Chevrolet Cruze 2nd generation (2016–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 33+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy a 2016–today Cruze?
821
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2016–2026
11
recall campaigns
engine
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment on the second-generation Cruze is mixed but leans negative, with the strongest criticism aimed at the turbocharged 1.4L engine and the naturally aspirated 1.8L drawing comparatively favorable comments.
16 problems reported (3 recurrent, 13 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentCracked pistons
- RecurrentCoolant leaks and cooling system failures, including plastic components and hoses
- RecurrentTurbocharger failure or replacement
+ 13 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedWater leaking into the trunk from an improperly sealed third brake light (subject of a recall on a 2016)
- IsolatedTransmission solenoid failure requiring the transmission to be disassembled, with repair estimates of $3k-$5k
- IsolatedCamshaft and vacuum pump replacement
- IsolatedEngine misfiring
- IsolatedClogged catalytic converter
- IsolatedTire pressure sensors failing
- IsolatedIgnition coil pack cracking
- IsolatedPCV valve failure
- IsolatedTrunk leak at the spoiler
- IsolatedUSB port and CarPlay connectivity problems
- IsolatedBlend door actuator failure affecting A/C
- IsolatedSuspension noise
- IsolatedSlow acceleration and bogging down, suspected shifting problem
The version owners recommend
Owners repeatedly point to 2018 and 2019 model years as the best of this generation, with 2016 and 2017 called out as years to avoid due to cracked pistons. The naturally aspirated 1.8L is preferred over the 1.4L turbo by multiple owners, including a GM technician who advises finding a 1.8L and running from the 1.4L. Among turbo cars, owners describe the second-generation LE2 1.4T as driving much nicer and getting significantly better fuel economy than the earlier engine, and one owner reports 133k trouble-free miles on a 2018.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Camry, Mazda3 and Hyundai Elantra.
Is a 2016–2026 Cruze right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment on the second-generation Cruze is mixed but leans negative, with the strongest criticism aimed at the turbocharged 1.4L engine and the naturally aspirated 1.8L drawing comparatively favorable comments. Several owners describe the 2016.5 example as a "steaming pile" that was back at the dealer at least eight times before the lease ended, while others report 2018 and 2019 cars with well over 100k miles and nothing beyond routine maintenance. A recurring theme is that later model years are better: owners repeatedly say 2016 and 2017 cars suffered cracked pistons and that 2018 and 2019 were the best of the generation, with the piston design reportedly revised in late 2017. The generation is generally framed as a cheap, efficient commuter that is acceptable only if maintained diligently and bought cheaply.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners consistently position the second-generation Cruze below the Civic, Corolla, and Camry on reliability and resale, with one comment noting that superior quality reputations at Japanese brands translate into lower depreciation and keep those cars on the road longer. Against the Civic and Corolla, the Cruze is presented as the cheaper purchase that can be acceptable for a five-to-six-year hold but not a long-term keeper. Several owners argue there is "no reason to not get a Corolla or Civic" in this price range. The Cruze is sometimes placed above the Ford Focus on reliability, and the non-turbo LS is described as "sucking a lot less" than the turbo cars. A few owners note the second generation is a meaningful improvement over the first generation, which they call notoriously unreliable.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the 2018 or 2019 model year, preferably with the non-turbo 1.8L engine, and one owner specifically praises the 2019 LS hatchback. Multiple owners advise avoiding the 1.4L turbo, and one advises steering clear of turbo models generally because used examples are often poorly maintained. A manual-transmission 1.4L owner reports 308k miles and recommends installing a PCV valve fix kit that plugs the valve in the intake manifold and reroutes it through hoses. Owners also suggest using mid-grade fuel because some cars experienced cracked pistons from preignition.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who need an inexpensive, fuel-efficient commuter and are willing to keep up with maintenance and set aside money for repairs; it is repeatedly not recommended for anyone wanting long-term, low-stress reliability. Prefer 2018 or 2019 cars, and treat 2016 and 2017 as years to avoid because of piston failures. Owners strongly advise a pre-purchase inspection by an independent mechanic rather than the selling dealer, checking for oil change history, and inspecting hoses and plastic underhood components on low-mileage older cars since they may never have been replaced. One owner notes that if you are not a car person, finding a good independent mechanic for all work and regular maintenance is the best way to catch problems early.
Remarks
Several owners note that the second-generation Cruze is a decent car relative to the first generation, and one dealer technician observes that the newer generation has fewer cars on the road and is still too new to have developed a broad high-mileage reputation, but expects it to fare better. One owner reports that a 2016.5 was back at the dealer at least eight times during a lease, while another reports zero issues over 133k miles on a 2018, illustrating how wide the ownership experiences are. Owners also frequently mention that resale value is very low, which makes used examples cheap but also means little value is retained. Analysis based on approximately 33 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 21 | 2 | power train |
| 2018 | 109 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 201 | 2 | engine |
| 2016 | 490 | 4 | engine |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2019 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
2019 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V576000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2018 · power train:automatic transmissioncampaign 20V668000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
2018 · service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:calipercampaign 18V576000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
2018 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 18V304000
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."
2017 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 18V304000
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."
2017 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V057000
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."
2016 · fuel system, gasolinecampaign 18V304000
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."
2016 · seats:front assembly:head restraintcampaign 17V057000
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."
2016 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 16V498000
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."
2016 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 16V502000
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."
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.