repaired · 2019 Q3
Fuel system, gasoline
Risk. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
2016 Chevrolet CruzeProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 250 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, most often about the engine. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-304 the manufacturer reports only 83% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 17, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has problems
250 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
102Engine5 crash/fire/injury
59Electrical system6 crash/fire/injury
35Fuel/propulsion system1 crash/fire/injury
31Power train1 crash/fire/injury
21Air bags
18Steering
18Service brakes
16Electronic stability control (ESC)
11Vehicle speed control
4417 other systems6 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 102 | 5 |
| Electrical system | 59 | 6 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 35 | 1 |
| Power train | 31 | 1 |
| Air bags | 21 | 12 |
| Steering | 18 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 2 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 16 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 2 |
| 17 other systems | 44 | 6 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2016 Chevrolet Cruze recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q2
Front assembly: head restraint
Risk. In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
repaired · 2017 Q1
Exterior lighting: headlights
Risk. Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chevrolet.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
66kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 56 engine complaints. 93% were reported before 100,000 miles.
11under 30k miles52under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
11 owners mentioned a cost$1,400median
Middle half: $866 – $3,310
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2016 vs. every other Cruze year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Cruze median. How we score
'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2016 Chevrolet Cruze safety ratings
2016 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Cruze owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 bought this a year ago
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. Factual Timeline: Initial Failure & Prior Liability: At 51,490 miles, the…
My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled…
Own a 2016 Cruze?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.