2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 250 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 19 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 14 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasolineMay 10, 2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
Campaign 18V304000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, head restraintJan 26, 2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."
In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seats, replacing any with seat-back frames that are incorrectly welded, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.
Campaign 17V057000 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
Exterior lighting, headlightsJul 1, 2016
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels, with the correct code, to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 50190.
Campaign 16V498000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: fuel/propulsion system
35 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2026
car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2026
After 3 years of having this car it’s overheating each summer requiring the coolant system, hoses, thermostat, and water pump to be replaced each summer. As well as major oil leaking after full tune ups.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 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
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 6, 2024
I was driving the car, stopped at a light took my foot off the brake started to move and the car completely shut off. No warning lights went on. I had to start the car again. I took the car to a local dealership to be looked at. They pulled the codes, nothing showed up. I did an internet search for a possible cause, sent my search results to the dealership and I asked them to check the fuel system, they found a bad injector. They then cleaned the fuel system and replaced the bad injector.
Wheels, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 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)
Electrical system, Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 4, 2024
Water leak in trunk. Took car in 3 time to have it fixed after them doing the recall( 84279073 f-lamp kit). Every time it went in they found a leak in a different spot. 15Feb17 they found water leaking from right side of the spoiler retainer holes. Dealer removed spoiler applied double back tape and sealer. Reinstalled spoiler 02Mar17 found pin hole leak in weather strip. Dealer replaced weather strip. 01jan24 start having electrical issues. Hard starting/ running weird and finally dead battery. Had les swabs install battery and remove water in trunk. Car starts but shuts off when driving. 05mar24 Dealer finds leak coming from right side spoiler and now 1 licence plat bolt. Charged me 600.00 . to reseal. Here we go again They could never stop/find the leak before and will not warranty previous work. Isn't this a fire/safty issue? That started the recall in the 1st place. And why wasn't drain plugs required for this yr.car. I believe it was in the newer one. I would like to know how many people had to take their car in multiple times to never have the problem truly fixed. Is this a tactic used to make consumers go away and say they fixed the recall, but never really did.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 2, 2023
Stability Track came on randomly all of sudden car was stalling, running poorly and smell Gas , sure enough leaking Gas Everywhere, very dangerous. Lucky car did not catch on fire. I am still paying for this car. Just thankful no one got injured. THERE IS NO RECALLS FOR THIS VIN ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 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
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2022
My car was recalled for problems with fuel system or something of that nature, I took it to get repaired not once but about 3 times and problem is still ongoing. When I press the gas, the car shoots all the way to the 3rd gear and gets stuck at about 27 miles which is very dangerous, especially when I’m on the freeway. It will also cut off in the middle of the road making me have to put my car in park and recrank the car, multiple people have almost ran dead into the back of my car. They basically told me it is no way to fix my car. Now, it has caused more problems. My car is now saying “engine power reduced” and “service brake assist” when I try to press the brakes, it’s literally almost impossible. I have to almost stand on the brake and it still does not stop all the way. My brakes are new btw, so it shouldn’t still have this error message. I’m basically driving a lemon. This car is not reliable at ALL. I have put so much money into this car and with it being a 2016, you would think it wouldn’t have all of these problems… the car just jerks when I’m driving and nobody can seem to fix it! Oh, and let me not forget about the fuse that blew in my USB ports causing me not to be able to use all the features of my vehicle. This car is a nightmare. Also, I believe that when there are recalls for safety issues like this, we should be notified but of course that’s asking for too much. I have only had this car since 2019. It was serviced on 4/28/21, 5/26/21, 6/6/21 and after that I literally gave up and just hope I don’t wreck out and die.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 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
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 18, 2022
Catalytic Converter , it is a 2016 , it absolutely should not be faulty/defective AT ALL . I checked with Dick Wolstrom Chevy Dealer , if this would be included in the Powertrain Warranty and they said it expired in December . I checked with the other Yearly Recalls for this problem, and it did show this exact same recall for the all the previous years of this make and model of car . It should be fixed , I never heard of a Catalytic Converter be defective like this especially in a newer year car . Can you please help me ? Also, I am having problem with the Fuel pressure Sensor , Air flow intake sensor, Knock sensor , all (3) this is crazy . This is the 2nd time the knock sensor has been replaced . My main concern is the Catalytic Converter , please advise , it should be covered in the powertrain warranty on this car , regardless . It is very expensive to be replaced .
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 18, 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.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 6, 2022
My 2016 Chevy Cruise heating and cooling system failed. Car engine over heats causing engine to stop in mid drive. Hoses (main) and connections to heating and cooling systems faulty. Main hose to cooling system faulty (dry rotted ).
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 10, 2021
WHEN IM DRIVING AND STOP AT A LIGHT IT SOUNDS LIKE MY CAR IS GONNA DIE IT SPUTTERS AND ALMOST DIES AND NOW ITS DYING WHEN I STOP AT A LIGHT BUT CRANKS RIGHT BACK UP AFTER IT DIES THERE WAS A ERG VALVE RECALL WE GOT FIXED BUT IT SEEMS TO BE THE SAME ISSUE AS BEFORE
Power train, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 4, 2021
THE VEH STARTED WITH A SMALL WATER LEAK, THEN A VERY LARGE LEAK. FOUND OUT THAT THE WATER PUMP WAS BAD AND THE THERMOSTAT WAS BAD. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID HOLDER HAS A LARGE CRACK IN IT. THE VEHICLE STILL NEEDS MAINTENANCE ON IT AND CAN'T AFFORD IT. NO PHOTOS TO SHARE BUT RECEIPTS OF MY BILL TO REPLACE IT
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 21, 2021
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON I GOT IT CHECKED AT MY MECHANIC BUT CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. WHEN YOU FIRST START THE IGNITION IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS BOBBING BACK AND FOURTH. ALSO AFTER THE AUTO STOP GOES ON AND YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND PUT IT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR STUTTERS. I ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WHEN I WAS COMING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY IT STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER STEERING I HAD TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 13, 2021
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO GET CHECKED. THE PURGE VALVE, WATER PUMP, AND CAM ACTUATOR SEALS ALL WENT BAD.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 21, 2020
MY CAR IS PARKED LOOKS LIKE A RAINBOW COLOR IS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE ENGINE. IT LOOKS LIKE WATER FROM A DISTANCE UNTIL YOU GET CLOSER. I HAVE NOTIFIED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT AND HE TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 17, 2020
THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BLEW OUT IT'S SENSOR. NOT LIKE IT JUST WENT OUT, BUT SOME HOW PRESSURE BUILT UP AND BLEW IT OUT OF THE MANIFOLD. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALERSHIP JUST TOLD ME OVER THE PHONE. CAR IS AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT BECAUSE OF THE ONGOING ISSUES WITH THE TURBO AND THE MISSING BOLTS AND THE FACT THAT THIS ENGINE WAS OBVIOUSLY A FAULTY BUILD, AS GM HAS ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THIS CAR AND I STILL OWE ON IT. SO NOW WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD BLOWING UP AND A LEAKING VALVE COVER....I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW GM ISN'T RESPONSIBLE FOR GETTING THESE CARS OFF THE ROAD. I AM SO AFRAID OF BLOWING UP WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO AND I BELIEVE IN KARMA AND DO NOT WANT TO TRADE IT IN FOR FEAR OF RISKING SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE. I'VE OWNED A LOT OF VEHICLES IN THE 30 YEARS I'VE BEEN DRIVING AND AM THANKFUL I'VE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT GOOD LORD, HOW DO I FIX THIS?
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 20, 2020
REOCCURING PROBLEMS WITH PCV SYSTEM.EMISSIONS SYSTEM, MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS,O2 SENSORS,INTAKE MANIFOLD, VALVE COVERS WONT ACCELERRATE, STALLS WHILE DRIVING AND IDLING, HARD SHIFTING, STABILITY CONTROL SSUES AND STABILITRACK ISSUES, INTAKE AIR FLOW SYSTEM,FUEL TRIM SYSTEM LEAN BANK
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 14, 2020
MY VALVE COVER HAS WENT BAD AND STARTED LEAKING OIL AROUND MY SPARK PLUGS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF MY OWN I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE FOR MANY YEAR MODELS OF THE CHEVY CRUZE. MY VALVE COVER IS AN UPDATED VERSION OF THE PLASTIC ON THE 2015 AND OLDER AND IS NOW A METAL ONE. I SPOKE WITH A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO INFORMED ME HE HAS REPLACED 75 NEW VALVE COVERS THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS BUILT A NEW VALVE COVER TO REPLACE THE METAL ONE ON MY CAR. ALSO THIS METAL VALVE COVER HAS CAUSED MY CAR TO START SMOKING HEAVILY WHEN I DROVE IT TO MAKE ME HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME UNTIL I CAN GET THE ISSUE FIXED.
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 21, 2020
CAR WHILE DRIVING SUDDENLY SPUTTERS AND STALLS. I GET AN ERROR MESSAGE SAYING TO CHECK AIRBAGS. THE LOCKS ON THE DOORS WILL UNLOCK AND LOCK AND UNLOCK AN LOCK MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. WHEN I PUMP GAS THE CAR WONT START IMMEDIATELY IT SPUTTERS AND CLICKS EVERY TIME.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 2, 2019
CLUTCH HYDRAULICS FAILED WHILE DRIVING IN MY STANDARD TRANSMISSION CAR DUE TO POORLY MANUFACTURED PARTS. CLUTCH WOULD STAY ON THE FLOOR WHEN PUSHED DOWN. MULTIPLE MECHANICS STATED AIR WAS GETTING INTO HYDRAULIC LINE DUE TO POOR MANUFACTURING.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 29, 2019
I PURCHASED A USED VEHICLE FROM ATLANTA LUXURY MOTORS AT KIA SOUTH ON AUGUST 11, 2019. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AS-IS, BUT NO MECHANIC CLAIMS TO HAVE FOUND ANY ISSUES AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE IS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND ONLY HAD 70,000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. ABOUT TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE, THE ENGINE CUT OFF AFTER THE AUTO-STOP INITIATED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. SINCE THEN, THE NUMBER OF TIMES THE ENGINE HAS CUT OFF HAS INCREASED IMMENSELY. AS OF OCTOBER 29, 2019, MY ENGINE CUTS OFF ANYTIME THE CAR FALLS INTO AUTO-STOP. TODAY IT HAPPENED EIGHT TIMES DURING ONE FORTY-FIVE MINUTE COMMUTE.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 13, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR COMING FROM THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED THE CONTACT WITH CASE NUMBER: 9-542-4410467. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V304000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 8,000.