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 category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Engine
100 · 40.5%
No official action
—
Electrical System
58 · 23.5%
Recalled
Recall 16V502000
Fuel/propulsion System
34 · 13.8%
Recalled
Recall 18V304000
Power Train
29 · 11.7%
No official action
—
Air Bags
21 · 8.5%
No official action
—
Steering
18 · 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.
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.
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
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
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 itPark 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
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.
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