2016 Chevrolet Cruze: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 487 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system. Owners most often flag *first generation (2009-2016) issues:.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

487
Owner complaints
4
Recalls
38
Crash reports
12
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

engine
198
electrical system
115
fuel/propulsion system
66
power train
62
air bags
42

Recalls affecting the 2016 Cruze

fuel system, gasoline

Campaign 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

seats:front assembly:head restraint

Campaign 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

exterior lighting:headlights

Campaign 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

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 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.

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. This generation is frequently described

  • *First Generation (2009-2016) Issues:
  • Coolant system leaks/failures — leading to overheating and potential engine destruction. Very frequent.
  • Turbocharger failures — around 90,000 miles (145,000 km). Very frequent.
  • Engine misfires — can lead to blown engine. Very frequent.
  • Oil leaks — from valve cover, oil filter housing, and other seals. Very frequent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Cruze.

Typical used price

Used Cruze listings typically run $7,900–$10,775 across 2012 to 2019 model years.

Other Cruze model years