2015 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 252 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 20 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
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
Seat belts, front, anchorageDec 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15777.
Campaign 15V876000 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
Parking brakeFeb 27, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, the fastening bolts may back out completely, causing the parking brake bracket to separate and the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
If the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll away and a crash.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left-rear and right-rear parking brake brackets bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15135.
Campaign 15V113000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
23 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2026
I have replaced my whole engine and the cars fuel system.. my gas was backing into my oil along with the engine failing .. has happened again. This car has been a nightmare and just keeps failing. Strong gas and oil burning smell then car starts smoking. Had to shut it off in the middle of the road.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2025
I understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to replace the thermostat, I've had continued overheating issues, issues with the catalytic converters, the hoses and connectors becoming brittle and needing replacement throughout the engine. Suddenly the traction control light came on the dash after they check engine light. With the code reader showed problems with the mass air flow and the mass air flow electric wiring. Suddenly after a oil change, the vehicle is running terribly and is undrivable. The ECM or computer that powers the entire vehicle has lost all power was no explanation. All the pieces and relays are in good working order. After research on this issue of the ECM I've learned that even replacement of the computer for this vehicle causes the vehicle not even to start. I contacted customer service for GM and Chevrolet and they referred me to you because it is over 10 years old. No one was able to help me. My roommate has the exact same vehicle besides I have a turbo and she does not same year, and she is also having the exact same problems including her ECM is not getting any power. I'm sure of that there's nothing anyone can do financially but Chevrolet and GM really dropped the ball on this vehicle as far as dependability and safety. I counted on this vehicle to be dependable and and live up to the standards of gmn Chevrolet and it has not. Besides this website I don't know who could called Chevrolet and GM accountable for this disaster of a car. I would appreciate any suggestions to try to get this vehicle safe and in working order if it is even possible. I appreciate your time and consideration and I am available if anyone needs to contact me with any questions thank you.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 12, 2025
I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2023
There are two main problems I've seen them time and time again ( on YouTube sure not great credibility but hear me out) the intake manifolds are not tightened tight enough come lose and start making the motor shudder misfire losses power and then the coolant line t isn't secured good enough and burst from high pressure I understand wanting to use plastic over metal its cheaper but aluminum would have been more reliable then after that the intake manifold causes the coolant line to burst at the t which causes your head gasket to blow which in turn kills your turbo and possibly if driven ( if it's possible to drive mind you I was almost hit twice just trying to get off the road ) kills your catalytic converters and that's a complete engine failure that could have been prevented
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2023
It shakes and stutters while driving off and on. If it’s super cold outside it may not even start. When sitting idle it’ll spit and sputter and periodically backfire. When going to take off from a stop sign there’s lag or it won’t take off at all even floored. I’m getting milky oil so I’m getting condensation from somewhere. This trickle effect all starts off my MAF sensor and has progressively gotten worse. I’ve had the MAF, o2 sensor, turbo valve , spark plugs, battery(s) changed all trying to fix this issue and 2 years later I’m still fighting with it. Yesterday while heading home I couldn’t go over 45, and it would stutter and feel like your driving on rubble strips, when I got home it smelled like something was burning, popped the hood and the dipstick showed “black” oil but in the oil cap there the milky oil in and around the cap as well as my fan being SUPER loud after it’s shut off.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 26, 2022
Reduced engine power & service stabilitrek. Service Engine light came on, and I had reduced power on the highway in the fast/passing lane with people behind me, this issue caused my car to suddenly slow down about 30mph, causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes and cut in front of other cars to the slow lane to avoid rear ending me
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 30, 2022, crash
Unknown
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 4, 2021
Driving the car and suddenly it began to stall, next engine light came on, stability light came on, engine overheating waring came on, radio turned off, ac stopped working, smelling antifreeze, car shakes, power stalls when accellerating, smoke exited the engine, oil leaked and finally car stopped. AAA got car took it to a mechanic and rebuilt whole cylinder head. Now I received a letter from GM stating something wrong with PCV valve, and same thing is happening again same senerio just 4 months after getting fixed.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 25, 2021
On many occasions the car would be at a stop and start shaking violently, then it would stall out no matter where I was. The engine light came on so I went to see what it was, at first I thought it was the air filter, changed that, then it was the mass airflow sensor changed that then it started doing it again, then it was the O2 sensor and it worked for a day or 2. Now if the AC is on it shakes violently again and if I am at a stop it still will stall out.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 22, 2021
BOUGHT 2015 CRUZE LT USED IN 2017 FROM LHM USED CAR SUPERMARKET. 3 MONTHS LATER I'M RETURNING TO DEALERSHIP AS THERE IS A LARGE QUANTITY OF DEXCOOL ON THE GROUND. STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING AND SHUDDERING WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS LOOSES POWER AND EVEN STALLS ON THE HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC OUTSIDE THE LHM PERVIEW AND MECHANIC STATED: LEAKING COOLANT ON TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND POOLING THERE DRAIN PLUG STRIPPED OUT CAUSING MASSIVE OIL LEAK AND PCV BAD NEEDS REPLACED. THE NEW MECHANIC REPLACED THE OIL PAN AND GAVE ESTIMATES FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE PCV AND THE COOLANT LEAK. NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE MY CRUZE BUT I WAS TOLD ID BE CLOSE TO WHAT I OWE ON THE CAR TO REPAIR IT AS CHEVROLET WILL NOT DO A RECALL ON THE MASSIVE ISSUE PARTS, THERE IS ONLY 59,213 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SOMEONE FROM CHEVROLET NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS AND EITHER FIX THE ISSUE OR MAKE SOME SORT OF RECOMPENSE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS I AM.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 23, 2020
HAD TO REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON AND IT'S SHOWING THAT THAT IS STILL AN ISSUE. A MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS HAS BEEN A COMMON ISSUE WITH OTHER CHEVY CRUZE.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2020
CAR BEEN JERKING AND STOP ON IT'S OWN WHILE IN DRIVE I BEEN KEEPING OIL CHANGES AND EVERYTHING UP TO PART ON IT
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 28, 2020
CAR STARTED SPUTTERING ON ACCELERATION AND AT CRUISING SPEEDS.. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WITH CODE P0171 FUEL SYSTEM TOO LEAN BANK 1. PCV VALVE LEAKING REQUIRING REPLACEMENT OF VALVE COVER
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 6, 2020
MY CAR IS CONSTANTLY SHAKING AND JOLTING ITSELF FORWARD, LAGGING IN CHANGING GEARS. I HAVE PAID OVER 5000 DOLLARS IN ONE YEAR TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND EVERY TIME I FIX SOMETHING, THE LIGHT COMES BACK ON AND A NEW CODE IS BROUGHT UP. ALWAYS THE SAME PROBLEM, NEVER BEING FIXED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 18, 2019
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TWICE FOR OIL LEAKS, PROBLEMS WITH THE PCV SYSTEM AND INTAKE MANIFOLD. AFTER THE ITEMS WERE REPAIRED AT THE DEALER, THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF AT IDLE AND ROUGH IDLES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM STILL GOES OFF AND ON. THE VEHICLE HAS TURNED OFF WHILE STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 14, 2019
I BOUGHT THE CAR USED. AFTER A FEW DAYS I HEARD A TICKING UNDER THE HOOD & ALSO WHEN I GOT TO 60 MPH I COULD FEEL VIBRATION IN THE GAS PEDAL & SOUNDED LIKE A BUMBLE BEE UNDER THE HOOD. I TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM. THEY SAID THAT WITH THE LT1 IT OFFS COMMON NOISE FOR THE PURGE SOLENOID TO MAKE THE TICKING NOISE THAT IT WAS NORMAL. THE VIBRATION THEY SAID WAS A PEBBLE GOT UNDER MOTOR MOUNT & WAS CAUSING VIBRATION. HE GOT THE PEBBLE OUT & READJUSTED. A WEEK LATER WAS DOING IT AGAIN & THE TICKING NOISE WAS ALOT WORSE. HE FINALLY CHANGED THE PURGE SOLENOID & IT STILL TICKED BUT NOT NEARLY AS BAD. BUT HE SAID HE COULDN'T HEAR THE NOISE AT 60 MPH & ONLY A LITTLE OF THE VIBRATION IN PEDAL. I'M REALLY REGRETTING BUYING THIS CAR. IF I KNEW IT WOULD HAVE ALL THESE ISSUES I COULD OF KEPT DRIVING MY OLDER CAR WITH NO CAR PAYMENT. HE SAID THAT CHEVROLET KNEW ABOUT THE PURGE SOLENOID ISSUE BUT HAVEN'T FIXED IT. CAR HAD 87K MILES WHEN I BOUGHT IT & NOW HAS 90K. AFTER WE BOUGHT 1 OF THE SALESMEN REFERRED TO IT AS A THROW AWAY CAR. YEAH I JUST THREW AWAY 11K GETTING IT
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 16, 2019
I HAD STOPPED AT THE STORE. WHEN I CAME OUT AND STARTED MY CAR. IT INSTANTLY MADE A LOUD WHISTLING NOISE. I OPENED THE HOOD NOTHING OBVIOUS. WHEN LEFT I PULLED OUT ON THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND IT STALLED. PROBLEM WAS THE PCV VALVE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUSING SEVERAL OTHER MAJOR ISSUES AFTER THE FAILURE
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 16, 2018
A FEW WEEKS AGO MY COUSIN NOTICED A FUEL SMELL IN MY CAR AND I WENT TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THERE WAS A PIN HOLE IN MY FUEL LINE WHERE FUEL WAS LEAKING OUT OF.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2018
WHEN I FILL MY CAR UP WITH FUEL, IT WILL NOT START. IT ACTS AS IF IT IS FLOODED.
Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 18, 2017
I STARTED SMELLING GAS FUMES. IMMEDIATELY DROVE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP. THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE WAS LEAKING WHERE IT WENT INTO THE MOTOR AND THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. AFTER SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR A COUPLE OF HOURS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART TO FIX THE CAR WAS UNAVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 4 WEEKS. NOW I AM BEING TOLD BY CHEVROLET THAT IT COULD BE 3 -4 MONTHS BEFORE THEY CAN GET THE PART. CHEVROLET CORPORATE SAID THAT THE PART WAS FAULTY AND THEY DON'T HAVE A REPLACEMENT PART. THIS PART IS THE FUEL LINE AND FUEL RAIL. CHEVROLET DOES NOT HAVE THE PART NEI5ER HAVE THEY DONE A RECALL. THEY REFUSE TO COMPENSATE ME FOR BEING WITH OUT THE CAR.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 17, 2017
CAR IS RELEASING GASOLINE'S FUMES . VERY STRONG AND IS GIVING M A HEADACHE WHICH ALSO MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO BREATH WHILE DRIVING
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 9, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY, STRONG FUMES EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND WITHIN THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE AIR CONDITIONER AND THE ENGINE OVERHEATING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE AND SHE AND A CHILD PASSENGER EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (GORDON CHEVROLET, 6301 E ROOSEVELT BLVD, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19149, (215) 537-2377) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND ASKED THE CONTACT TO HAVE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TOW THE VEHICLE TO THEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,148.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2016
I PURCHASED THIS 2015 CRUZ WITH 18,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE FROM LEE JOHNSON CHEVROLET IN KIRKLAND, WA. IT HAS BEEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC 3 SEPARATE TIMES WITH A COMPLAINT THAT THIS VEHICLE EXCELERATES SPORADICALLY AND WITHOUT NOTICE. THERE IS NO FAULT CODES THAT COME UP. THE MECHANICS DRIVE IT BUT THIS DOES'NT HAPPEN TO HIM, THEREFORE THEY STATE THAT THIS IS NOT A PROBLEM. I FEEL TOTALLY UNSAFE WHEN THIS HAPPENS AND I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR. ( I DRIVE WITH ONE HAND ON THE GEARSHIFT IN CASE THIS HAPPENS SO I CAN PUT IT IN NEUTRAL IMMEDIATELY. I WANT THIS COMPLAINT TO GO ON RECORD THAT I HAVE FILED THIS CLAIM AS WELL AS WORKED WITH THE MECHANICS ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS AND FEEL AS IF I HAVE NO RECOURSE FOR WHAT I CONSIDER A SERIOUS PROBLEM