gaskets. Due to this failure, you could experience a total engine failure which will completely shut down all vehicle functions. If not properly observed this vehicle will not only have a complete failure. It will need an entire new engine due to cracked block and head or warped block and head. If it becomes warped you will need to machine both the block and head and or replace the entire engine long before it reaches 100k miles. Rendering the vehicle absolutely useless. Coolant issues with these vehicles are bad as well. Even if all these issues get fixed in a timely manner you will still most likely have a blown head gasket as I did. Engine failures on a busy highway are a big safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11487789

Incident

Sep 26, 2022

While at red light, stop signs, or transitioning turns, the engine shuts off and does not restart. Sometimes it shuts down when driving at extremely low speeds. This is dangerous because I have had to push the car while transitioning in multipile lane intersections. Luckily others stop and help me push the car to shoulder or convenience gas stations. The battery and spark plugs are new, and the car has plenty of fuel.

NHTSA ID

11485101

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

Was at a red light and my car shut off. It started back up and I was able to get home. I am now afraid my car will just stop while driving and I will crash and die

NHTSA ID

11484058

Incident

Sep 12, 2022