CarModelProblems.com

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
247Complaints
4Recalls
19Crashes
6Fires
14Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (40.5% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 3.2× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine100 · 40.5%No official action
Electrical System58 · 23.5%RecalledRecall 16V502000
Fuel/propulsion System34 · 13.8%RecalledRecall 18V304000
Power Train29 · 11.7%No official action
Air Bags21 · 8.5%No official action
Steering18 · 7.3%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE100 · 40.5%
Unspecified / other43 · 17.4%
POWER TRAIN29 · 11.7%
AIR BAGS21 · 8.5%
STEERING18 · 7.3%
SERVICE BRAKES17 · 6.9%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)16 · 6.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL10 · 4%

Percentages are the share of the 247 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 4 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA campaign 18V304000 · 2018 · reported 05/10/2018

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

NHTSA campaign 17V057000 · 2017 · reported 01/26/2017

In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 16V498000 · 2016 · reported 07/01/2016

Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:ignition

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 2016 · reported 07/05/2016

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“WHEN THE VEHICLE GOES INTO AUTO SHUT OFF AT A STOP SIGN OR DURING TRAFFIC JAMS WHERE I AM JUST STOPPED BY MY BRAKE BUT…”NHTSA complaint 11268400 — filed 10/14/2019 · ENGINE
“THE VEHICLE OVERHEATS ON A REGULAR BASIS. IT WENT IN FOR SERVICE FOR THIS PROBLEM ON 07-03-19, 05-06-19, 11-21-18 & 09-25-18. THE LAST BILL WAS…”NHTSA complaint 11252099 — filed 08/28/2019 · ENGINE
“CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. THE AUTO STOP FEATURE GOES FROM "AUTO STOP" ON THE DASH TO "OFF". PROBLEM OCCURS AS YOU ARE MOVING FOOT OVER…”NHTSA complaint 11228901 — filed 07/02/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

3220162320175220186920196820204620214220222920231820244202582026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 100 of 247 NHTSA complaints (40.5%), followed by electrical system (58), unspecified/other issues (43), fuel/propulsion system (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?

247 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, and 14 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?

Yes — 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V304000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze's reported problems?

2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.