Chevrolet Cruze Complaints (2016)

250 consumer complaints on file.

#11764992September 17, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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 car losing liquids: exhaust leak, oil leak, and now coolant randomly. The most serious incident happened recently. The vehicle was running unusually whenever I slowed down at lights, stop signs, and turns. After stopping at a light, I tried to accelerate uphill. The RPM went to about 2,000, dropped toward 1,000, and the accelerator stopped responding. While turning at a red light, I then lost braking assistance and steering assistance. I had my hazard lights on and had to pull into a Red Robin parking lot. The dashboard and radio remained on, but the RPM eventually dropped to 0. After restarting, the vehicle shook and made a rough, grumbling sound when I pressed the accelerator. I scanned for diagnostic codes and none were present. After sitting, the vehicle was driven home for about 17 minutes without reproducing the problem, but the issue occurred suddenly while I was driving and created a serious safety hazard. I am requesting that the vehicle and its repair history be thoroughly investigated for defects, recalls, technical service bulletins, or recurring problems. I am especially concerned about the repeated loss of acceleration and the recent loss of braking and steering assistance while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760031August 27, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759000August 24, 2026
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 assembly (Error Codes: P0299 Underboost and P1101 Airflow Performance). Administrative Breakdown: Upon requesting a supervisor escalation due to a combative tier-1 case manager, the manufacturer reactively demanded unauthorized diagnostic fees and prematurely closed the file. General Motors subsequently breached its 24-hour supervisor review commitment and issued a final refusal to address the recurring mechanical defect on its network. Remedy Sought: Full manufacturer coverage for the replacement of the prematurely failed drivetrain component based on documented prior corporate liability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745807June 22, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After 3 years of having this car it’s 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11743067June 9, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Coolant system and engine fan
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736714May 9, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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 there’s 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
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731311April 15, 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730730April 13, 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 it’s either the “Turbo” or “Air Filter” . 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 that’s not an option to choose.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695471October 24, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
The rear brakes lights have a crack causing water to leak through. The water caused damage to the converter output
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681263August 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that upon returning to the parked vehicle, while attempting to unlock the doors with the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact was able to open the door manually using the key. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and closing the front driver's side door, the doors locked and failed to unlock. The contact depressed the brake pedal and pressed the Push to Start button, but the vehicle failed to start or unlock. The message "No Key Fob Detected" was displayed. The contact disassembled the key fob and wiped the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact called his wife, who arrived with another key fob. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The message "Theft Alarm" was displayed. The contact was trapped inside the vehicle for 5 minutes and was sweating due to the temperature inside the vehicle. The contact drove to the residence; however, the instrument panel was partially inoperable. The contact stated that only the RPMs, the speedometer, and the odometer were operable. Upon returning to the residence, the vehicle restarted and operated as needed after several attempts. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,639.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11654654April 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My husband was driving and noticed smoke coming from the engine so we pulled over and he lifted the hood and when he did we clearly saw a part of the Bosch manifold absolute pressure map sensor had come off and appeared to have melted off. I have taken it to a mechanic and have photos to show the exact parts.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11646493March 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). The contact pulled over, added water to the coolant reservoir, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11632488December 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My tire pressure sensor keeps coming on even after I had it worked on. 3 of them shows the pressure level but one shows 2 lines but no pressure level but there’s air in the tire. The other problem I’m having is the check engine light is on. Please advise if any issues are recalls or do I need to take my car to a service center. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11626888November 22, 2024
ENGINE
The turbo has gone out twice, it was replaced under an extended warranty policy and it has gone out again and is out of warranty, also the plastic intake manifold has gone bad again. also there is a plastic piece that comes off the engine and distributes coolant to the heater core etc...it has gone bad as well and is common on all 1.4 turbos..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618314October 6, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was driving the car, stopped at a light took my foot off the brake started to move and the car completely shut off. No warning lights went on. I had to start the car again. I took the car to a local dealership to be looked at. They pulled the codes, nothing showed up. I did an internet search for a possible cause, sent my search results to the dealership and I asked them to check the fuel system, they found a bad injector. They then cleaned the fuel system and replaced the bad injector.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611143August 27, 2024
ENGINE, WHEELS, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Purchased a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze on [XXX]. [XXX]. As of July 26th I paid $862 on repairs for the car to be smoking this morning on my way to work [XXX]. In total I’ve spent Almost or close to $2,000 in car repairs. This purchase was for my 17 year old daughter as a graduation present and for college. She was driving and car started to run hot and cut off in a busy intersection. She was unable to take the car to North Carolina. The owner blocked me and the staff haven’t been accommodating since this process. Nor will they look at the car. This has put me in a financial burden and the safety conditions this vehicle is under. And damage this could have cause my daughter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11608482August 14, 2024
ENGINE, WHEELS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I HAVE A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND THE TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER HOSE BASICALLY BROKE FROM WHERE THE END OF THE HOSE STARTS AND A LITTLE BIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE END PART OF THE HOSE. AND THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE'S POWER TO BE REDUCED INMENSLY. TO THE POINT THAT I HAD MY FOOT PRESSING ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE ACCELERATOR AND IT COULD NOT GO ANY FURTHER DOWN, AND MY CAR WAS MOVING SLOWER THAN A TURTLE, AND THIS IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION! AND ALSO, AT TIMES WHEN I HAVE BEEN AT A RED LIGHT MY CAR TURNS OFF. ONE TIME MY CAR TURNED OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET WITH CARS BEHIND ME. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A SHOPPING CENTER. AND THE AIR CONDITIONER IS ALSO FAILING BECAUSE I KEEP PUTTING FREE ON SO IT CAN BE COLDER AND ALL THAT COMES OUT IS HOT AIR. I DID NOT KNOW THAT THIS INTERCOOLER HOSE WAS A MAJOR PART OF MY VEHICLE'S FUNCTION. ALSO, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON, WHEN I ALREADY HAD IT OFF. IF CHEVROLET CRUZE OWNERS DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE, THEY NEED TO KNOW. BECAUSE THIS ISSUE COULD EVENTUALLY MESS UP THE ENTIRE MOTOR AND POSSIBLE BLOW IT OUT. WHICH WE ALL KNOW A NEW MOTOR IS VERY EXPENSIVE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603190July 18, 2024
ENGINE
Defouw Chevrolet was negligent in performing the proper repairs per a GM service bulletin and special coverage. They refused to provide service, falsely claimed that I refused diagnostic, misdiagnosed the vehicle, replaced the wrong part, and were extremely rude and misogynistic. Additionally, they claim the issues were pre-existing while lacking any evidence. As a result, the vehicle now needs $6,400 in repairs, and neither GM nor Defouw will compensate us. Additionally, we have incurred $1,000 in towing costs, among other expenses.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602979July 17, 2024
STEERING
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly. The contact also stated that the vehicle was oversteered, and the wheel made the vehicle move in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod had separated from the steering gear and both inner tie rods and tires needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V442000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602910July 17, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Component or System Failed/Malfunctioned: The turbocharger has been identified by a GM service center as the component that failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request at the service center where the diagnosis was made. Safety Risk: The safety of myself and others was compromised due to the vehicle stalling unexpectedly while driving. This resulted in potential rear-end collisions, as well as the inability to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic situations. Confirmation by Dealer or Independent Service Center: Yes, the issue has been confirmed by a GM service center where the turbocharger was diagnosed as the problem. They provided a repair estimate of $2,170 for the turbocharger replacement. Inspections by Manufacturer, Police, Insurance, etc.: The vehicle has been inspected by a GM service center, but it has not been inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other independent parties beyond the GM service center. Warning Lamps, Messages, Symptoms: Prior to the vehicle stalling, warning messages such as "Service Stabilitrak" appeared on the dashboard. These messages were accompanied by engine shaking, and the car did not respond to acceleration attempts. These symptoms first appeared just before each incident of stalling.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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