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, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 14, 2025
My 2014 Chevy Cruze has been having some major safety issues as of late. The powertrain has been one of the major components in this system that has failed. The engine has overheated 3 times in the last 3 months causing many safety concerns to others on the road as well as myself due to having to randomly pull over on the side of the road on the busy highway. The car has jolted many times due to losing power and causing my neck to have a severe pinched nerve. These issues are related mainly to the fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. The engine light repeatedly goes on and off causing many issues to the car daily.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Apr 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to emit smoke from the head gasket and from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact contacted the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the smoke was coming from the turbocharger. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with cylinder head failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 25, 2025
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the heater failed to function as intended. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact observed that the coolant level was abnormally low, and an unknown fluid was leaking. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 27, 2025
Transmission won’t shift into gear while driving and the brakes won’t engage when this happens, this will cause a wreck and hurt someone, the codes are showing po700 tcm code
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 17, 2025
N/A
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Feb 11, 2025
What happened 1. A dashboard message has been popping up since December 11 on my 2014 Chevy Cruz car. I only have 77,000 miles on it. The message indicates “service tracking control “ 2. I took the car to the dealer and they said they did a number of repairs and I was charged 900. Some odd dollars to fix some parts to re-Zoll Veve the tracking control issue. 3. I let them know that that message kept coming back up. 4. After several times of taking it back to the dealer paying another $78 for another part they still do not know what the problem is. 5. The main concern is that the message displays over the digital speed control and I cannot determine how fast I am driving. The dealer does not know how to fix this problem. It is a safety concern because I cannot tell how fast I am driving I have I cannot get this problem fixed, and the dealer does not know how to resolve the problem.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 3, 2025
ABS pump motor stuck X2 & is available for inspection. Brakes could potentially fail putting mine & other's safety at risk. Warning lamps were illuminated. This is the second time this has happened, pump motor was already replaced. There is a recall issued but not for my vehicle specifically. CAN BUS Communication issues.
Electrical system, Engine, Jan 23, 2025, fire
My car caught fire driving down the road
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2024
Well like everyone car has this nasty cloud of black grey smoke Turns out i have a faulty catalytic converter. Not to mention the constant over heating. The change of the water pump thermostat multiple times. This is a nightmare. I drive with one eye on the road and the other on my needle gauge. I drive with my 2 kids and my biggest fear is catching fire. We inhale the smoke as we drive. Unfortunately this life is taking a toll on me. The stress of this car and always needing something is terrible. Get a new car right. Yeah if life was simple we wouldnt be struggling daily breathing in all thise chemicals.
Engine, Nov 25, 2024
My vehicle started leaking coolant from the water pump. Gargling noise coming from the engine and coolant smell is going inside the cabin which is a heath hazard to me and my family. We have been having headache all day. I have 3 kids and a baby in riding in this vehicle.
Air bags, Nov 17, 2024, crash
Airbags did not deploy during accident. After accident; car displayed service airbags . Head hit windshield
Seat belts, Nov 13, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while buckling on the driver's side seat belt, the flexible steel cable snapped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Air bags, Nov 4, 2024
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact received recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V870000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because she no longer owns the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2024
I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding serious safety violations and malpractice by SLValley Chevrolet, along with accountability concerns with General Motors (GM). This complaint follows an existing case with the Utah Attorney General Consumer Protection Division (Complaint SR:9-1384660535) and highlights multiple incidents that compromise vehicle safety and public well-being. Summary of Issues: 1. **Electrical Issues and Unsafe Repairs**: I incurred substantial costs, including a recent invoice of **$2,210.72** dated **October 23, 2024**, for a supposed resolution Salt Lake Valley Chevrolet was supposed to have resvoled for an electrical issue. Despite this, the electrical problems remained unresolved, indicating a lack of professional workmanship and charges for servces not rendedered. Also additional time and money wasted. 2. **Damaged Oil Pan**: Salt Lake Valley Chevrolet caused damage to my oil pan, and they attempted to charge me **$866.00** for this damage. I believe this to be an unfair and unjust practice that reflects poorly on the integrity of their service. I authorized an oil change with the electrical issue and after service the car came home leakinig oil. They damaged the components. An oil change would not have been conducted had there been damage. The April invoice with this company will also show a previous oil change and at that time no issue. 3. **Continued Safety Hazards**: I paid **$531.12** on **September 23, 2024**, for a battery cable replacement, oil change, and tire rotation, which resulted in a new leaking oil issue and a flat tire. My vehicle broke down in traffic due to these unresolved problems, creating a potential accident hazard on the road. Tried to charge me for the damage they caused to oil pan and plug. 4. **Carcinogenic Smoke Exposure**: I faced severe health risks due to inhaling carcinogenic smoke following a service in **February 2024**. A leak at the turbo line feed was noted, and d
Electrical system, Oct 12, 2024
Car shut off while driving on highway. Service power steering and service airbag came on. Tried to jump it but that didn’t work. Car shut off while doing 70 mph on the highway. Was almost hit trying to get car to shoulder. I have just read that there are hundreds of complaints regarding the same thing.
Air bags, Sep 9, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V674000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Aug 14, 2024
for some reason my Airbag service light come on, I was just driving and the warning came up on the screen.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 6, 2024
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “Low Engine Power” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle lost motive power immediately afterwards. The contact had to wait sometimes before being able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the turbo supercharger had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Electrical system, Jul 31, 2024
Car dies at 3 rpm’s, mechanic says it’s a faulty computer and that it is a very well known problem with this year of Chevy Cruze. I have to have the computer replaced.
Electrical system, Jul 30, 2024
Faulty ignition switch. Vehicle attempts to start on its own. Could be a very serious issue with car parked in a garage.
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2024
Unknown
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 10, 2024
Was parked on a slight incline with the car completely off and keys out of ignition. My daughter, her cousin and I exited the car and were walking in front of it. As we got in front of it my car made a sound like it was about to start. The headlights came on and the entire vehicle jerked forward a bit. It almost hit us.
Electrical system, Jul 10, 2024
Turned the car off, exited the vehicle. After a few minutes we could hear and see the car trying to start on its own. The headlights came on and even though it was in park it moved slightly.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 24, 2024
The car starts smoking upon acceleration and the engine light comes on. It also has a lot of oil on top of the engine. I took the car to an independent dealership and he stated the engine and gaskets are bad and this is a common problem with the 2014 Chevy Cruz. I've been told there was a recall and read online of a recall on the engine. However, I did not see a recall when I entered the VIN number on the national database. I need for a manufacturer representative to contact me as soon as possible to make this situation right.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Air bags, Jun 9, 2024
My car smells like oil burning with white smoke .and the valve cover leaks and the head gasket is damaged I need help still an issue the air bag light on.this car is un safe.