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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-CHEVROLET-CRUZE
2016 · chevrolet

chevrolet Cruze problems

1 safety recall. 244 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
52 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
electrical
46 reports · avg $850
severe
powertrain
31 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
airbags
19 reports · avg $1,100
severe
steering
18 reports · avg $700
severe
brakes
13 reports · avg $450
severe
cruise control
6 reports · avg $600
severe
body
3 reports · avg $1,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2016 Cruze · powertrain
MY CARS CAM SHAFT WAS REPLACED SIX MONTHS AGO, AND IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. NOW I'M HAVING A BUNCH OF OTHER ISSUES SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ARE BECAUSE THE CHEVY DEALERSHIP, THAT REPLACED IT MY CAM SHAFT WHEEL THEY HAD TO TO TAKE PARTS OFF AND BACK ON TO FIX IT NOW THOSE PARTS…
12/31/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11385959.0
2016 Cruze · electrical
Paid thousands of dollars into getting a thermostat housing and thermostat leaking antifreeze a couple months ago started leaking antifreeze again just now
12/29/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11499313.0
2016 Cruze · powertrain
WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING, THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING FAILS. CAR IS IN GEAR BUT DOESN'T MOVE. FIRST OCCURRENCE WAS WHEN CAR WAS PARKED IN THE MORNING AND PUT INTO REVERSE TO BLACKOUT AND SECOND OCCURRENCE WAS A COUPLE WEEKS LATER WHEN STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT.…
12/27/2018 · NHTSA ODI #11163765.0
2016 Cruze · electrical
My tire pressure sensor keeps coming on even after I had it worked on. 3 of them shows the pressure level but one shows 2 lines but no pressure level but there’s air in the tire. The other problem I’m having is the check engine light is on. Please advise if any issues are…
12/26/2024 · NHTSA ODI #11632488.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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At 80,000 miles
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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 16V498000 01/07/2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016

Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels, with the correct code, to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 50190.

Common questions

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 244 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 52 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Cruze has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 244 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 14 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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