2016 Chevrolet Cruze
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 249
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Engine
Campaigns on file for 2016
None on file
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
2016: 249 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2011 | 732 |
| 2012 | 865 |
| 2013 | 587 |
| 2014 | 702 |
| 2015 | 252 |
| 2016 | 249 |
| 2017 | 201 |
| 2018 | 109 |
| 2019 | 22 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Engine
41% · 102 reportsShow complaint excerpts
At first, and only on cold/rainy/snowy weather, while driving the radio would randomly turn off and turn itself back on (i have videos of this). Sometimes it would last a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-13
Also filed under Electrical 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...
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-27
Also filed under Service brakes
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-24
Electrical system
23% · 58 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the check power steering warning light illuminated. When attempting to stop the vehicle, the brakes were inoperable.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-07-26
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Fuel/propulsion system
14% · 35 reportsPower train
12% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing clutches/bands and control module (tcm/pcm/tecm).
Air bags
8% · 21 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Takata recall. I was leaving a parking lot and went to turn into my lane and someone cut over at the last minute causing me to jerk my wheel out of reaction and the front end of my car slammed into the guard rail.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-09-15
Recently involved in an accident where I was rear ended. Was stopped at a red light, light had just changed, I put my foot on the gas pedal to accelerate when I was hit from behind.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-27
In November of 2015 I was sitting at a stop sign and somebody hit me head on at approximately 45 to 50 MPH causing a substantial amount of damage to the front end of my car costing nearly a total of $9,000.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-10
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2016-08-11Exterior lighting16V498000 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 the headlights.
Remedy: GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels, with the correct code, to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge.
-
R
2016-10-14Electrical system, power train16V502000 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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
-
R
2017-02-28Seats17V057000 General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seats, replacing any with seat-back frames that are incorrectly welded, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2017.
-
R
2018-06-07Fuel system, gasoline18V304000 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 crash and a rollover.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018.
Buy-smart checklist
2016 Chevrolet Cruze — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine: 102 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 58 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 35 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 16V498000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 16V502000 · Electrical system, power train
- Recall 17V057000 · Seats
- Recall 18V304000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is rated "better than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
- The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.