This page covers 4 recalls, 245 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
32–34 mpg combined
6.9–7.4 L/100km
Compact 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 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze centers on engine issues, with owners frequently describing oil consumption, overheating, and failures tied to the PCV system, including valve cover gasket leaks and related seal failures. A recurring detail is that the cooling fan stops working alongside these problems, and some owners report no warning lights before symptoms appear. The powertrain and electrical system each draw a roughly equal share of complaints. On the powertrain side, owners describe power steering cutting out temporarily during turns, then returning to normal after the car sits. Electrical complaints include key fob failures that leave owners unable to unlock doors remotely, with the door remaining locked even after manually entering the vehicle. A separate pattern involves the check engine light illuminating repeatedly, often pointing toward turbo or intake-related codes without a clear resolution.
245
Total Complaints
19
Crash-Related
6
Fire-Related
12
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fuel system defect on LS trim vehicles where a rear-impact crash or rollover can cause a fuel leak that may ignite a fire.
A separate recall covers a park lock lever that can allow the ignition key to be removed while the transmission is still out of Park, leaving the vehicle free to roll away as occupants exit. On the occupant safety side, a bracket in the front seat recliner mechanism may be incorrectly welded to the seat frame, which can cause the seat back to break in a crash and leave the head restraint unable to protect the occupant. There is also a lighting concern: some vehicles were built without a required aiming code on the headlight assemblies, which means the headlights may be pointed incorrectly after a service adjustment, reducing how well the driver can see at night.
At a glance
What can fail
In a rear-impact crash or rollover, the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor can be damaged, causing the fuel tank to leak gasoline.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a protective lock-ring on the fuel tank to shield the vapor pressure sensor from damage during a crash.
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Driver Assistance
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 bracket welded to the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may be incorrectly welded, preventing head-restraints from working properly in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect front passenger seats and replace any with incorrectly welded seat-back frames 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 headlight assemblies lack a required three-digit identifier code needed to properly aim the headlights, causing the vehicle to not meet federal lighting standards.
What the fix does
GM will mail you an adhesive label with the correct code to install on your headlight assembly. You can also visit a GM dealership for free help applying the label.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
