NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bags mounted above the headliner on the left and/or right side may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
This page covers 8 recalls, 693 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze.
26–32 mpg combined
7.4–9 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze draws a heavy volume of complaints centered on the engine and steering systems. Engine-related reports are the most common, with owners frequently describing overheating, coolant loss, and head gasket failures, often after repeated part replacements that don't resolve the underlying issue. Turbo failures, water pump failures, and persistent check engine lights round out the engine complaint picture. Steering complaints are the second-largest named category, with owners reporting traction control and stability control warnings that trigger unexpectedly and cause the vehicle to lose power or reduce speed while driving. Electrical system reports also appear in significant numbers, with owners describing speedometer fluctuations and the car getting stuck at low speeds or losing acceleration entirely. The loss-of-power pattern shows up across both the engine and electrical categories, with multiple owners describing the vehicle slowing to around 35 mph or stalling without warning.
693
Total Complaints
68
Crash-Related
16
Fire-Related
36
With Injuries
By System
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze has 8 recalls, with the most serious concerns involving airbag inflators that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, a steering tie rod that can separate and cause total loss of steering control, and a front axle shaft that can fracture and leave the vehicle without drive power.
On the airbag side, both the driver's front airbag and the roof-rail side curtain airbags have separate inflator concerns. The driver's airbag inflator may fail to deploy properly in a crash, leaving the driver without protection. The roof-rail inflators on either side can rupture at a weld joint, partially deploying the curtain and scattering sharp metal fragments inside or outside the vehicle. The steering recall involves an inner tie rod that was not tightened to specification and can pull free from the steering gear, causing the driver to lose directional control. The axle shaft issue, which affects 1.4L turbo and manual transmission models, involves the right front half shaft fracturing and separating, causing the vehicle to lose power and coast to a stop. There is also an electrical concern where the ignition key can be removed without the transmission being in park, creating a rollaway risk as occupants exit.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bags mounted above the headliner on the left and/or right side may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected roof-rail air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left and/or right roof-rail air bag inflators may rupture at the weld joint, potentially failing to deploy properly in a side-impact crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected roof-rail air bag modules at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The roof-rail air bags above the headliner may rupture at the inflator weld joint on the left and/or right side.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag modules at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic park lock lever may allow you to remove the ignition key even when the transmission is not in PARK, which can lead to unintended vehicle movement.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the key cylinder lock housing if necessary, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The inner tie rod may not be tightened properly, allowing it to separate from the steering gear and affect steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may have been made with an incorrect part, affecting its function.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver side air bag at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front half shaft may fracture and separate on certain 2013–2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with 1.4L turbo engines.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft at no cost when parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front half shaft may fracture and separate on affected 2013–2014 Chevrolet Cruze manual transmission vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.