Summary
The Chevrolet Cruze has 19 recalls spanning the 2011–2018 model years, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2016–2018 LS models equipped with a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire, where a rear-impact crash or rollover can cause fuel to leak and potentially ignite a fire.
On the occupant protection side for recent years, 2016–2017 models have a front seat-back recliner bracket that can break in a crash, allowing the seat back to collapse and head restraints to fail. The 2016 model year also has a headlight assembly that lacks the aiming identifier code, which means headlights can end up misaimed during service and reduce nighttime visibility.
In the middle of the production run, 2014 models have two separate roof-rail airbag inflator issues where a weld joint can rupture, causing the inflator to fragment and send metal pieces into or out of the cabin. The driver's front airbag inflator on 2013–2014 vehicles can also rupture and fail to deploy properly in a crash. Two steering recalls cover 2014–2015 models, one involving an inner tie rod that can separate from the steering gear and cause complete loss of steering. On the drivetrain side, the right front half shaft on 2013–2014 models with either a 1.4L turbo engine or a manual transmission can fracture and separate, leaving the vehicle without drive power. The 2015 model year has a driver-side seat belt anchor bolt that may not hold load in a crash, and a parking brake cable bracket that can separate and allow the vehicle to roll away.
Going back to the earliest production years, 2011 models carry several serious issues: the steering wheel can detach from the column while driving, a separate intermediate steering shaft bolt can back out and cause the shaft to separate, and the automatic transmission gear position indicator does not meet shift interlock standards, which can allow the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly. The 2011–2012 models have fuel tank strap mounting welds that may have been omitted, allowing the tank to shift in a crash and leak fuel. Those same years also have an engine shield that can trap spilled oil near hot exhaust surfaces and catch fire. A brake vacuum pump on 2011–2012 models with the 1.4L turbo and automatic transmission can fail, requiring significantly more pedal force to stop the vehicle. The 2012 model year has a driver's front airbag shorting bar that can contact the airbag terminals and prevent deployment in a crash.
