This page covers 4 recalls, 250 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 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.
The 2011 to 2015 Chevrolet Cruze received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The sedan earned five stars in frontal crash, side crash, and side pole crash tests. It received four stars in rollover testing. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this rating covers the entire 2011 to 2015 range.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze draws the most complaints around the engine and powertrain. On the engine side, owners frequently report oil leaks, commonly traced to the oil cooler housing area, along with turbocharger failures that some owners say they've dealt with repeatedly on the same vehicle. Overheating and coolant or radiator leaks also come up across multiple reports. On the powertrain side, owners describe stalling while driving, sometimes accompanied by stability control warning messages appearing before the engine cuts out. Electrical system complaints round out the top three, with owners reporting warning lights cycling on and off and intermittent loss of vehicle functions. The stalling pattern is notable because several owners describe it happening at highway speeds with the vehicle failing to restart immediately afterward.
250
Total Complaints
20
Crash-Related
4
Fire-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 recalls, the most serious involving a steering tie rod that can separate from the steering gear, causing complete loss of steering control and significantly raising the risk of a crash.
Two recalls involve rollaway risk. The parking brake cables on certain vehicles may have improperly fastened brackets at the rear wheels, and if a bracket breaks free, the parking brake loses its ability to hold the car on a slope or incline. Separately, there is a seatbelt concern: a mounting bolt on the driver-side seatbelt assembly may not be tightened to spec, which can allow the belt to pull away from its anchor point in a crash rather than restraining the driver properly. Both of these represent real-world consequences in situations where the vehicle is stopped or involved in a collision, and neither issue gives the driver any obvious warning before it matters most.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A bolt in the driver-side seat belt assembly may not be properly tightened, potentially affecting seat belt function.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the seat belt assembly bolts 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 bolts securing the left-rear and right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not be tight enough. They can back out completely, causing the bracket to separate and the parking brake to fail to hold the vehicle in place.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and tighten the parking brake bracket bolts on both sides as needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
