This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems
moderate 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 40 electrical complaints filed for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 40 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze shows a heavy pattern of electrical faults that disable core systems unexpectedly. The most common issue is the negative battery cable terminal, where an insufficient crimp degrades over time and starves the electrical system of power. Owners describe dashboard lights and the radio flickering on and off, instrument clusters going completely dark, and warning messages for Stabilitrak, ABS, and steering assist flashing repeatedly. This fault appears in GM Service Bulletin SB-10057574-8899 for model years 2011–2015, yet many owners report being denied recall coverage even though their symptoms match exactly and their VIN falls within the model range.
Engine control module (ECM) failure is another serious issue. Owners report the ECM losing power or failing outright, causing no-start conditions that persist even after replacement. One owner replaced the module twice in one year; another states replacement doesn't always restore function.
Owners also cite starter failures (car just clicks and won't crank), window regulators breaking repeatedly (three replacements cited), radio/infotainment freezing or overheating, doors locking and unlocking spontaneously, and unexpected stalling at various speeds. Some report these issues appearing within weeks of purchase on used vehicles; others encounter them after years of ownership. Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose the root cause or replicate the fault, leaving owners without recourse.
Same Chevrolet Cruze electrical reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Negative battery cable terminal crimp failure
Insufficient crimp at the battery negative terminal causes internal resistance to build up over time, depriving electrical systems of adequate power. This is the root cause behind the intermittent flickering and loss of electrical function reported across many complaints.
When: Varies; some owners report issues within months of purchase, others after years of ownership. Mileage ranges from under 12,000 to over 190,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/HVAC display turns off and on intermittently; Dashboard lights flicker or go completely dark; Service Stabilitrak, ABS, and Service Traction System warnings flash on and off; Service Steering message appears; Instrument cluster goes blank, losing speed/fuel/temperature readings; Turn signal sounds do not work or are intermittent; Battery Saver Active message displays; Interior and exterior lighting flicker
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Traction System, ABS light, Service Steering
Repairs/costs cited: GM Service Bulletin SB-10057574-8899 applies to certain 2011-2015 Cruzes; however, multiple owners report being denied coverage because their VIN was not included in the recall list despite having identical symptoms and vehicle year/make/model. Repair involves replacing the negative battery cable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: SB-10057574-8899 (Negative Battery Cable Terminal Crimp). Special Coverage 14311 mentioned by one owner but not applied to all affected vehicles. Chevrolet has been denying coverage to many owners with qualifying symptoms.
Engine Control Module (ECM) power loss or failure
ECM loses power or fails completely, leaving the vehicle unable to start or run. One owner replaced the ECM twice in one year; another reports that even replacing the computer does not always resolve the no-start condition.
When: Occurs at varying mileages; one owner reported the issue at 9,000 miles, another at higher mileage after repeated short trips.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start or turn over; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle shakes and runs rough while driving; AC stops working; Vehicle stalls without warning during city driving or after frequent stops; Vehicle will not restart for approximately one hour, then starts again; Complete loss of engine power while driving
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replacement attempted by dealership in at least one case, but warranty covered only the first two replacements. Multiple owners report the issue recurs after replacement. One owner reports replacement of the ECM does not allow the vehicle to start.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty coverage limited; second and third replacements not covered. No TSB or recall identified by owners.
Starter/cranking electrical issue
Vehicle fails to crank or start, or cranks intermittently. Often accompanied by clicking sounds and electrical symptoms (radio loss, flickering lights). May be related to the negative battery cable issue but presents as a distinct cranking failure.
When: Occurs at various mileages and ownership durations.
Symptoms owners cite: Car just clicks and will not start; Engine will not turn over but radio and dashboard lights work; Vehicle starts after 10+ minutes or after letting it sit approximately one hour; Intermittent no-start condition
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership diagnosing as electrical issue but unable to specify repair. Jump-starting, battery charging, and battery replacement do not resolve the problem. One owner's independent shop refused to repair it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims electrical issues are not covered under warranty.
Window regulator motor failure
Power window regulators and motors fail repeatedly on both front windows. One owner reports replacing the regulator three times; another report documents the passenger-side window failing again one month after a previous repair.
When: Failures occur on used vehicles and at various mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Front windows will not go up or down; Window regulator breaks repeatedly; One owner reports the last regulator almost caught fire inside the door panel
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership parts and labor used for repairs. Owners cite costs of approximately $300 per repair. Recurring failures make this a chronic issue.
Radio and audio system intermittent shutdown
Radio and infotainment display turn off and on unexpectedly while driving or at stops. Screen may go black, audio may stick on the last note played, and radio may overheat.
When: Occurs within weeks to months of ownership; one owner reports it happening from day one.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio shuts off intermittently, once or twice per week; Infotainment screen goes black; Audio stuck on last note, playing repeatedly and loudly; Radio overheats and burns to touch; Radio/HVAC display flickers or turns off when heat is running; MyLink system constantly reboots
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in the narratives; owners express frustration at lack of resolution.
Door locking system malfunction
Doors lock and unlock randomly and involuntarily. One owner reports being locked inside the vehicle; another reports all four door locks engaging spontaneously while parked with keys in hand and ignition off.
When: Occurs while parked or with vehicle off.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver door locks user inside vehicle; All four door locks engage spontaneously; Locking sounds heard with no input from driver; Door unlock button becomes stuck or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in provided narratives.
Blind spot detection system radar sensor water intrusion
Rear bumper radar sensors for the blind spot detection system are prone to water penetration and electrical damage, causing the CAN communication bus to short and blank the entire instrument cluster and radio.
When: Two failures reported within 45,000 miles and less than 3 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Blind spot detection system warning message on driver information center; Instrument cluster goes completely blank; Radio blanks out; No speed, fuel, or temperature readouts available; Flickering fault information constantly displayed; No turn signal feedback
Repairs/costs cited: First repair cost exceeded $100. Dealership appeared aware of the issue.
Mass air flow (MAF) sensor and wiring faults
MAF sensor and its associated wiring cause check engine lights, rough idle, sputtering, and hesitation. One owner reports the dealership initially downplayed the issue, claiming it was normal noise.
When: One owner reports the issue from time of purchase with 2,300 miles; another at approximately 18,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates; Engine idles hard and sputters when stopped; Engine hesitates to accelerate; Rough running condition; Traction control light comes on after check engine light
Codes mentioned: MAF sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of MAF sensor and engine air filter performed but sputtering persisted in one case. Another owner's dealership replaced the MAF sensor without effect.
Vehicle stalling without warning
Engine stalls unexpectedly during driving at various speeds, sometimes with loss of power steering assist and unresponsive brakes that briefly regain function when shifted to Reverse.
When: Reported at mileage as low as 190 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls at very low speed (3 MPH) without warning; Vehicle stalls while driving at 55 MPH on highway with Service Stabilitrak light flashing; Vehicle stalls and jerks or rolls; Brake pedal fails to stop vehicle; brakes respond after shifting to Reverse; Loss of power steering assist
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak
Repairs/costs cited: Towed to independent mechanic or dealership; issue could not be diagnosed or replicated.
Key fob ignition switch failure
Key fob fell out of ignition switch while vehicle was being driven at highway speed, causing engine to shut off.
When: At 108,872 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob fractured and fell out of ignition switch during driving; Vehicle shut off at 70 MPH
Repairs/costs cited: Key fob diagnosed as fractured by Champion Chevrolet of Avon.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number provided.
Cruise control shutoff
Cruise control shuts off without warning while driving at highway speed.
When: At approximately 11,950 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control shuts off without warning at 65 MPH; Failure occurs intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified.
Door ajar sensor malfunction
Door ajar sensor falsely reports that the rear driver door is open when it is closed.
When: Occurs at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm goes off randomly saying rear driver door is open when it is not; Constant chiming when attempting to lower rear window
Repairs/costs cited: Repair estimate of $300 cited by owner. Owner believes this is an issue affecting multiple vehicles.
Windshield wiper system stopping mid-sweep
Windshield wipers stop in the middle of the windshield, blocking the driver's view.
When: Occurs at unknown mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers stop mid-window; Driver cannot see past stopped wipers
Repairs/costs cited: No repair details provided.
Spontaneous vehicle startup without key or remote
Vehicle started by itself while parked without a key in the ignition and with no remote starter installed.
When: At 12,700 miles on a GM Certified Used vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle started without key in ignition; No automatic starter installed
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Oxygen/NOx sensor recurring failure
NOx sensor replaced under recall (15594) but failed again 13 months later, before warranty expiration elapsed but outside the repair guarantee period.
When: Original failure prompted recall; second failure at 13 months after recall service.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Emissions sensor code
Repairs/costs cited: Part was replaced under recall 15594 (Emissions Recall NOx Position 1 Sensor Replacement for 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze). Failed again at dealership; dealership states vehicle is 1 month out of warranty and customer is responsible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15594 for NOx sensor replacement; however, second failure not covered.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Negative battery cable issue - my radio is cutting in and out, turn signals will not always work, "service stabilitrak" light will intermittently flash.
Unknown- 2015 Chevy cruze - the regulators in the automatic windows keep breaking- I have replaced regulators 3 times- and the two front windows will not go up or down now-I just fixed the passengers side window about a month ago and its broken again.- the clock does not keep time correctly- had a coolant leak twice - and the tires seem to lose tread pretty quickly- replaced tires a few years…
Had electrical trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 40 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 36,350 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 71,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,350; a quarter make it past 87,000. 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/2015/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.