Chevrolet Cruze 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Chevrolet Cruze 2016 and 250 complaints filed by owners. It's the model year with the most complaints for the Chevrolet Cruze between 2016 and 2019.

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Chevrolet Cruze 2016

Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 18V304000 · 2018-05-10

What happens

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence

A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V304000

Seats
NHTSA campaign 17V057000 · 2017-01-26

What happens

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 result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."

Consequence

In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 17V057000

Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 2016-07-05

What happens

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. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence

If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V502000

Exterior lighting
NHTSA campaign 16V498000 · 2016-07-01

What happens

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Consequence

Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

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. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 50190.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 16V498000

Complaints from other owners

250 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

19 with a crash · 6 with a fire · 14 injuries

Most reported problems on the Chevrolet Cruze 2016

• Engine: 102 (41% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 57 (23% of complaints)
• Fuel and propulsion: 35 (14% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 31 (12% of complaints)
• Air bags: 19 (8% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Chevrolet Cruze 2016

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Chevrolet Cruze recalls by year

• 2016 : 4 recalls · 250 complaints
• 2017 : 2 recalls · 201 complaints
• 2018 : 3 recalls · 109 complaints
• 2019 : 2 recalls · 23 complaints

Guides for this check

• What is a car recall and how to get it fixed for free
• Pre-purchase inspection for a used car: what to check
• Questions to ask the seller of a used car

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Chevrolet Cruze 2016 have?

NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Chevrolet Cruze 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Chevrolet Cruze 2016?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (102 of 250 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.