VehicleVerdict

2017 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze sits mid-pack among Cruze years: 295 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 388, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 77 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

295

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

8

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Cruze years?

Cruze NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 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, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Cruze years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Chevrolet Cruze problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine7726%
Electrical System4014%
Transmission3913%
Other3111%
Brakes196%
Body & Structure165%
Fuel System155%
Lighting124%
Speed Control103%
Airbags72%
Tires & Wheels62%
Steering62%
Visibility & Wipers52%
Seats52%
Suspension41%
Seat Belts10%
Latches & Locks10%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The car shut down in the middle of the highway which made me pull to the side and not so long after this incident the brakes stopped working for some time causing me to crash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 18, 2022 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED, ELECTRICAL SHORT. POSSIBLY AFTER LOCKING THE VEHICLE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID. RESULTED IN FIRE DAMAGING THE WHOLE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE. VISOR MELTED, BURNED FROM CENTER CONSOLE, RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR TO THE FRAME, DAMAGED THE SEATS. CAR IS A MESS FROM SMOKE DAMAGE. CAR WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 12, 2019 · fire

“I should have filed a complaint here after the catastrophic failure. The next time I may not be so lucky and it could cause loss of life. I was driving at approx. 65 MPH on the frwy when bang! An explosion under my hood that caused my car to jump over a lane, I slammed on the breaks, swerved but…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 24, 2019 · fire

“CAME TO A STOP AT THE STOP SIGN WE CAR WOULDN'T ACCELERATE TAP THE GAS PEDAL WOULD ACCELERATE SO I PRESSED HARDER THEN CAR TAKE OFF PRESSED BREAKS CAR WOULD STOP TELL I CRASHED”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 24, 2020 · crash

“The car shut down in the middle of the highway which made me pull to the side and not so long after this incident the brakes stopped working for some time causing me to crash. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 18, 2022 · crash

2017 Chevrolet Cruze — common questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

It is close to typical for the Cruze: 295 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Cruze problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (77 complaints), electrical system (40 complaints), transmission (39 complaints).

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze earned an overall rating of 5 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.