Photo: MTSRider18 / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2016 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Cruze years.
490 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2016 Cruze?The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 490 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2016 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Cruze years only. How we score it
Is 2016 a good year for the Cruze?
Across the 10 Cruze model years we track, complaint volume runs from 2 (2010) to 865 (2012). With 490 complaints, the 2016 Cruze sits about the same as the model's median of 490.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2016 Cruze
fuel system, gasoline
Campaign 18V304000General 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."
seats:front assembly:head restraint
Campaign 17V057000General 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."
exterior lighting:headlights
Campaign 16V498000General 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."
electrical system:ignition
Campaign 16V502000General 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."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment for the first-generation Cruze (model years approximately 2009-2016), with widespread reports of severe and frequent mechanical failures leading to high ownership costs and frustration.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Cruze. See the full Cruze owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Cruze listings typically run $6,848–$10,698 across 2011 to 2019 model years.
Other Cruze model years
Compare every Cruze year side by side to see how 2016 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Cruze against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy