While driving at freeway speeds(70 MPH) the car suddenly downshifted and revved the engine very high(6,000 RPM). The car lost speed and would not downshift. Punched the gas and engine returned to normal. Check engine light came on shortly thereafter. Took to dealer and they state turbocharger is bad. The car only has 62,000 miles on it.
2014 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems
moderate 117 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
117
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 117 engine complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 117 engine 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.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Avoid 2014 Cruzes. Owners report repeated, costly failures in turbos, water pumps, catalytic converters, valve covers, and cooling systems starting well before 100,000 miles—often with parts on indefinite national backorder and GM denying warranty coverage despite known TSBs. Some have experienced engine fires.
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze shows a consistent pattern of early-onset, repeat-failure issues across multiple engine systems, with costs accumulating into the thousands even under normal use.
Turbocharger problems dominate complaints. Turbos fail around 32,000–140,000 miles, producing code P0299 (underboost) and forcing limp mode. One owner paid $1,501.86 for turbo replacement, only to have it fail again a month later. Multiple owners report parts on indefinite national backorder due to manufacturing defects, and GM has been slow with loaners or support while owners are stranded.
Coolant system failures recur frequently. Water pumps leak at 32,000–105,000 miles. Owners often replace them only to see the problem return months later. GM references TSB 14371B for 1.4L engines but denies coverage to some 1.8L owners with identical symptoms. Thermostat housings crack, and radiator caps leak, forcing multiple dealer visits.
Catalytic converters fail prematurely and repeatedly. Code P0420 appears at 83,000+ miles, sometimes within the 80,000-mile warranty period. One owner replaced it twice at a shop before 80,000 miles; another replaced it multiple times. GM catalytic converters are on national backorder, and aftermarket parts don't meet emissions specs.
Valve covers and PCV systems are chronically defective. Some owners have replaced the valve cover four times in three years at $450–$600 per job. Because the PCV valve is built into the cover and non-serviceable separately, the whole assembly must be replaced each time. Oil sprays out, smoke enters the cabin, and passengers report respiratory problems.
Engine fire incidents occurred. Two separate fires started in the engine bay, one minutes after restart and another at highway speed, both totaling the vehicle. One owner had fuel rail issues documented in a TSB before the fire.
Other serious failures include head gasket failures, engine stalls during low-speed driving, and carbon monoxide intrusion into the cabin. Owners also report transmission cooling line leaks that recur after replacement, exhaust fumes in the cabin causing illness, and complete engine power loss at highway speed.
Same Chevrolet Cruze engine reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Turbocharger Failure
Turbo fails to provide boost, causing loss of power and limp mode activation. Owners report repeated failures even after turbo replacement, with repeated diagnostic code P0299 (turbo underboost). Some turbos are on indefinite national backorder. Failure cascade can damage transmission and catalytic converter.
When: 32,000 to 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Limp mode activation; Check engine light; High RPM shifting to maintain speed; Vehicle unable to accelerate uphill; RPMs spike above 4,000-5,000 without acceleration response
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Turbo Underboost)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement $1,501.86 reported; also replaced boost control solenoid and sensors; some owners replaced ignition coil and catalytic converter due to cascade failures from turbo failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged defect via complaint but parts on national backorder due to manufacturing flaws; some dealers claim VIN not covered by recalls despite matching complaint patterns; TSB references noted
Water Pump Failure with Coolant Leak
Water pump fails prematurely, causing coolant leaks. Often recurs after repair or occurs again within short timeframe. Related to TSB 14371B for 1.4L engines, but owners with 1.8L engines report same issue. Dealers claim some vehicles not covered under special coverage adjustment despite having symptoms matching TSB.
When: 32,000 to 105,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant leakage onto driveway; Low coolant reservoir; Engine overheating warning light; Coolant smell inside cabin; Loss of heat in cabin; Engine overheats within minutes of driving; AC compressor shutoff due to high temperature
Codes mentioned: P0299 (reported in context of coolant-related overheating cascade)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement typical repair; $600–$900 reported; often requires replacing thermostat and/or valve cover; thermostat housing failure also noted as precursor
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 14371B issued for 1.4L engine water pump coolant leak; special coverage adjustment 14371B available but owners report being denied coverage; GM has not extended warranty or issued recall for 1.8L affected vehicles
Intake Manifold Check Valve Failure
Check valve in intake manifold stops sealing and disappears (possibly into engine), causing power loss, bogging on acceleration, hard starting, and gas mileage loss. Related to poor design where non-serviceable valve is integrated into manifold assembly.
When: 47,967 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power on acceleration; Bogging during acceleration and idle; Hard starting; Reduced fuel economy; Check engine light remains illuminated after attempted repairs
Repairs/costs cited: Requires new intake manifold with check valve assembly, new vent tube, new valve cover; non-serviceable valve design adds significant cost
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA bulletin 11170978 cited by owner as documenting same problem in other states; GM has not issued recall
Catalytic Converter Premature Failure
Catalytic converter fails prematurely and repeatedly. Owners report replacing converter multiple times within 80,000-mile warranty period and again shortly after. Often preceded by turbo failure or rough running conditions. One owner replaced twice at independent shop by 140,000 miles. GM catalytic converters on national backorder.
When: 83,000 to 140,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Code P0420 (catalytic converter efficiency low); Vehicle enters limp mode; Power loss; Unintended acceleration episode reported (related to sensor failure)
Codes mentioned: P0420 (Catalytic Converter Efficiency Low)
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replacement $400–$700+ per instance; GM OEM converters on national backorder for months; aftermarket converters do not meet ULEV spec and code does not clear
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM denies recall coverage in at least one case despite recall 16186 documented for 2014 Cruze; no extended warranty or service campaign announced despite widespread reports
Valve Cover and PCV Valve Failure
Valve cover fails repeatedly (some owners report 3–4 replacements in 3 years), causing oil leaks. PCV valve is integrated into valve cover and is non-serviceable as a separate component. Oil can spray out onto engine and into cabin air, creating smoke and respiratory hazard.
When: Early in ownership, recurring every 6–12 months
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaking from valve cover; Smoke from engine compartment entering cabin; Loss of engine power when air system running; Reduced acceleration; Check engine light; Respiratory issues reported in cabin (headache, nausea, confusion, sore throat, sinus issues)
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replacement $450–$600+ per occurrence; PCV valve cannot be replaced separately; repeated failures indicate design defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Service Bulletin PIP5197J (amended 10/2018) describing PCV and non-return valve failures; GM refuses to issue recall or service warranty extension despite documented pattern affecting 2011–2019 models; warranty extension letter received by one owner
Engine Overheating and Thermostat Failure
Engine overheats repeatedly, sometimes without warning. Thermostat housing fails or thermostat fails, triggering overheating cascade. Related to coolant system failures. Repeated repairs sometimes fail to resolve root cause.
When: 33,000 to 142,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light or gauge in red zone; AC compressor shutoff due to high engine temperature; Engine stall without warning; Engine shut-off due to overheat protection; Temperature gauge spike while driving at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat and/or thermostat housing replacement; coolant surge tank replacement; radiator cap replacement attempted; one owner required complete engine replacement after repeated failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM notified in multiple cases; no recall issued; one case involved four dealer visits with repeated diagnosis changes and no successful resolution
Engine Misfires and Ignition Coil Pack Failure
Engine misfires and loses power. Rubber boots on ignition coil packs melt onto spark plugs, preventing proper ignition. One owner reports coil pack and spark plug replacement resolved issue; another reports knock sensor and piston damage.
When: 28,000 to unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of acceleration and power; Engine misfiring from one or more cylinders; Check engine light; Traction control and check engine lights simultaneously; Rough idle with chugging sensation; No power to move from traffic light
Codes mentioned: P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire or misfire detected), P0299 (noted in misfire context)
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced coil pack and four spark plugs; knock sensor replacement attempted but did not resolve issue in separate case; one owner reports piston melted and put hole in block requiring engine replacement despite all recommended maintenance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealer claim that VIN not covered under recall; no design change announced; GM previously aware via complaints
Engine Fire
Engine compartment fire in two separate incidents reported. One fire started three minutes after vehicle was restarted and spread from engine bay to passenger compartment; another started while driving at 62 mph with smoke from vents and melting dashboard touchscreen. Both vehicles totaled.
When: One incident at unspecified mileage; one at 148,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel odor weeks before fire; Smoke from engine vents while driving; Dashboard touchscreen melted and went blank; Vehicle burst into flames in engine compartment; Fire spread chemically (did not respond normally to water)
Repairs/costs cited: Both vehicles totaled; one owner had $10,000+ in payments invested; insurance declared total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB on fuel rails coming loose causing fuel odor/hesitation noted in one case; first owner stonewalled by GM customer support; manufacturer not informed in second case; no recall or service campaign for fire risk identified
Fuel Tank Defect (Melting)
Fuel tank melts or becomes defective, fusing fuel hoses to tank and causing sensor failure. Causes vehicle to enter limp mode and fail to accelerate.
When: 83,557 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Message displayed: Air condition off due to high temperature; Vehicle fails to accelerate at low speed; Vehicle enters limp mode
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel tank defect identified; hoses fused to tank; fuel sensor failed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not aware of the issue
Carbon Monoxide Intrusion into Cabin
Carbon monoxide gas enters cabin through ventilation system when heat or AC is operating, causing dizziness, nausea, headache, and disorientation within 15 minutes of driving.
When: Early in ownership (service date January 2014)
Symptoms owners cite: Dizziness and disorientation while driving with heat on; Nausea and headache; Symptoms resolve when windows opened and heat turned off; Confirmed by service technician who drove vehicle and experienced same symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer acknowledged carbon monoxide intrusion; stated they would contact GM but no repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM contacted; no documented resolution provided in narrative
Rough Idle and Engine Stall During Low-Speed Driving
Engine develops rough idle with jumping/chugging sensation and stalls when slowing to stop or driving slowly through drive-through lines. Occurs repeatedly and increasingly over time.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle with chugging sensation; Vehicle stalls when slowing to red light; Vehicle stalls in slow-moving drive-through lines; Occurs more frequently over time; Safety risk with traffic behind the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Not diagnosed or repaired per narrative
Turbo Oil Feed and Return Line Failure
Turbo oil feed and return line fails, causing burning oil smell inside cabin. Associated with TSB PI0851B.
When: 130,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil odor inside cabin while driving at highway speed; No warning light illuminated; Smell persistent enough to require turning off heater
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo oil feed and return line replacement needed; repair pending
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB PI0851B referenced; manufacturer not informed initially
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Quality Warning Code
Diesel Cruze throws 'diesel exhaust fluid quality poor' code repeatedly despite dealership claiming everything is fine. Code recurs within 200 miles of last service visit, threatening to limit vehicle to 4 mph and 65 mph depending on fuel condition.
When: End of November into December, unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine code: 'Diesel Exhaust Fluid Quality Poor See Owners Manual 99 Miles till 65MPH'; Recurring code shortly after dealership visit; Dealership unable to resolve despite two visits
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service personnel stated unfamiliarity with diesel emissions system
Transmission Cooling Line Leaks
Transmission cooling lines leak repeatedly. One owner reports third replacement, with lines leaking again. Suspect defect or design flaw especially in cold climates. Fluid buildup on line creates potential fire hazard.
When: Unspecified mileage; recurring pattern noted
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission cooling line leaks; Fluid buildup on line; Potential fire hazard from fluid accumulation
Repairs/costs cited: Line replacement cost $400+; repair pattern repeats despite multiple replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or design change announced; known issue among Cruze owners per complaint narrative research
Exhaust Fumes Entering Cabin Air Vents
Exhaust fumes consistently enter cabin through air vents when using AC or heat. Dealer unable to fix despite multiple visits. Causes illness in passengers including pneumonia, sinus issues, dry eyes, sore throat, migraine headaches, sleepiness, confusion, anxiety, and nausea. Dealer's solution is to not use AC/heat and keep windows open.
When: Unspecified; issue recurred over multiple months
Symptoms owners cite: Exhaust fumes entering cabin via vents; Illness in passengers: headache, nausea, dizziness; Respiratory issues: pneumonia, sinus issues, sore throat; Eye irritation (dry eyes); Migraine headaches; Confusion and anxiety hours after driving; Excessive sleepiness while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer service visits; unable to resolve; engineer from GM investigating as of May 2018 per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineer assigned to investigate; no documented fix or recall issued
Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket fails, causing smoke from engine compartment and burning smell. One owner reports smoke coming from head gasket and under hood; another suspects head gasket issue based on smoke and burning smell but no diagnosis provided.
When: 55–124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment and underneath hood; Burning smell; Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic diagnosed cylinder head failure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted online recall references for 2013–2014 models but no active recall found for their vehicle; manufacturer not contacted in one case
Engine Failure with Complete Loss of Motive Power
Engine fails completely, causing loss of all motive power while driving at highway speeds. Requires towing. Multiple instances at different mileages suggest systemic issue.
When: Unspecified, 108,000, 169,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of motive power while driving; Check engine light (in some cases); White smoke from front of vehicle (one case); Stalling after loss of power; Vehicle unable to restart without towing
Repairs/costs cited: One case diagnosed as engine failure; vehicle not repaired; another case not diagnosed
Knock Sensor Failure
Knock sensor fails, causing check engine light illumination. One owner reports it was replaced under warranty but check engine light has come on fourteen times since purchase. Another case involved knock sensor replacement followed by discovery of melted piston and engine block hole.
When: 2,039 miles to unspecified later in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Loss of power and strange noise (in piston failure case); Sudden oil level drop (in piston failure case)
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replacement attempted; in one case piston melted and put hole in block despite all maintenance performed; engine replacement recommended
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case provided case number 95372768444; manufacturer notified; no recall issued
Engine Control Stop/Start System Malfunction
Engine control stop/start feature activates at traffic light but engine fails to restart when brake pedal is released. Vehicle must be manually turned off and restarted to restore normal operation.
When: 14,999 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops at traffic light as designed; Engine fails to restart when brake pedal released; Requires manual key cycle to restore operation
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop found no fault code; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not contacted
Cylinder Head Failure and Engine Stalling
Engine stalls repeatedly during driving. Diagnosed as head gasket needing replacement, but failure recurred after repair. Subsequent diagnostics identified radiator cap leak, then motor replacement needed. Suggests systemic cooling system or internal engine defect.
When: 33,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light continuously illuminated; Engine stalls while driving; Failure recurs after head gasket replacement (two weeks later); Failure persists after radiator cap replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replaced; radiator cap replaced; complete motor replacement recommended but not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no resolution documented
Loss of Power During Acceleration (Turbo-Related Power Loss)
Vehicle loses power during acceleration. Often related to turbo issues but sometimes resulting from multiple component failures in cascade. One case involved loss of boost control after sensor/solenoid/turbo replacements. Another involved engine unable to provide consistent power, causing dangerous situations uphill on freeways.
When: 28,000 to 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power during acceleration; Inability to maintain speed uphill; Vehicle drops out of high gears; RPMs spike above 5,000 without acceleration; Check engine light; Limp mode (in some cases)
Codes mentioned: P0299 (Turbo Underboost, in turbo cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement, sensor replacement, solenoid replacement attempted; some repairs unsuccessful or temporary
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM denies recall coverage in some cases despite matching complaint profiles
Synthesized from 117 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
While driving check engine light came on and car start losing power and not shifting correctly being close to home attempted to baby vehicle home. Car started to make strange noise immediately pulled over and shut car off. Had car towed to personal mechanic. The turbo has blown apart
Gasket cover, turbo oil feed and return line.
Radiator, thermostat
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 117 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 72 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 50,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.