Model year record

2016 Chevrolet Cruze recalls & problems

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 safety recalls and 250 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (102 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints250filed by owners

Crashes · fires19 · 6reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4–5 ★crash-test stars

2016 Chevrolet Cruze in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Fuel system, gasolineMay 10, 2018

Fuel system, gasoline

Recall 18V304000111,966 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.

SeatsJan 26, 2017

Front assembly › Head restraint

Recall 17V05700017,197 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemJul 5, 2016

Ignition

Recall 16V5020008,367 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.

Components: Electrical system › Ignition; Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Exterior lightingJul 1, 2016

Headlights

Recall 16V49800032,913 vehicles

Problem: 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."
Risk: Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	10.7%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	10.9%

2016 Chevrolet Cruze NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2016 Chevrolet Cruze NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Cruze

34mpg combined

City / highway	30 / 40 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,950/year to fuel

Cruze Premier

34mpg combined

City / highway	30 / 40 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $1,950/year to fuel

Cruze Limited Eco

33mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 40 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel

Cruze

32mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 39 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Cruze Limited Eco

30mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 37 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Cruze Limited

30mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 36 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Cruze Limited

30mpg combined

City / highway	26 / 37 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Cruze Limited

29mpg combined

City / highway	25 / 35 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Cruze Limited

26mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

1.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Engine	102	3	2	1	66,247 mi
Electrical system	59	2	4	1	40,500 mi
Unknown or other	43	2	2	1	53,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	35	1	0	1	48,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission › Internal › Clutches/bands; Automatic transmission › Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)	31	0	1	0	48,000 mi
Air bags	21	12	0	8	71,000 mi
Steering	18	1	0	1	57,000 mi
Service brakes	18	2	0	1	38,600 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)	16	1	0	1	60,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	11	2	0	1	32,750 mi
StructureBody	8	0	0	0	57,000 mi
Exterior lighting	6	0	0	0	55,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Body
I am filing this complaint due to repeated mechanical and safety problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The vehicle has had ongoing acceleration problems, including times when it would not accelerate properly even with the A/C on its lowest setting. The turbocharger has needed to be replaced multiple times, yet acceleration problems have continued. I have also had oil lines randomly snap and spray oil from the vehicle. Other issues include a passenger-side seatbelt that does not work properly, a tire-pressure sensor that began cutting out after new sensors were installed, and a piece of plastic underneath the vehicle that came loose and now hangs near the tire.also had a problem with the…
Sep 16, 2026
Service brakes
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
Dec 31, 1969
Engine
Manufacturer: General Motors / Chevrolet Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT (VIN: [XXX]) Corporate Case Number: XXX Nature of Dispute: Premature mechanical failure of a major drivetrain assembly and administrative bad faith. Factual Timeline: Initial Failure & Prior Liability: At 51,490 miles, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure of the turbocharger assembly. General Motors acknowledged defect awareness and prior liability by funding a $1,000 payout to complete the repair. Premature Secondary Failure: Just 40,000 miles after that official manufacturer repair, a certified Chevrolet dealership service department formally diagnosed a second total mechanical failure of the turbocharger…
Aug 19, 2026
Fuel/propulsion system
After 3 years of having this car itâs 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.
Aug 9, 2023
Engine
Coolant system and engine fan
Jan 11, 2026
Engine
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 thereâs 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
May 1, 2026
Steering
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.
Apr 14, 2026
Unknown or other
There has been no accident to report. My check engine light comes on periodically and will remain on for a lengthy time. It is the light that looks like a water spigot. When I have it checked they say itâs either the âTurboâ or âAir Filterâ . I can. It get a clear answer as to what it is and why it comes on or how to fix the problem. My car is actually a 2016 Chevy Cruze Premier but thatâs not an option to choose.
May 12, 2025

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.