2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 201 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 10 Cruze model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 8 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 5 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
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
31 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, May 13, 2026
Recently my car's check engine light and the message "Service Stabilitrak" started coming up on my car, then my car started shaking while idling. I quickly took the car to my mechanic who assessed it, replaced my spark plugs, which did not solve the issue, and recommended I go to the dealership. In between these appointments my car was consistently shaking while idling and I would have difficulties accelerating especially after coming to a complete stop and often while making turns, this worsened after adding fuel to my car. The nearest Chevrolet dealership did a compression test and found that the psi in cylinder 1 was only 85, while the rest of the cylinders are 180 psi. They reported "internal engine damage causing misfire on cylinder 1" and quoted the repairs and replacement engine at $9500, almost double the value of the car if the engine was working. The codes P0300 "Engine Misfire Detected" and P0301 "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected" were the two relevant codes in the report. However the car only has 49,860 miles on it. I see that other people have reported this issue as well and it continues to happen. Additionally, if the manufacturing issue or defect has not been rectified what are the chances of this happening again down the line with the same issue? This is a clear manufacturing defect in the engine of these cars that make them a safety hazard on the road. There is no telling when and where my engine may completely give out despite the car being low mileage and well taken care of. GM and Chevrolet should and must rectify this issue.
Steering, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2025
The 3rd brake light is known to leak on Chevy cars, which I found out when searching up the issues, which allows water inside trunk without your knowledge and does water damage to the battery and other electrical components that are located in the trunk that controls the dashboard, a/c, radio, power steering and probably even more. Safety risk: makes your dashboard stop working along with the power steering, while driving. There is another vehicle at the same dealer as mine right now with water in the trunk, it’s an impala. When you search up on the internet about dashboard not working along with radio and a/c there are quite a few different people pointing to the leaking 3rd brake light and water in the trunk damaging the electrical components in the trunk. The vehicle is at a Chevrolet dealer right now being fixed. No warning messages before it happened. I have only owned the car for 1 year bought it used June 2024. The bill I included is so far what they are saying needs to be fixed but I’m sure more to come as they get some components working.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
The catalytic converter on my Chevy Cruze has failed several times over the course of almost 2 (two) years and required replacement. The most recent replacement was 3/17/2025. The vehicle had diagnostics performed each time. It is my understanding that the life of a catalytic converter is 10 years or more. So being replaced several times seems excessive in such a short amount of time. The safety of myself and others were at risk because issues with a catalytic converter can lead to engine problems, which could indirectly lead to an accident or injury. I received warning messages each time and took the vehicle in for diagnostics and repair. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives.
Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2025, crash
The shutoff feature that shuts the engine? down while at a full stop/red light, is defective. I was stopped at a red-light and the engine shutdown as a gas-saver feature and stalled and I had to put my car in park and restart it in mid traffic. I was rear-ended by the person behind me, who was a hit n run. This is an unsafe feature that has been put in many Chevrolet vehicles. I called the Chevrolet # and she told me, I had to pay for the $250 diagnostic test at a Chevy dealership and I told her, Chevrolet should be responsible for the failure to restart my engine car as it is a an unsafe feature installed by them and that that they should turn off that feature for free as I was hit from behind when the vehicle did not restart. I want Chevrolet to pay to have this unsafe feature removed without charging my for an expensive diagnostic system test. I as a consumer, should have that choice! I want that flawed feature turned off in my vehicle. IT'S UNSAFE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 20, 2024
Periodically the dash cluster board and information center goes black and will stay blank for about a minute or two and then comes back on
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2023
Car stops running unexpectedly and without warning. Just driving along and suddenly no power. Usually necessary to restart the car although occasionally it restarts on its own. Very dangerous when it happens at highway speed. Per my mechanic no codes show up for this problem. I looked up this issue online and see that plenty of other Chevy Cruze owners have had the same problem.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Sep 23, 2023
Car spontaneously stops accelerating. Sometimes a restart is needed. It jerks as you're trying to gain acceleration. Sometimes it stalls after non acceleration. Safety is compromised due to traffic behind me going speed limit or worse. First appeared 2 months ago. Mechanic could not detect anything on diagnostics. Then we took it to the Chevy dealer where purchased and after 5 days could not diagnose. They took it out 3x but could not duplicate symptoms. No lights flash, no warnings. I'm at a loss, I'm a senior citizen who needs her vehicle. I no longer feel safe driving it. Please advise.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 24, 2023
Based off my mechanic's assessment and that of a Chevrolet dealership, one of the cylinders in my Chevy Cruze is no longer firing. The dealership believes at least one of the pistons needs to be replaced. The car is available for inspection. The car is unreliable to drive, as I drove up a freeway incline it slowed to a dangerously low speed for freeway driving. The dealership has confirmed they believe it is an issue with the piston but will not confirm without charging $2800 to dismantle the car and are not able to guarantee they will be able to fix the issue. Diagnostics were run on the car at Putnam Chevrolet in Burlingame CA. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to a major issue with the cars functionality. The issue first appeared June 15, 2023 without any warning. The engine light came on and the car was not functioning properly, plus a notification to "service Stabilitrek". I have found mention of the same problem on consumer forums. Cracked pistons are a KNOWN issue on this make and model but there are no recalls and the car is just outside of the warranty.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2023
I was at a stop light. The cars feature that shuts off the engine when stopped at a light failed as it completely would not start again. This has happened to me a few times now. One of those times it was at a busy intersection and I was almost hit. I had to shut off the car and turn it back on again to get it to move. I spoke to someone at Chevrolet and I was told this feature can not be turned off in this model and there have been known issues. I do not know why with this being known that nothing has been recalled on the vehicle. I can not remember if lights turned on as it was extremely stressful to go through.
Seats, Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2023
I purchased a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze RS Premier hatchback from Mastria Kia in Raynham, MA in January 2023 and it was missing the rear seat headrests (they were neither installed in their OEM position or in the car upon delivery). I would like to know if this is a violation of NHTSA regulations. To date, they have been unwilling to provide the proper headrests as installed by the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Thank you.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2022
The car acts as if it’s going to stall at every stop light and stop sign. It is slow to start and several times in the middle of a turn it just acts as if it stops.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 2021
Third brake light cracked and letting water in my trunk. Where my battery and other electrical components are located.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 25, 2020, crash
CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP SIGN WE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE TAP THE GAS PEDAL WOULD ACCELERATE SO I PRESSED HARDER THEN CAR TAKE OFF PRESSED BREAKS CAR WOULD STOP TELL I CRASHED
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2020
I BOUGHT THIS CHEVROLET CRUZE NEW IN JULY 2017. FROM NEW, AFTER YOU DRIVE THE CAR FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER ON, THERE IS A CHEMICAL SMELL COMING FROM THE VENTS. IT LASTS ABOUT 5 MINUTES BUT MAY COME BACK WITH A LONGER DRIVE. IT IS A VERY UNPLEASANT SMELL. I TOOK IT TWO DEALERS AND HAVE WORKED WITH GM. GM ADMITS THERE IS A PROBLEM AND HAVE RELEASED PIT5726 DESCRIBING THE EXACT PROBLEM I AM HAVING, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A SOLUTION TO OFFER ME. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT INHALING THIS CHEMICAL SMELL.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2020
THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE 2016+ CHEVY CRUZE MODELS WHERE THE TOP MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT CRACKS AND WATER LEAKS INTO THE TRUNK UNDER THE SPARE TIRE AND INTO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT. THE WATER ALSO COMES INTO CONTACT WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT ARE BETWEEN THE REAR SEAT AND REAR QUARTER PANEL. THIS CAUSES A MUSTY/MILDEW SMELL IN THE VEHICLE AND CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE ELECTRICAL SHORTS AND ISSUES DUE TO THE COMPONENTS THAT ARE IN THE AFFECTED AREA. AS STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THESE CARS AND A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT THERE ARE MANY OTHER VINS THAT WERE AFFECTED INCLUDING MINE THAT WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 15, 2020
VEHICLE HAS HAD A MISFIRE THAT ONLY THREW A SINGLE GENERIC MISFIRE CODE FOR CYLINDER 3. JERKS OCCASIONALLY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT STOP LIGHTS OR SIGNS. RECENTLY WENT TO TURN AROUND AFTER MISSING A TURN, SHIFTED IT INTO REVERSE AFTER STOPPING IN A RANDOM DRIVEWAY OFF A CITY ROAD, SLOWLY BEGAN TO BACK UP AND IT MOVED ABOUT AN INCH BEFORE THE STEERING WHEEL COMPLETELY LOCKED UP, A/C SHUT OFF, CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND WOULD ONLY ROLL FORWARD, WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WITH GAS. ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, NO LIGHTS CAME ON, BUT PROBLEM REMAINED UNTIL I PUT IT IN PARK AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. TURNED IT BACK ON AND IT STARTED NORMAL AND HAVEN'T HAD A PROBLEM SINCE BUT IT'S ONLY BEEN 2 DAYS. TOOK IT IN TO DEALERSHIP AND FOUND 0 CODES AND ARE UNSURE AS TO WHAT COULD POSSIBLY CREATE THE ISSUE DUE TO NO CODES AND IT ONLY HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY. *TR
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2020
2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE LT, TRUNK FILLING UP WITH WATER IN THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT, WHEN IT RAINS. TRUNK LINER IS DRY ASIDE FROM THE TRUNK DOOR. BATTERY UNDER WATER.
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2019
I WAS UNAWARE OF MY VEHICLES RECALL UNTIL 12/15/2019 WHEN I'VE WENT TO THE TIRE MULTIPLE TIMES AND THEY ADVISED ME THERE IS NOTHING IN MY TIRE. THE SENSOR COMES ON DAILY AND THE PRESSURE DOES NOT GO ABOVE 10 AND GOES BACK FORTH FROM 0 . THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2019
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE EVERY NOW AND AGAIN AFTER I GET GAS THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON I KNOW THAT I TIGHTEN THE CAP AS IT SAYS IN THE OWNERS MANUAL AND REPLACING GAS CAP
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 20, 2019
VEHICLE PURCHASED UNDER 1 MONTH AGO WITH 15K MILES ON IT. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH AUTO STOP ENGAGED, I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE AS LIGHT TURNED GREEN; AUTO STOP ATTEMPTED TO TURN ON, THEN SEEMINGLY FAILED AND VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. REQUIRED ME TO PUT VEHICLE IN PARK, THEN TURN KEY SO IGNITION WAS OFF THEN BACK ON AGAIN, VEHICLE CAME BACK ON WITH NO ISSUES AND I DROVE AWAY. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 109 F, AND THIS OCCURED AT THE END OF MY 25 MILE DRIVE HOME FROM WORK USING MOSTLY SURFACE STREETS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2019
DIGITAL GAUGE CLUSTER EVENTUALLY SHORTS DUE TO FACTORY-INSTALLED WIRING BEING TOO SHORT. NEEDS A SPECIAL WIRING HARNESS TO LENGTHEN THE WIRES TO PREVENT PREMATURE WEAR. AFFECTS EVERYTHING FROM THE RADIO, TO CRITICAL VEHICLE INFORMATION SUCH AS MILEAGE, FUEL LEVEL, CURRENT SPEED, RPMS, ETC. THIS ISSUE CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME. IN MY PARTICULAR CASE, THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING FINE IN THE MORNING, WAS SHUT OFF, AND THEN NO LONGER FUNCTIONING IN THE AFTERNOON UPON STARTING UP AGAIN.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 2, 2019
BOUGHT MY CAR IN SEPTEMBER AND IT WAS RUNNING FINE. I LIVE IN ARIZONA AND NOW THAT IT'S JULY IT'S VERY HOT OUTSIDE. I NOTICED ABOUT A MONTH AGO MY CAR STARTED STALLING FOR A MOMENT WHEN I WOULD TRY TO ACCELERATE ON THE FREEWAY. AND NOW IT HAS RANDOMLY STARTED STALLING WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND TRY TO TURN IT BACK ON (USUALLY TAKES A COUPLE TIMES). THERE IS NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT EVER COMES ON WHEN THIS HAPPENS. I LIVE ABOUT 33 MILES AWAY FROM MY WORK SO I DRIVE QUITE A BIT AND IT'S GOTTEN TO THE POINT WHERE I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. THERE IS NO CHECK LIGHT ENGINE ON EVER SO I CAN'T TAKE IT INTO A REPAIR SHOP.
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2019
WATER COLLECTS IN THE TRUNK WITHIN THE SPARE TIRE WELL FROM THE HIGH MOUNTED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT. IF UNCHECKED, WATER COLLECTION COULD SHORT OUT THE FUSE BOX OR BATTERY THAT IS ALSO IN THE TRUNK. REMEDY WAS TO HAVE THE DEALER REPLACE THE SEAL AROUND THE HIGH MOUNTED THIRD BRAKE LIGHT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2019
WHEN MY VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP IT ENGAGES THE AUTO STOP SYSTEM. AT UNKNOWN TIMES THE SYSTEM WILL FAIL TO RESTART UPON REMOVING MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKES AFTER HAVING COME TO A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION. WHEN THIS OCCURS I THEN NEED TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURN IT OFF COMPLETELY. I AM THEN SOMETIMES ABLE TO RESTART IT IMMEDIATELY, HOWEVER, ON ONE OCCASION IT TOOK 45 MINUTES BEFORE THE ENGINE RESTARTED WHILE I WAS SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT DURING HEAVY TRAFFIC. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS AND I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER TO BE SERVICED HOWEVER THERE IS NEVER A CODE THAT COMES UP STATING THE PROBLEM. LAST WEEK WHEN IT WAS SERVICED THEY REPLACED THE AUTO STOP SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE BATTERY FOR THE SYSTEM. NOT EVEN A DAY AFTER PICKING UP MY CAR DID THE SAME PROBLEM OCCUR.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2019
WHEN I START THE VEHICLE AND DRIVING IT FREQUENTLY GIVES OFF AN ANTIFREEZE SMELL FROM THE INTERIOR