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
250 reports, newest first.
Engine, Oct 5, 2022
Around 150,000 miles I had the code p0011 the dealership did work but code kept coming back on. So I was told I needed a cylinder head. I wanted a 2nd opinion so I took it to another dealership and was told I need to replace the engine. So July of 2021 engine was replaced. Around 09/2021 cylinder head was replaced with other work done. Now code p0011 came back on again and it’s in the show getting another cylinder head around 188,000 miles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by Vann York Chevrolet in High Point, NC and Modern Chevrolet in Winston Salem, NC. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes it have been. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, I do feel like I was at risk due to engine surge and or reduced power at times. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes an inspection can be done at any time. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to this I kept my car service and I do have receipts. Check engine light came on 04/2021 with code p0011. Then on 07/2021 is when I got my car back with the remanufactured engine. So a 1st cylinder head came with the engine, the around 09/2021 2nd cylinder head, and now 3rd cylinder head of this remanufactured engine. This p0011 code cost me over $7,000 which I had to take a loan out and still paying for but still having the same problem. Which every thing now is covered under the engine warranty which is 3yrs or 100,000 miles. Not to mention 04/2021 I had just spent $1,339.55 water pump gaskets and seals. I have connected GM customer support. But I shouldn’t had to replace an engine around 150,000 miles and the cylinder head shouldn’t had to be replaced 3 times now. I have my records if you need to see them.
Engine, Oct 4, 2022
2 issues. 1st is the PCV system. PCV valve will fail regularly 1-3 years. This requires a new intake manifold and valve cover possible new hose and possible sensor replacement. Can cause stability and traction control failure. 2nd is the engine's head gasket. Between 60-70k miles these vehicles get blown head gaskets. Due to this failure, you could experience a total engine failure which will completely shut down all vehicle functions. If not properly observed this vehicle will not only have a complete failure. It will need an entire new engine due to cracked block and head or warped block and head. If it becomes warped you will need to machine both the block and head and or replace the entire engine long before it reaches 100k miles. Rendering the vehicle absolutely useless. Coolant issues with these vehicles are bad as well. Even if all these issues get fixed in a timely manner you will still most likely have a blown head gasket as I did. Engine failures on a busy highway are a big safety concern.
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, Sep 16, 2022
The turbo is messed up my car would not pull when stepping on the gas. Almost got in an accident on the freeway and hood started smoking. Spoke to a mechanic and said it was due to the turbo charger
Engine, Sep 12, 2022
Was at a red light and my car shut off. It started back up and I was able to get home. I am now afraid my car will just stop while driving and I will crash and die
Engine, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving over 50 MPH, the A/C unit turned off independently and the instrument panel displayed a message that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the engine power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that after receiving message alerts on the instrument panel, the vehicle decelerated to 15-20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on several occasions and the instrument panel displayed message alerts for the engine overheating and the engine power being reduced. The contact attempted to call local dealers but was not successful. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 7, 2022
The car randomly shuts off when driving. It also has problems with accelerating when the AC system is turned on.
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 ).
Power train, Engine, Aug 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions, a strange noise could be heard while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated while accelerating above 35 MPH, the Service Stabil Trak and powertrain control module (PCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Aug 2, 2022
Vacume pump failure causing brakes to become very difficult to apply. Pump also brakes inside the valve cover. Causing timing issues and possible camshaft damage.
Engine, Jul 11, 2022
As of January of 2022 my Chevy Cruz Limited LTZ engine was starting to over heat. I would pull the car over and turn off the engine and allow it to cool down before starting it up again, the last of February 2022 my engine had threw a head gasket, the machanic that I took it to confirmed that it was a head gasket and had told me that the motor had done this before due to the fact that the head gasket had already been replaced by a previous owner at one point in time, it had kept getting hot while I was trying to get it to the shop so I was having to pull over every few mins causing a safety risk for myself due to the fact I was having to constantly find a place to pull over, I reported the problem to my insurance company but they unfortunately did not cover what they considered wear and tear of the vehicle, there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the engine overheating, I took the car to the dealership for it's routine oil change and fixed the oil leak they found but did not fix. I also kept check on the oil level and made sure it wasn't low. I kept antifreeze in it as well and made sure that it didn't run low on that either considering both fluids could cause engine problems. It is now July of 2022 and I still do not have my Cruz running due to the fact I'm having to replace the head gasket or get a new motor if the engine that is in it already over heats again...
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 10, 2022
The water pump leaks which will cause the vehicle to heat up. There is a recall on the same vehicles for prior years and it's the same parts. For some reason later years weren't added to the recall, but they are also defective. It is available for inspection, but I need to get it fixed quickly before it harms my engine. It is a 2016 model and have had it fixed once already while under warranty. I have not had any warning lights yet, but I noticed it leaking like the first time it happened. It puts my safety at risk if I get stranded somewhere because I can't drive my car home. I live in the desert and it's 100 degrees out most of the time which can cause heat stroke quickly. I have not taken it to the dealer, but I would rather use non dealer parts at this point or I will have to do this possibly again in a couple of years when it fails again. The vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it's the same thing as the first time. Same place.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 6, 2022
My car was brought to the dealership around December of 2021because every time I stop at a red light or stop sign the auto stop would cut the car completely off. The dealership said it was because the throttle body needed cleaning out. That is not the case because I can be driving and the car will cut off out of nowhere while driving. Also at times the car seems as if it doesn’t want to crank.
Engine, May 30, 2022
Vehicle is leaking coolant I've had it fixed and continue to have issues with it. When I go to add coolant it sounds like it is boiling in the motor and car is becoming very hot and smokes from the motor. Was driving through town heard a hissing noise and somehow coolant had sprayed all over the hood and windshield of my car.
Power train, May 18, 2022
Issue has been reported by other owners, code PIP5558C Around 60k miles, clutch pedal started sticking to the floor and not returning unless manually lifted. By 118k miles issue had worsened to the point that car was no longer driveable. Clutch master cylinder was damaged/degraded, as well as clutch slave. Brake system lifespan was likely shortened, and I luckily didn't have a complete brake failure as has happened with others.
Engine, Apr 20, 2022
The car started smoking from under the hood and completely stopped and the mechanic I took the vehicle to told me that the engine is done and needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of $3,700.00. Luckily, this did not happen on the highway and I was able to get the car pulled into a retail space parking lot and get it towed to the mechanic. Wile driving, the low oil light flashed on for a moment a couple of times. Not long after that, the vehicle stalled. The mechanic changed the oil but the car was smoking with white smoke billowed out the exhaust. The vehicle has just under 114,000 miles and we have already put much money into this car to get the check engine light fixed.
Engine, Mar 21, 2022
The engine and engine parts of my vehicle malfunctioned and caused excessive oil leakage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family is put at risk because: - The vehicle engine sputters while driving. - The engine leaks oil excessively, smokes, and lets off an oil burning odor. - The radio screen blanks out frequently. All of the issues combined worry me because I have had the vehicle serviced multiple times and the safety issues still exist. The vehicle was serviced by the manufacturer. The problems found were: engine concern for squeaking drive belt, front timing cover leaking oil, and camshaft cover leaking. The vehicle had special coverage warranties with the manufacturer for some of the parts that needed to be repaired. There were not any warning lamps, messages, or indicators for the engine issues. I encountered the engine smoking, the vehicle sputtering, a strong odor of oil burning, and excessive oil leakage spots in my driveway. These issues made me take the vehicle in. The engine light did not light up for the issues. No indicator light(s) were on when the vehicle was taken in to be serviced. The vehicle was serviced and the faulty parts were replaced. However, the same issues are present and have not subsided after being serviced, replaced, and or repaired. I worry that the engine issues for my vehicle can not be corrected and that select engine parts should be recalled.
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2022
There was a recall on leaking antifreeze for previous Chevy Cruze years but that is also happening with my 2016 Cruze in the same way. My car would not warm up in the cold and would not clear the sight of my windshield over the ice, I waited about an hour for the sun due to lack of heat. While on my way my car then overheated while on the highway which created an even bigger safety issue. The problem has been recalled before on different Cruze year types, my mom had a 2013 Cruze with the same issue I am experiencing. It has not been inspected yet by those listed but when I add more coolant it is empty within an hour of just sitting there. The only light is when it was overheating, but I’ve been having to refill my antifreeze repeatedly and unsure as to why until I discovered the previous recall information and it sounded like my exact issue.
Engine, Feb 22, 2022
Cracked Thermostat Housing Unit. No sensors went off, and smoke started pouring out from under the hood obscuring vision. Vehicle is already under repair so not available for inspection. The Thermostat Housing Units, after first repair taking the one that came with the vehicle, have also all cracked, and has had to be replaced multiple times.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 16, 2022
Both side airbags deployed without crash or damage to the vehicle. Passenger and driver seatbelts locked. Front airbags did not deploy.
Service brakes, Engine, Dec 15, 2021
1st of all the motor was running g great! Then all of a sudden it started running rough and shaking. Was driving on the highway at 65 mph.no warni g lights or anything. Then a warning light came on for the brakes and it was hard to stop. The vacuum pump went out for the brakes and almost ended up in the ditch. Well put a vacuum pump on it and that fixed that problem but it was missing like crazy. Had it checked out and here the #1cylinder piston broke apart. Now it needs a motor. Almost cost me my life on that one.Motor is not cheap and don't know if it is worth it. I have been reading alot on them and people are having to change motors at 8,000 miles and sometimes twice in the same car before 18,000 miles. Don't you think there is something wrong with that?
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Oct 31, 2021
PCM failure Almost had numerous accidents. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It has been reproduced by other people after explaining the issue. Also has been reproduced on another Gm product around the same year. Vehicle has been inspected by an independent shop, the only thing that was found was excessive brake wear in rear. Problem appeared when I first started driving the car. It is definitely a software issue. Software should be polling the wheel speed sensor while in engine off. There were no idiot lights. Recently, on a private road that had an inclination, I reproduce the problem. The vehicle obtained at least two miles an hour rolling backwards for about a minute. The speedometer did not register any speed. I did not want to test this any longer for fear of engine starting back up and damaging the transmission. Approaching a stop softly applying the brakes with an incline, whether at a controlled intersection or in traffic, when the auto engine shutdown activates, the vehicle rolls backwards.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 2, 2021
I have a Chevy Cruze LT 1.4 l turbo engine and it has an exhaust leak by the manifold or the Cadillac converter is not working, a mechanic we took it to has confirmed that one of the hoses going into the Cadillac converter burst due to the Cadillac converter not working properly today is October 2nd it happened three days ago from today I have talked to other Chevy Cruze owners and confirmed the day also had the same problem I heard there is a recall for this problem on 2016 Chevy cruise so I would like to know if my car is on that recall list so I can go and get it fixed I have $133,000 miles on my car so it's not under the manufacturer's warranty anymore it is a very pricey repair which I do not have the money for due to the pandemic as we all know so please contact me through my email you guys have onfile and also because of this problem I cannot work I use my car for work,My car is a 2016 Chevy Cruze LT with a 1.4 L turbo engine thank you
Visibility/wiper, Sep 4, 2021
The driver's windshield wiper is not working properly. It seems that the wiper has become loose. I live in Florida and it rain a majority of the time, so this is a issue when it comes to driving everywhere.
Visibility, Aug 16, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that after depressing the button to raise the front driver’s side window, a mechanical motor noise was present, and the window would not move and remained stuck in the halfway opened position. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the front passenger’s side window regulator was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,000.