2014 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 702 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 70 involved a crash and 17 involved a fire. 57 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, side/windowNov 6, 2025
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530830. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 23V674 and 23V870.
Campaign 25V764000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowDec 21, 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232425640.
Campaign 23V870000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowSep 20, 2023
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232408490.
Campaign 23V674000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, ignitionJul 5, 2016
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."
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 16V502000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJul 10, 2015
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.
Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, electricalJul 2, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Campaign 14V417000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsJun 26, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
Campaign 14V372000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftMar 31, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.
Campaign 14V151000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionFeb 21, 2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.
Campaign 14V092000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftSep 23, 2013
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Campaign 13V452000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
702 reports, newest first.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 21, 2026
For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, multiple oil seals, and the head gasket. I have also had other cooling and engine components repaired, although I no longer have a complete list of every component that has been replaced. Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to experience overheating and coolant loss. The vehicle has also experienced loss of power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed an overheating warning. Other symptoms have included coolant loss, shaking and vibration, rough or uneven acceleration, loss of engine power while driving, and a check-engine light. The check-engine light has previously flashed during operation. The vehicle has also experienced unexplained engine-oil loss. These problems have continued despite extensive repairs over approximately the past year, including replacement of the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, oil seals, and head gasket. The repeated failures have created a significant safety risk because the vehicle has overheated while being driven and has previously lost power while traveling on the highway. I have been forced to stop on the side of the road, where I was almost struck by another vehicle. The possibility of sudden loss of power or overheating while traveling in traffic creates a serious risk to both myself and other motorists.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Aug 14, 2026, crash
My transmission blew up. My airbags did not deploy. And neither of my brakes or emergency brakes worked. I was in a car accident where I hit another car in a tree and was admitted into the hospital as I am pregnant.
Power train, Aug 13, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into neutral(N) or drive(D) as intended, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Electrical system, Air bags, Aug 6, 2026, crash
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a Chevrolet Impala crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to fishtail and flip over several times and land upside down in the woods. The contact stated that the air bags deployed and exploded. The contact stated that the air bags obstructed the exit out of the vehicle. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. There was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to exit the vehicle through the rear window. The contact sustained injuries to the head, a gash on the leg, and had shrapnel embedded in the skin. Medical attention was provided. The driver was emotionally distraught. A Police report was filed. Upon research, the contact determined that the failure might be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V372000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,302.
Engine, Jun 17, 2026
Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to AutoZone and received a code of P0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acceleration was an issue, especially for a 19 year old inexperienced driver. This put her life and those around her in danger. Took the vehicle back on 6/5 and had to leave it. No vehicles available or offered while the car was in the shop. This time they scanned the vehicle and came up with the same P0299 code. Left the vehicle for a week and the cost for the engine replaced turbocharger and all single use parts related for the repair was $3010.38 Yes, the vehicle was presented as "as as." However, the vehicle was also presented as if the maintenance and repairs were all completed and the vehicle was road ready and safe and this was not the case at all.
Electrical system, Jun 1, 2026
The contact stated that the key-fob failed to lock and unlocking of the failed intermittenly. The key fob was the original manufactured key fob. The dealer had been contacted, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The failure persisted. The dealer was contacted again, and it was diagnosed that the circuit board would slip inside the key fob itself, causing the malfunction. The key fob was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and due to the vehicle no longer being covered under warranty, they opened and then closed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Air bags, May 27, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the local dealer for NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V764000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, May 26, 2026, fire
On May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Central Time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be available within the coming week. The incident has been documented through photographs and video recordings, all of which have been preserved. The vehicle itself remains in its post-fire condition and has been retained for inspection. At this time, the precise cause and origin of the fire have not been determined, of which no warning lamps nor other symptoms of a problem prior to incident.
Engine and engine cooling, May 21, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle began jerking motions and misfiring. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with a cam shaft failure and diagnostic codes P0016, P0101. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000
Engine, May 4, 2026
Both catalytic converters and O2 Sensor's have been replaced and I’m still getting a check engine light. Along with a multitude of other parts that I’ve had to replace. Like the turbo, gaskets, sensors multiple times…
Electrical system, Apr 29, 2026
Service traction control and stabil has repeatedly came on it messes with the car by slowing it down
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Apr 14, 2026
I was driving my car and all of a sudden out of nowhere my car speed gage starts to bounce up and down my engine sounds like it’s stuck in first gear and won’t shift and I can’t go any faster then 35 mph and I tried to make it to a spot to pull over and it altogether stoped accelerating so I was stuck pulling over right there because it wouldn’t accelerate. I shut it off and let it sit for a bit and it started right back up like normal and drove fine till I got to a certain length of driving and it was doing it all over again like it was in limp mode and all my electrical stuff was on the Frits as well so I haven’t been able to drive it since because it keeps doing it and I haven’t spent hundreds of dollars putting it in a shop three times already only to have it go back and do it again and my brakes when I press on them make a squishing sound and then some clicking sound before it goes into limp mode i don’t know where to even begins to fix it at and it was all out of nowhere. It was driving fine then all of a sudden this crap starts
Engine, Feb 7, 2026
Constant overheating issues with coolant loss. I have changed so many parts in this engine to correct the issue and nothing is working. There are far too many complaints online with this specific model. Why hasn’t there been a recall on this issue? This is a safety concern especially when the engine loses power while driving.
Engine, Jan 21, 2026
Water pump failure with head gasket crack
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2025, fire
I remote started my car using the factory installed remote starter, and approximately 5 minutes later I heard my car alarm start going off, so I went to investigate and when I opened the drivers side door, my car was filled with smoke and flames were coming up from the front passenger footwell, underneath the dash where the HVAC blower motor is located. I closed the drivers door and rushed inside to grab a fire extinguisher, but within those 10 seconds I was away, the fire has more than tripled in size. So when I opened the passenger door to use the extinguisher, the fire had grown out of control. With the fire put out, I started looking around and noticed that the engine bay for the car still has rubber hoses and pieces of plastic that are fully intact and haven't been burned, yet the interior of the car is completely gone. I have reason to believe the blower motor was the source of the fire. After talking to a few others that own the same car as me, some have said they've been noticing a burning smell and minor traces of smoke coming from that same area
Air bags, Nov 25, 2025, crash
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 46 MPH, a Chevrolet Impala rear-ended the vehicle, causing the vehicle to flip over and slide into the woods. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to exit the vehicle at first but was later able to exit through the rear window. The driver was able to walk out of the woods to the highway to obtain assistance. Upon research, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V372000 (Air Bags). The air bag warning light was turning on and off days prior to the failure. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that several air bags deployed, trapping the contact in the vehicle. The contact sustained an extremely deep gash on her leg from the air bag. Medical attention was provided at the hospital. There was no reported fire. A Police report was filed but was not provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was not available.
Engine, Nov 11, 2025
Catalytic converters melted do to extreme engine temperatures no heat warning was given temperature gage never went off . Water pump has been replaced 4 times. Exhaust is now affected by melted catalytic converters.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 107,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 29, 2025
A engine always seems to run hot smells like it's burning constantly leaks coolant even after repairing electrical problems reoccurring smells like weird chemicals inside of the car when you turn on smells like gasoline and coolant this occurs every day
Steering, Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Sep 15, 2025
The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving fast/slow or turning. Everything shuts off, then back on and all codes flash. My car literally locks up, it’s really unsafe when I can’t control the vehicle. Almost hit another car, due to steering wheel locking up. Only thing I was told at the Chevy dealer house was there were no recalls. So they wouldn’t look unless they got to charge me. This issue started happening about five months ago. And I drive like a grandma.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2025
Turbo overboost unable to drive for safety or cause for more damage
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, May 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the door locks were opening and closing independently. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was also flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the heater and the A/C were also functioning independently. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission occasionally slipped out of gear, almost causing the vehicle to stall, making the steering wheel difficult to turn. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the 12-Volt battery and the fuse box; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 13, 2025
My service lights keep popping on and start shaking etc.
Fuel/propulsion system, May 5, 2025
According to my car being diagnosed the fuel pump needs replaced. The car is available for inspection. A warning signal is on my dash board, its the check engine light that is on.
Engine, Apr 29, 2025
I have this code p0324 and I replaced the whole knock sensor including the wiring with it and the code still pop up, my car is Chevy Cruze 2014 LTZ 1.4 L4 Turbo. Yesterday I went to dealer to program it and they did program the PCM and later in the evening, the check engine light pop up again with the same code but the car run fine. I seriously want to know what else can cause the issues!!