VehicleVerdict

2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze sits mid-pack among Cruze years: 391 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 387, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 106 reports (27% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

391

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

28

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Cruze years?

Cruze NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted1,353 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 1,115 complaints2012: 1,353 complaints2013: 934 complaints2014: 1,096 complaints2015: 383 complaints2016: 391 complaints2017: 295 complaints2018: 166 complaints2019: 28 complaints
Cruze NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cruze years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine10627%
Electrical System7419%
Other4411%
Fuel System379%
Transmission318%
Airbags215%
Steering185%
Brakes185%
Speed Control103%
Body & Structure72%
Lighting62%
Tires & Wheels62%
Seats41%
Seat Belts31%
Driver Assistance31%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Suspension10%

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V304000Fuel SystemMay 10, 2018 · 111,966 units

Defect

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.

17V057000SeatsJanuary 26, 2017 · 17,197 units

Defect

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.

16V502000Electrical SystemJuly 5, 2016 · 8,367 units

Defect

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.

16V498000LightingJuly 1, 2016 · 32,913 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

VEHICLE PROVED TO BE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIVE THUS THE CAR BURNED UP IN A FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL HARNESS CATCHING FIRE AS STATED FIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE INSPECTOR. NO SIGNS SHOWED ANY IMMINENT DANGER, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE BARELY ESCAPED BEFORE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 20, 2016 · fire

VEHICLE PROVED TO BE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIVE THUS THE CAR BURNED UP IN A FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL HARNESS CATCHING FIRE AS STATED FIRE FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE INSPECTOR. NO SIGNS SHOWED ANY IMMINENT DANGER, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE BARELY ESCAPED BEFORE CAR WENT UP IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 20, 2016 · fire

I was driving down the road when my son said he smelled something and made pull over. There were what I thought were small flames on the floor so i dumped my water on them, then i realized the seat itself was melting and dripping stuff on the floor. then the seat went up. Very shortly after that…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 8, 2023 · fire

APPROACHED A CURVE IN ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50MPH, TOOK FOOT OFF THE GAS AND ACCELERATOR DID NOT DISENGAGE AND CONTINUED AT FULL SPEED SO FAST COULD NOT NEGOTIATE THE CURVE AND WENT OFF THE CURVE AND CRASHED INTO RAVINE BELOW. THIS OCCURED ONE DAY AFTER THE CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED BY A GM GARAGE ON…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 2, 2017 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REVERSE ON ITS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 13, 2017 · fire

2016 Chevrolet Cruze — common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cruze: 391 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Cruze problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (106 complaints), electrical system (74 complaints), other (44 complaints).

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Cruze years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Cruze years to avoid are 2012, 2011, 2014, 2013. The cleanest record among Cruze years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.