3rd time since purchasing in march 2014 that heater and or air conditioning has stopped working. Was told first 2 times that it was the motor and sensor, those were replaced now while making yet another road trip 4 hours from our home with our child the heat went out. Heater will not blow warm air or any air for that matter and defrosted will not work resulting in us stopping every few miles to…
2014 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems
severe 133 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
133
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4crashes
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 133 electrical complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 133 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 8 model years of Chevrolet Cruze in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2014 Chevy Cruze's electrical system is a known hazard—fires, sudden stalling, complete power loss, stuck keys, and dashboard failures appear repeatedly across 131 complaints with no factory recalls issued. Run the VIN through NHTSA's database, get a pre-purchase inspection focusing on battery cables, ignition system, and engine bay condition, and budget for potential major electrical work or expect this car to strand you unexpectedly.
The 2014 Chevy Cruze electrical system is plagued by failures that span everything from catastrophic fires to total power loss while driving. Multiple owners report engine fires originating from electrical shorts—one while idling in a parking lot, another under the dashboard after AC shutdown, a third following minor impact near the battery. Fires spread rapidly and destroy vehicle interiors despite engine bays remaining intact.
Loss of electrical power while driving is the most dangerous recurring complaint. Owners lose steering assist, headlights, and all electrical systems without warning at highway speeds, then either the vehicle restarts on its own or requires jump-starting. Dashboard and radio shutdowns happen constantly and without pattern—some days many times per hour, other days silent for weeks. Keys get stuck in ignitions, requiring tools to remove. In one case, a vehicle drove 20 miles with the key fob missing and no warning.
Engine stalling during motion occurs repeatedly—five times in two weeks on highways and during turns—with multiple mechanics unable to diagnose cause. Blown head gaskets, brake failures, and transmission fluid leaks accompany these electrical breakdowns. Owners describe spending thousands on repeated repairs at dealerships that fail to fix the root problem. Service bulletins exist but no full recall has been issued despite 131 documented complaints; GM refuses to acknowledge systematic defect in many cases.
Same Chevrolet Cruze electrical reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Engine/Electrical Fires
Multiple owners report vehicle fires originating from electrical sources. One fire started while vehicle was idling at low speed, with burnt wiring found in engine compartment. Another fire ignited under the dashboard near the accelerator pedal after AC shut off during low-speed driving. A third fire occurred on the front left side near the battery location following a minor collision. These fires spread rapidly and destroyed vehicle interiors.
When: While parked/idling and during low-speed driving; mileage 27,500 reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke and burnt smell from engine; Flames from under dashboard; Rapid fire spread after minor impact; AC shutoff before fire; Smoke in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's transmission fluid leak was cited as fire cause; insurance claim filed for $148.78
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged 'known engine fire risks' per one owner; third-party inspection requested in another case; no recalls issued
Dashboard/Instrument Cluster Electrical Failures
Radio, dashboard lights, infotainment screen, and instrument cluster fail intermittently or completely. Failures often accompanied by 'Service Stabilitrak' warning. Dashboard instruments melt or become sticky at low mileage. Speedometer and fuel gauge display incorrect information. Multiple owners report inability to diagnose or replicate failures at dealership.
When: Random timing; can occur while driving, idling, or stationary; one case at 25,000 miles with melting dashboard
Symptoms owners cite: Radio shutting off and on; Dashboard lights flashing; Service Stabilitrak warning; Screen goes black; Fuel gauge inaccurate; Speedometer erratic; Dashboard material melting and sticky; Backup camera display fails
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $2,210.72 for unresolved electrical repair; BCM replacement performed in another case; backup camera sensor replacement quoted at $900-$734 in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated 'no recalls'; advised diagnostic testing at dealer; refused investigation after repairs made on one vehicle
Key Stuck in Ignition / Keyless Entry Failures
Key becomes locked in ignition and cannot be removed without tools or vehicle restart. Keyless entry system fails to recognize missing key fob, allowing vehicle to be driven without key transmitter present, creating safety hazard. Owners had to use wrenches or manual trunk releases to escape vehicles.
When: After turning off engine and attempting to remove key; after parking with missing key fob
Symptoms owners cite: Key locked in ignition; Unable to remove key without tools; Dashboard goes completely black; Car will not turn on; No warning that key transmitter missing; Vehicle operable without key present
Codes mentioned: No key transmitter
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to crawl through back seat and use trunk safety latch; wrench required to extract key in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for this defect; no manufacturer response documented
Complete Power Loss While Driving
Vehicle loses electrical power while in motion, causing loss of steering assist, headlights, radio, turn signals, and other electrical components. Some owners report alternator and battery failures following these events. Power loss occurs without warning and creates immediate safety hazard. Vehicle sometimes restarts on its own, sometimes requires jumping.
When: While driving at various speeds (35 mph to 70 mph highway); also while stationary
Symptoms owners cite: Steering assist lost; Headlights off; Radio dies; Dashboard goes dark; Turn signals fail; Vehicle coasts without power; Service Stabilitrak warning; Key stuck after power loss; Must jump-start vehicle
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Air Bag, Service Power Steering
Repairs/costs cited: Battery cables replaced; alternator replaced; BCM replaced; battery replacement after swelling; multiple owners keep portable jumpers in vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Negative battery cable issue acknowledged; Service Bulletin #314 issued but not as recall; GM refuses to issue recall
Engine Stalling During Driving
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, including on highways and during turns. Stalling occurs multiple times over short periods, then may stop for weeks. Owner reports stalling 5 times in 2 weeks on highway, in traffic, and during turns. Another owner's engine quit while backing up and while crossing highway. Multiple mechanics and dealerships unable to diagnose root cause.
When: Random; occurs on highway, city streets, during turns, while accelerating, while braking; some cases reporting 2-3 stalls per week at peak
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Vehicle coasts; Service Stabilitrak appears; Engine hesitation/chugging; Rough idle; Vehicle will not restart immediately; Spitting and sputtering sound
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Engine issue
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch suspected in one case; multiple mechanics unable to determine cause; owner spent $2,000+ in labor and towing in 3-4 months; head gasket blown in one case after repeated failed repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by owners; dealer diagnostics inconclusive
Excessive Oil Leaks / Transmission Fluid Leaks
Oil and transmission fluid leak from multiple locations. One owner reported transmission fluid leak that dealer attributed to causing engine fire. Another experienced oil pan damage by dealership during service. Oil cooler line leaks identified. Multiple owners cite substantial oil accumulation on engine and under vehicle.
When: Detected after service; one case linked to engine fire at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under vehicle; Oil visible on top of engine; Vehicle leaking oil after service; Smell of oil; Engine overheating due to fluid loss
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler repair quoted at ~$600; transmission fluid leak repair attempted; oil pan damage charge of $866.00 disputed by owner; oil plug also damaged during service
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer performed repairs; one owner disputes repair charges as damage dealer caused during service
Brake Failures and Loss of Braking Power
Brakes fail or lose effectiveness while driving, including complete loss of stopping power. One owner experienced total brake failure when attempting to back up, requiring emergency brake. Another lost brakes during left turn in rain, resulting in crash. Brakes continue to malfunction even after repair attempts. Brake-related warning lights and ABS issues reported.
When: While operating vehicle; one case while backing up; one case during turning in wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive; Vehicle does not stop when brake applied; Brakes skip/jerk; Brake warning lights; ABS warning lights; Squeishing and clicking sounds when braking
Codes mentioned: ABS warning, Brake system warning
Repairs/costs cited: Rotors, spindle, and rims replaced by independent mechanic ($866+ estimated for dealer repairs); brakes continued to fail after repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refused to investigate after independent repairs made; no recall issued
Blind Spot Detection / Rear Cross Traffic Alert Failures
Blind spot detector modules fail and trigger 'Service Blind Spot Alert' warnings. System alerts state alert is turned off. Failure of blind spot detection system spreads to rear cross traffic alert system. Dealer quoted $900 for module replacement, later lowered to $734. Owner notes class action lawsuit and numerous online complaints about this defect.
When: Initial warning followed by system shutdown; defect affects both blind spot and rear cross traffic detection
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot alert system notification; Alert turned off notification; Rear cross traffic alert also fails
Repairs/costs cited: Blind spot detector modules replacement needed; cost $900 initially, $734 after GM intervention; repair may not fix rear cross traffic alert
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged defect, reduced repair cost from $900 to $734; related class action lawsuit referenced
Ignition System / Engine Starting Problems
Vehicle fails to start or starts with difficulty. Engine cranks but won't turn over. Key must be repeatedly turned off and on to get ignition to engage. Vehicle hesitates or chugs while running. Some cases involve starter motor attempting to engage on its own after key is turned off. Radio takes long time to power on before eventual starting failure.
When: Upon startup; can occur after short parking; one case involved vehicle not starting after being at mechanic for 1.5 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: No connection/cranking when key turned; Engine starts itself with key off; Starter engaging repeatedly; Car chugs/hesitates at idle; Rough idle; Long delay before radio powers on
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected ignition switch in one case; mass flow sensor replaced; air intake work performed; multiple parts replaced without resolving issue; owner spent $700+ on parts and labor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls found for ignition issues; dealership unable to consistently diagnose when owner present
Heating/AC and Climate Control Failures
AC shuts off during driving without warning. Heater/AC stop blowing when electrical failures occur. One owner reports message 'A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP' appearing repeatedly. Multiple owners cite AC failures concurrent with other electrical issues. AC malfunction linked to engine fire in at least one case.
When: During driving at low speeds; random timing; one case with recurring overheating over 3-year period
Symptoms owners cite: AC shuts off without warning; A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP message; Heater stops blowing; AC fails to respond; Smoke enters cabin when AC reactivated
Codes mentioned: A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement; engine gasket cover replacement; repeated repairs for same issue over 3 years
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Power Steering Failures
Power steering assist suddenly disappears while driving, requiring greater effort to turn wheel. Loss occurs during turns, creating dangerous situation. Occurs concurrent with electrical failures and Service Stabilitrak warnings. One owner nearly lost control on highway.
When: While driving, particularly during turns; occurs with electrical system failures
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist lost; Increased steering wheel effort; Jerking steering wheel; Loss of control feeling; Occurs while turning
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Steering, Service Power Steering
Repairs/costs cited: Negative battery cable replacement attempted; issue persists in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin SB-100-57574-8899 issued for some models; not all 2014 Cruzes included
Sensor and Detection System Water Damage
Sensors malfunction when vehicle gets wet, particularly side detection sensors located underneath vehicle. Water enters sensor modules causing electrical system failures. Vehicle loses charging ability and comes to complete stop when sensors fail after water intrusion. Battery won't charge when wet sensors fail.
When: After vehicle exposure to rain/water; at approximately 52,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Sensors shut down when wet; Battery won't charge; Vehicle complete stop; Electrical system failure
Repairs/costs cited: GM solution: negative battery cable replacement and sensor/wire harness replacement; cost $2,800 for sensor replacement alone; not covered by warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges problem occurred and upgraded sensors/harness; refuses to issue recall; Service Bulletin #314 issued instead
Traction Control / Stability Control Failures
Traction control and stability control systems malfunction with 'Service Traction Control' and 'Service Stabilitrak' warning messages appearing. System engagement/disengagement issues. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously. Traction does not grip road properly, particularly in winter.
When: Random timing, multiple times within short periods then weeks without occurrence; one case starting a few months into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Service Traction Control warning; Service Stabilitrak warning; Multiple warning lights flashing; Poor road traction; Vehicle shaking; ABS and brake warnings
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction Control, ABS, Brake
Repairs/costs cited: Coil pack replaced in one case; warning recurs; diagnostics show no codes in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostics unable to replicate; no codes generated in some cases despite warnings appearing
Head Gasket Failures and Cooling System Problems
Blown head gaskets causing multiple coolant and performance issues. One owner experienced two blown head gaskets within months despite dealership repairs. Antifreeze pouring out, overheating, rough idle, engine lights. Coolant leaks from multiple sources (radiator, hoses, cooler outlet). Engine overheats repeatedly over years. Issues persist despite multiple repair attempts at dealership.
When: Can occur early in ownership; one case had second failure 2 weeks after first repair; one case with recurring overheating over 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Antifreeze pouring out; Overheating; Rough idle; Spitting and sputtering; Engine lights on; Radiator/hose leaking; Smoke from engine
Codes mentioned: Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump, thermostat, cooler outlet hoses replaced; head gasket resurfaced and repaired; clamps fixed; 29-day repair period in one case; second head gasket blown shortly after
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership performed multiple repair attempts; issues recurred
Engine Acceleration / Limp Mode Issues
Vehicle fails to accelerate when pedal depressed, limiting speed to 35 mph or less. Engine enters limp mode with electrical systems malfunctioning. Speed gauge bounces erratically. Vehicle sounds like it is stuck in first gear. Acceleration issues occur randomly and recur after temporary resolution. Brakes make squeishing and clicking sounds.
When: Random timing during driving; can occur multiple times in single trip then not for days
Symptoms owners cite: Fails to accelerate beyond 35 mph; Speed gauge bouncing; Engine stuck in gear sound; Limp mode engagement; Electrical system failures; Brake noises; Won't accelerate even with pedal to floor
Codes mentioned: Engine issue, Limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple shop visits ($hundreds in labor); issue recurs repeatedly; one owner spent $hundreds without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls; dealership unable to identify cause
Fuel Gauge Inaccuracy
Fuel gauge displays incorrect fuel level, leading to owner running out of fuel unexpectedly. In one case, owner ran out of fuel twice, with gauge taking 48 hours to show accurate reading. Gauge malfunction difficult to diagnose and replicate.
When: At approximately 40,000 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Gauge shows incorrect fuel level; Runs out of fuel unexpectedly; Slow to update accurate reading
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer could not replicate failure; vehicle not repaired; dealer stated vehicle simply needed fuel
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer notification; no repair or recall issued
Door Lock and Trunk Release Failures
Power door locks fail to operate. Trunk release fails (no manual trunk release available). Windows and door locks unresponsive. One owner unable to open doors or trunk after electrical failure.
When: Concurrent with electrical system failures
Symptoms owners cite: Power door locks don't work; Trunk won't open; Windows unresponsive; Cannot exit vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had to crawl through back seat and use trunk safety latch
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Infotainment System / Radio Display Glitches
Radio/infotainment screen shutting off and on intermittently with no apparent trigger. Backup camera display fails intermittently. Screen requires vehicle to be pulled over, turned off, and restarted to reset. AUX signal activates over radio without user input. OnStar activates without button press. Display turns off during GPS use.
When: Random timing; can occur days or weeks apart; one case happening at least weekly
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/display flashing on/off; Backup camera won't display; Screen goes black; Music cuts out; AUX signal interference; OnStar activates unexpectedly; Screen resets itself
Repairs/costs cited: Four dealership visits without resolution; one repair quote $1,500 for sensor replacement or permanent backup camera disconnect; screen requires manual restart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offered permanent disablement of backup camera as solution
Automatic Light System Failures
Automatic headlights fail to function properly. Brake lights won't turn on unless manual light switch engaged multiple times. Headlights remain on after vehicle turned off.
When: Random timing
Symptoms owners cite: Automatic lights don't work; Brake lights won't activate automatically; Headlights stay on after shutdown; Lights flicker
Repairs/costs cited: None documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Overheating and Rough Running
Engine overheats repeatedly with 'A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP' message. Rough idle on cold starts requiring waiting before shifting into gear. Engine gasket covers leak. Problems recur despite multiple repairs over 3-year period.
When: Upon cold start; during driving; recurring over 3 years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating; A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP message; Rough idle; Spitting/sputtering; Engine gasket leaking; Smoking
Codes mentioned: A/C OFF HIGH ENGINE TEMP
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement; engine gasket cover replacement; problems reoccur after repairs; most recent issue December 2020
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Engine Smoke and Burning Smell
Vehicle produces smoke and burning smell upon acceleration or while starting. Engine compartment extremely hot to touch. Strong electrical burning smell. Smoke comes from inside vehicle.
When: Upon starting and acceleration; one case with smoke entering cabin
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine; Burning smell (electrical); Engine compartment overheating; Smoke in cabin; Check engine light on
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner states engine and gaskets are bad; independent dealer advises issue is common with 2014 Cruze; oil present on engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states recall exists online but not visible in national database
Gas Cap / Fuel System Issues
Vehicle experiences problems with fuel cap. Multiple gas caps purchased but issue persists with OEM dealer cap. Vehicle stalls at lights despite correct cap installation with multiple clicks. No check engine light but stalling occurs.
When: After refueling
Symptoms owners cite: Issues with gas cap fit; Vehicle stalling at lights after fueling; No check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Purchased 2 gas caps; uses current OEM dealer cap
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented
Synthesized from 133 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The vehicle's radio flashes on and off and a 'service stabilitrak' warning comes on the odometer screen. I have read this causes serious issues with others that have had the same problem and there is no known fix.
A warning light came on for the airbag randomly. It evolved to the following issues: radio control panel going out with no volume control besides the steering wheel, static on the radio, a warning that park assist needed to be serviced (vehicle does not have park assist), headlights would not turn off upon the vehicle being turned off. The "solution" as there were so many errors that randomly…
Had electrical trouble with your 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 133 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 88 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 37,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 59,045. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2014/Chevrolet/Cruze.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.