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: steering
18 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Apr 15, 2026
While driving, I went to make a right turn and the power steering went out making the turn very difficult using manual muscle to complete the turn. Fortunately, it was in a parking lot. After the ignition was turned off for about 45 minutes, I turned it back on and the steering functioned normally. However, I am very concerned if this problem would again happen and I am driving at a speed and this problem would appear, it could possibly cause a serious accident because of the unexpected action that would be required.
Steering, Jul 17, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly. The contact also stated that the vehicle was oversteered, and the wheel made the vehicle move in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod had separated from the steering gear and both inner tie rods and tires needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V442000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Steering, Jul 30, 2023
Power steering warning keeps coming and going, replaced battery didn't fix saw a lot of complaints about negative battery cable so replaced that and it fixed the issue. cruze's up to 2015 recalled this the 2016 obviously needs it too.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 13, 2021, crash
SECOND REPORT I'M MAKING ABOUT THIS CARS ENGINE PROBLEMS THE STABILITY TRACK AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER CAUSED MY CAR TO STOP ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE ! PLEASE INVESTIGATE INTO THIS ISSUE THEIR ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE UNDER THIS POST FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD SAYING THE SAME THING
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Aug 6, 2020
I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE RADIO SHUTS OF THEN TURNS BACK ON NUMEROUS TIMES. THEN I USUALLY GET A STABILITY'S ERROR MESSAGE. THEN THE BEST PART. THE POWER STEERING WILL COMPLETELY GO OUT WHILE CHANGING LANES OR IN MID TURN. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THROUGH A ROUND ABOUT AND ALSO WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS TO GET ON AND OFF THE FREEWAY. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS! I SEE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS! I CALLED ONSTAR 3 TIMES IN ONE TRIP. FIRST IT DISCONNECTS BECAUSE ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT OFF, THEN THEY ACTUALLY TOLD ME I HAVE TO WAIT TO CALL THEM BACK WHILE I AM LOSING MY STEERING. ONLY TO CONCLUDE THEY CAN ONLY HELP AFTER I AM IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THIS IS NOT GOING ON THE CAR RUNS GREAT AND I LOVE IT SO IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOME KIND OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT.
Steering, Feb 23, 2020
IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING HOME THE CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED DOING A SCRUBBING SOUND BEFORE IT STOPPED TURNING COMPLETELY
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 23, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOME SCREEN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING CEASED AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 3, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR RADIO HAS CUT OUT MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE 'SERVICE STABILITRACK' HAS BEEN DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE ISSUES CONTINUED. THIS IS MAINLY SEEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. THE LACK OF POWER TO THE CAR THREATENS SAFETY AS MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK AND I LOST POWER STEERING ON ONE OCCASION. I PERSONALLY RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE THROUGH ONLINE FORUMS AND FOUND OUT THAT MANY OTHERS SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RESULT MAY BE A FAULTY NEGATIVE BATTERY CONNECTION.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Service brakes, Nov 23, 2019
I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZ NG ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2019, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVROLET AGENCY TO CHECK THE WATER FILTERING OF THE 3 LIGHT STOP OF THE CAR, IT LEAKED WATER AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR OF THE RECALL N162064340 . ON THIS VISIT I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM (RECALL N182201620) WHICH PRESENTS A FAILURE IN THE PACKAGING OF THE STEERING BOX CAUSING MOISTURE TO ENTER THE PART AND DEACTIVATE THE POWER STEERING. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR THE AGENCY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM AND THE AGENCY CLOSED THE RECALL N182201620. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2019, WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE, THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED, PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING, I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BOARD THREW A MESSAGE 'THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED, DRIVE WITH CAUTION', THE STEERING WHEEL IS COMPLETELY HARD AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO MANIPULATE IT. I CONTACTED THE AGENCY AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET WORKSHOP AT MY COST, THE AGENCY ANALYZED THE FAULT AND RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO RECALL N182201620 (SAME FAULT THAT IS NO LONGER SHOWN ON THE GM PAGE) AND THAT THE THE CAR HAD NO GUARANTEE, THE AGENCY NOTIFIED ME THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR THE CHANGE OF THE PART. TALK TO GM 01800 AND I REPORT THE SITUATION, THEY CONTACTED ME AFTER 72 HOURS WITHOUT AN ANSWER, AFTER 6 DAYS GM'S RESPONSE WAS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO WARRANTY AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT, THE ADVISOR INDICATED THAT THE RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AGENCY AND THAT GM WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A TECHNICAL RESPONSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE PIECE AND THEY VIOLATION OF IATF RULE 16949: 2016 CLAUSE 10.2.6, THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ANALYSIS OF THE PIECE FAILED AND REFUSED TO CHANGE OR REPAIR THE FAULT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM FOR FREE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Apr 5, 2019
MY 2016 CHEVY CRUZE LS STARTED MAKING A ROARING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THEN THE STEERING GOT VERY STIFF I BARELY MADE IT HOME AND I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP AT ANYTIME AND IT COULD CAUSE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT FOR I WILL NOT HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR.
Steering, Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 4, 2018
2016 CHEVY CRUZE LTZ FAULTY BATTERY NEGATIVE CABLE CAUSING BATTERY CORROSION, WHILE DRIVING CAR HAS POWER STEERING ERRORS (LOSS OF STABLE STEERING CAPABILITIES), TRACTION SYSTEM ERRORS, REDUCED VEHICLE POWER, PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL (SPEEDS UP BY ITSELF). CONTACTED GM AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS ISSUE. THEY DENIED COVERAGE, DESPITE HAVING IDENTIFIED THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES WITH THE 2011-2015 MODELS.
Steering, Sep 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE PASSENGER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ANCIRA CHEVROLET (6111 BANDERA RD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238, 210-681-4900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE RACK AND PINION COULD BE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,650.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, May 29, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON MY WAY TO DROP OFF MY DAUGHTER TO THE BABYSITTER WHEN SUDDENLY MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED GETTING HARD AND THE CAR WOULDN'T RUN, I KEPT PUSHING THE GAS PETAL AND NOTHING, MY CAR WASN'T RUNNING. WHEN SUDDENLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING AND THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AS WELL. THE CAR WAS OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY, LUCKILY THERE WAS TRAFFIC AND THE CARS WERE BARELY MOVING. UNTIL FINALLY I TURNED IT BACK ON AND CONTINUED DRIVING. THE FOLLOWING DAY WHEN I WAS LEAVING TO GO TO WORK MY CAR FELT HARD AND THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING RIDICULOUSLY AND I'D PUSH ON THE GAS PETAL ON THE CAR AND IT WOULDN'T DRIVE. I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME AND I WASN'T ABLE TO CALL THE DEALER BECAUSE IT WAS CLOSED DUE TO MEMORIAL DAY. MY CAR WON'T GO AND I'M WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE DEALER IS GOING TO TELL ME. KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW OLDS WHEN I GOT IT OUT OF THE DEALER.
Steering, Feb 27, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, A GRINDING TYPE NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. DURING THE FAILURE, THE "SERVICE STABILITRAC" AND "SERVICE POWER STEERING" MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,070.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 2, 2017
CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE AFTER WARMS UP AND SAYS SERVICE POWER STEERING AND SERVICE TRACK STABILITY VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC
Steering, Dec 8, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKED. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE STEERING GEAR. THE FAILURE RECURRED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 12,000.
Steering, Electrical system, Sep 19, 2016
2016 CRUZE THE STEERING LOCKED AS I WAS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC WITH MY 16 YEAR DAUGHTER ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS GOING OFF AND ON. AFTER A COUPLE OF MINUTES STEERING RELEASED AND RADIO SYSTEM CAME BACK ON AND WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. WE PURCHASED THIS CRUZE FOR MY 16 YR DAUGHTER AS HER FIRST CAR BUT FIND IT VERY UNSAFE. THIS PROBLEM IS A SAFETY HAZARD THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE SOMEBODY GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. CHEVY NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND GET THIS FIXED. THIS HAPPENED 9/14/16 AND CAR IS STILL AT DEALERSHIP. SERVICE TECH CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. HE WAS NOT EVEN ABLE TO DRIVE IT HIMSELF.
Steering, Feb 25, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANUVER AND REQUIRED EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON A STRAIGHT ROAD FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME AND 55 MPH OR GREATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN; HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER FAILED TO PERFORM DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,850.