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, Engine, Sep 22, 2021
I have a code p0420 code and engine light keeps comeback on I had the catalytic converter replaced, and everything inspected by Friendship Chevrolet in Forestcity NC 28043. Kept my car for two weeks and still couldn’t find the problem of this p0420 code so my engine light stays on.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2021
When the car is stopped, the brakes and in Drive or Reverse, the engine jumps-hiccup. The car move slightly forward every time. It has no check-engine light or code. The mechanics all said it could be a manufacturer defect. It happens mostly in the morning. Most of the time it works properly. The car has 45,000 miles. Also the belt tensioner has been raplaced two times in a month, Is still giving issues.
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 10, 2021
Several times the steering wheel mechanism locked up while driving and I was unable to steer it momentarily. During that time several warning lamp indicators intermittently illuminated, and the radio shorted, and the instrument panel flashed or blacked out. Also, there is a coolant leak. I have the vehicle at the dealership repair center and they haven’t reproduced the above problems, but did find a problem with a engine coolant leak from the water pump and a radiator hose in which they are repairing.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2021, crash
I was in a collision and zero airbags deployed. I was hit T-bone style at an intersection.
Suspension, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 2, 2021
I purchased this chevrolet cruze2014 in 2021 of november now I have an unsafe vehicle I have took it to have it looked at and now they want me to pay 1,600 for damages that I have not created tension belts and assembly problem and an oil pan that is cracked this also have struts and other suspension problems that need to be address I will like to see if their is any way to have this problem taken care of so that it is not all on me I don't feel like getting into a dangerous car and kill myself or other people please help me my name is [XXX] phone number is [XXX] so that I may get these problems fix so I can have a decent car I purchased it from American car center and now they are giving me problems on fixing this car that they sold me with these problems INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2021, fire
My radio was getting hot all the time I had a touch screen the dash would get hot and the glove box on top got hot. The sides of consoles would get hot to. I think my car had no engine shield it only happen when my car was running other ppl with 2014 cruzes say the samething.
Engine, Aug 25, 2021, fire
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 62 mph when the contact noticed other drivers flashing their lights, therefore, they decided to pull over to the side of the road. When they pulled over they noticed that there was smoke coming through the vents of the vehicle. The vehicle's touchscreen on the dashboard that controls the radio as well as a few other functions went blank and the actual physical rubber parts of the screen began to melt. The contact turned off the vehicle and got out of the vehicle when the vehicle suddenly caught on actual fire. The fire department extinguished what was left of the fire after the contact's efforts. A police report was filed. The contact had received a burn to their arm. There was no medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact had not spoken to the dealership. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.
Engine, Jun 28, 2021
Vehicle overheated, oil and coolant mixing in. The mentioned vehicle may stall on the road causing traffic hazard to its occupants, and the driving public around it. The engine oil is visibly mixing in with the engine coolant at this point. The temperature gage showed higher than normal level, then steam/smoke came out of the engine compartment as oil and coolant spew out of the closed coolant tank.
Power train, Jun 22, 2021
Turbochargers are very known to go out or lag, causing vehicle to not go be able to up to speed , or suddenly drop speed on highway.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 16, 2021
Vehicle moves very slow because of turbo failure with a four cylinder.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2021
My engine light came on and I took it to two different local mechanics and both confirmed the issue was the catalyst converter. One informed there was a recall and after some research found it was true. I called my dealership and they told me it was vin specific and that mine was not pulling up any recalls. I search on this website and indeed no recalls. This issue started at around 50k miles and they did not want to take any responsibility. It is what it is but I plan to drive the car like that as long as I can.
Power train, Jun 10, 2021
Unknown, all I am aware of is that a large rock was on the highway and the vehicle infront of me kicked it up, and then my own tires kicked it up and caused issues with the catalytic converter.
Vehicle speed control, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while in the drive position and attempting to park, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated and lunged forward. The driver immediately removed the ignition key to turn off the vehicle. During the failure, the brake pedal was being pressed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,597. The consumer stated she no longer owns this vehicle. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED WITHOUT ANY FURTHER EFFORT TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. Consumer no longer owns the vehicle.*JB
Steering, May 28, 2021
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that his daughter called him while at a stoplight to inform him that the vehicle lost power steering without warning. The contact informed his daughter to restart the vehicle while at the stoplight and to park the vehicle so that he could meet her. The contact arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle and found no fault with the vehicle. The contact followed his daughter to her destination without further incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided a case number. The contact was also informed that a representative would call him for further assistance. The contact received a call back from a representative who left a message asking how he would like to resolve the matter. The contact had yet to respond to the manufacturer. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V442000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Engine, May 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway but was unsuccessful. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in successfully moving the vehicle off the highway and onto the shoulder. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.
Steering, Air bags, May 21, 2021
This morning, I was making a right turn into a neighborhood when I hit a small hole in the road and the car turned off. It alerted me that it was power steering and airbags. Now when I drive into my driveway it may turn off because of the curb, when I turn into work it may turn off because there is a small area where the road has small holes.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 12, 2021
WINDSHIELD LINKAGE FAILS WHILE IN USE( DRIVING IN RAINSTORM) LEAVING DRIVER WITH NO WIPERS ON DRIVERS SIDE
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING AND METALLIC SOUND DETECTED. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WHILE ACCELERATING, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND TPMS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENESIS CHEVROLET (21800 GRATIOT AVE, EASTPOINTE, MI 48021, (586) 804-7977) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER, BRAKES, WATER PUMP, NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE, BODY CONTROL MODULE, AND COOLANT LEAK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO HAMILTON CHEVROLET (5800 E. 14 MILE RD, WARREN, MI 48092, (586) 838-1537) AND DIAGNOSED WITH A LEAKING ASSEMBLY CAMSHAFT COVER, BELT TENSIONER, AND DRIVE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,517.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 24, 2021
THE DRIVERS SIDE WIPER WOULD NOT WORK WHEN STARTED TODAY WHILE IT WAS RAINING WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. I TOOK THE COVER OFF OF THE ESCUTCHEON ABOVE THE WIPERS TO SEE WHY THE ARM WAS NOT BEING DRIVEN BY THE MOTOR. THE ARM MOVED FREELY BACK AND FORTH ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE SHORT ARM FROM THE WIPER MOTOR TO THE DRIVE PLATE FOR THE WIPER WAS OFF. THE ARM WOULD NOT SNAP BACK IN PLACE. IT APPEARS THAT THE PLASTIC KNUCKLE HAS FAILED. WHEN SEARCHING FOR WIPER FAILURES IN THE CRUZE MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS WERE FOR THIS IDENTICAL FAILURE. MANY OWNERS WERE DRIVING ON THE ROAD WHEN IT FAILED AND I WAS FORTUNATE THAT IT FAILED BEFORE I LEFT FOR WORK AS IT WOULD HAVE FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. THERE ARE NO RECALLS LISTED FOR THIS DEFECTIVE PART. SINCE IS AN IMPORTANT SAFETY ISSUE I DETERMINED IT IS BEST TO MAKE THIS FORMAL COMPLAINT. THE PART NUMBER FOR THE WIPER LINKAGE IS 95971326 AND THIS IS WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE ATTACHED PHOTOS SHOW THE ARM OFF IN #1 AND #3 WHILE #2 SHOWS THE POSITION WHERE IT IS NORMALLY.
Engine, Apr 20, 2021
HEAD GASKET BLOWN LOSING COOLANT
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 16, 2021
WHILE IN DRIVE, RADIO, DASH LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS RANDOMLY SHUT OFF. NOT SURE IF TURN SIGNALS ARE WORKING EVEN THOUGH NO SOUND - PRAYING OTHER DRIVERS CAN SEE WHEN I'M TURNING?? SOMETIMES I'M JUST SITTING AT A RED LIGHT AND EVERYTHING GOES QUIET. THE LENGTH OF TIME VARIES, SO IT CAN BE STARTLING WHEN EVERYTHING SUDDENLY COMES BACK ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS. OVERALL, MAY SOUND INSIGNIFICANT, BUT THE (WORKING??) TURN SIGNALS IS A SAFETY ISSUE!!
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2021
WHEN PARKING THE CAR AND SHIFTING THE GEAR SELECTOR TO THE P POSITION, THE VEHICLE FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE CAR IS IN PARK - AN ERROR MESSAGE APPEARS THAT STATES 'SHIFT TO PARK'. THE CAR WILL NOT SHUT OFF AS IT DOESN'T RECOGNIZE THE CAR IS IN PARK. I HAVE HAD NO CHOICE, BUT TO LEAVE THE CAR RUNNING WHILE I WENT INTO WORK SINCE IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN IT OFF. ALSO, WHEN THIS HAPPENS I CANNOT PARK THE CAR IN MY GARAGE AS THE EXHAUST FUMES FILL THE GARAGE. THE PROBLEM IS SPORADIC AND HAPPENS ABOUT 70% OF THE TIME THAT I DRIVE THE CAR.
Electrical system, Mar 17, 2021
STABILTRAK SERVICE WARNING, RADIO SCREEN TURNING ON AND OFF AS WELL AS MUTING OF TURN SIGNAL ALL AT THE SAME TIME. HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. NEW BATTERY IN 2020.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Mar 10, 2021
THIS HAS OCCUR MORE THAN A HANDFUL OF TIMES. THIS IS THE MOST RECENT ONE, I STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION TURNED OFF MY CAR AND WHEN I WENT TO START IT NOTHING WAS WORKING NO LIGHTS, NO POWER ANYWHERE. I WIGGLED THE BATTERY CABLE AND IT CAME BACK ON BUT, I HAD TO TURN THE KEY ON AND OFF MULTIPLE TIMES FOR IT TO FINALLY START. AS I'M LEAVING THE GAS STATION I TURN TO THE LEFT AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING NONE WHATSOEVER. THEN IT CAME BACK SECONDS LATER I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT AND THE WHEEL JERKED ON ITS ON AND IT SAID SERVICE POWER STEERING AND ONCE AGAIN I HAD NO POWER STEERING. IT WENT OFF MOMENTS LATER. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION IT LOST ALL POWER AGAIN.
Engine, Mar 8, 2021
I REPLACED THE ENGINE ALREADY WITHIN AN YEAR OF HAVING IT AND NOW MY TURBO BLEW AND MY HEAD GASKET BLEW AS WELL