The intake manifold blew out it's sensor. Not like it just went out, but some how pressure built up and blew it out of the manifold. This is exactly what the representative at the dealership just told me over the phone. Car is at the service department because of the ongoing issues with the turbo and the missing bolts and the fact that this engine was obviously a faulty build, as gm has already…
2016 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems
moderate 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 53 engine complaints filed for the 2016 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 53 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.
Engine accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 9 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2016 Chevy Cruze has documented, recurring engine defects including cooling system failures (thermostat housing cracks and head gasket blow-outs at 55,000–70,000 miles), camshaft timing codes (P0011) that persist even after engine replacement, turbocharger failures, and stalling at idle—many owners report multiple dealer visits without resolution. Used-car shoppers should avoid this model or demand full engine and cooling system inspection plus proof of no prior overheating repairs.
The 2016 Chevy Cruze engine narratives describe a cluster of serious defects. Cooling system failures dominate: thermostat housing cracks, water pump leaks, coolant hose failures, and head gasket failures between 55,000–70,000 miles that cause overheating, coolant loss, and engine shutdown. One owner reports replacing the thermostat housing four times in a month at 73,000 miles. Owners cite recall bulletin 14371B (2011–2014 models) for the same water pump defect but say 2016 models were wrongly excluded.
Camshaft timing failures (P0011 code) recur even after cylinder head and engine replacement; one owner reports three cylinder head replacements and an engine swap by 188,000 miles, costing over $7,000 out of pocket initially. PCV valve failure is reported as recurring every 1–3 years, requiring intake manifold and valve cover replacement.
Oil and coolant leaks are rampant: valve cover leaks cause smoking, excessive oil seepage, and burning odor. One intake manifold sensor allegedly blew out due to pressure buildup. Engine seizure and stalling occur at idle, during acceleration, and when braking—sometimes with no warning lights. Turbocharger failures happen multiple times on the same vehicle; one owner reports turbo failure twice under warranty, then a third failure out of warranty at around 59,000 miles.
One engine fire at 10,000 miles is reported. Piston damage and cracked cylinder walls force full engine replacement on vehicles under 100,000 miles. One owner cites GM safety bulletin PIP5421F (2018) acknowledging premature engine failure. Dealership responses are mixed: some perform repairs under warranty; others claim no remedy exists or refuse service citing pre-existing conditions.
Same Chevrolet Cruze engine reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Camshaft Timing (P0011) and Cylinder Head Failures
Check engine light illuminates with code P0011. Owners report repeated cylinder head failures and intake valve timing issues, sometimes recurring after engine replacement. One owner needed three cylinder head replacements and an engine swap by 188,000 miles.
When: 150,000–188,000 miles; some reports at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light P0011; engine surge; reduced engine power
Codes mentioned: P0011
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head replacement (multiple instances), full engine replacement (~$7,000 out of pocket reported); subsequent cylinder heads failed under engine warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engine warranty coverage (3 years/100,000 miles mentioned); GM bulletin PIP4543D cited by one owner
Thermostat Housing and Coolant System Leaks
Thermostat housing units crack repeatedly, causing coolant leaks and engine overheating. Owners report replacing the same component multiple times. Water pump leaks are cited as affecting earlier model years under recall 14371B, but 2016 models reportedly excluded despite identical defect.
When: 55,000–97,000 miles; one owner reports four replacements within one month at 73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine overheating warning message; coolant leaking onto ground; white smoke from exhaust; loss of AC function due to overheat limp mode; hissing noise and coolant spray
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat housing replacement (multiple times on same vehicle), water pump replacement, coolant hose replacement; costs mentioned include $2,919.60 for service involving backorder parts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall bulletin 14371B (2011–2014 models only); owners report 2016 models excluded despite identical parts; one owner told dealer stated 2016 Cruze excluded from available recall
Head Gasket Failure
Head gasket blows between 60,000–70,000 miles, causing overheating and potential cracked block or warped head. One owner reports head gasket failure after previous owner had already replaced it once. If not caught early, engine block can crack requiring full engine replacement.
When: 60,000–70,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine overheating; loss of coolant; potential coolant in cylinder
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement; if block warps, engine block and head machining or full engine replacement required
Engine Stalling at Idle and Low Speed
Engine shuts off abruptly or stalls without warning while idling at traffic lights, stop signs, or during slow-speed driving. Owners report auto shut-off feature may not restart engine. Multiple service visits have been unable to diagnose or resolve the issue.
When: 60,000–97,000 miles; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: engine shuts off at idle or red lights; loss of power steering and brakes during stall; check engine light (may or may not illuminate); no diagnostic codes thrown
Codes mentioned: P0301
Repairs/costs cited: Coil failure replaced three times on one vehicle; another owner reports dealership unable to diagnose despite multiple visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM service bulletin mentioned (PIP5507B for vapor buildup under high heat); one dealership recommended higher octane fuel and cooler storage; one owner reports dealership stated no remedy exists
PCV Valve and Intake Manifold Failure
PCV valve fails regularly (every 1–3 years), requiring intake manifold and valve cover replacement. One owner reports intake manifold sensor allegedly blew out due to pressure buildup. Plastic intake manifold common on 1.4 turbo engines is noted as defective.
When: Recurring every 1–3 years; some reports at 59,000–90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: stability and traction control failure; heavy smoking when driven; engine instability
Repairs/costs cited: PCV valve replacement; intake manifold replacement; valve cover replacement; new hose and sensor replacement possible; one mechanic reported replacing 75 new valve covers
Turbocharger Failure
Turbocharger fails multiple times on the same vehicle. In cold weather, moisture freezes up turbo booster causing engine seizure. One owner reports turbo failure twice under extended warranty, then failure again after warranty expiration.
When: 59,000 miles (cold weather failure); recurring failures on same vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light; engine seized; reduced acceleration; heavy shaking at idle or stop light; loss of power during acceleration in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Turbo replacement twice under warranty; third failure out of warranty; dealership stated no remedy for cold-weather failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of cold-weather turbo failure; stated no remedy available
Valve Cover Oil Leaks
Valve cover (updated metal version on 2016+) leaks oil around spark plugs. Plastic covers on 2015 and earlier models were replaced with metal design on 2016; metal valve cover is prone to failure and leaking.
When: Common across model year; one report at 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: oil leaking around spark plugs; heavy smoking when driven; burning oil smell
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover replacement; one mechanic reported replacing 75 new valve covers; one owner mentions GM built updated valve cover to replace metal version
Piston Damage and Cracked Cylinder Wall
Engine develops cracked cylinder wall and piston damage under 100,000 miles, requiring complete engine replacement. One owner reports damage occurred at under 100,000 miles with no prior issues and recent oil change.
When: Under 100,000 miles; one report at approximately 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine sputtering and shaking; sudden engine shutdown while driving
Codes mentioned: P0301 (one report: low compression on cylinders 2–4, cylinder 1 at 15 PSI)
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement (estimated cost $3,700 mentioned); one owner notes GM safety bulletin PIP5421F (2018) addresses this defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner cites GM bulletin PIP5421F acknowledging premature engine failure; no recall issued despite awareness
Excessive Oil and Coolant Leakage
Engine exhibits excessive oil seepage and multiple coolant leaks from various sources (hoses, housing, outlet). Combined with smoking and burning oil odor, leaks continue after dealer service and part replacement.
When: 55,000–97,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: excessive oil spots in driveway; engine smoking; strong burning oil odor; engine sputtering; white smoke from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Front timing cover replacement, camshaft cover gasket replacement, coolant hose replacement, water pump replacement; repairs performed but issues persist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special coverage warranty mentioned for some parts; issues recurred after factory service
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire while idling at 10,000 miles. Flames erupted from under hood; fire department extinguished. Cause undetermined. No injuries reported but manufacturer was notified.
When: 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: black smoke from window vents; check power steering warning light; inoperable brakes; doors would not unlock; flames under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; fire department called
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; cause not determined
Coolant Overflow and Head Warping
Sudden coolant system failure causes rapid pressurization and overflow, spraying coolant into spark plug wells and piston chamber. Warps cylinder head and allows coolant to enter engine, escalating to full engine disaster.
When: Under 114,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: sudden overheating; coolant spray into engine bay and onto windshield; reduced visibility; smoking
Repairs/costs cited: If caught early, simple coolant refill; if warped head results, full engine replacement required
Reduced Engine Power and Stalling on Acceleration
Engine loses power or stalls when accelerating above 30 mph, recovers after 5–10 seconds, then car shoots forward. More frequent when AC is running. Check engine light illuminates; dealership unable to diagnose or resolve.
When: Around 70,000 miles; recurring
Symptoms owners cite: reduced engine power message; stalling during acceleration; engine unstalls and car surges forward; symptom worse with AC on
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service unable to diagnose; service advisor reported his own 2010 Cruze had same issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No remedy provided by dealership
Engine Overheating with A/C Shutdown
A/C unit turns off independently while driving over 50 mph; instrument panel displays overheating and engine power reduced messages. Vehicle decelerates to 15–20 mph. Independent mechanic recommends engine replacement but repair not completed.
When: 106,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C shuts off; engine overheating message on dash; engine power reduced message; vehicle deceleration to 15–20 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed engine replacement needed (repair not completed)
Catalytic Converter and Oxygen Sensor Failure
Vehicle stalls at various speeds; check engine light illuminates. Diagnosed as catalytic converter and oxygen sensor failure. Problem recurs or persists after attempted repair.
When: 97,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls at various speeds; check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter and oxygen sensor replacement recommended; not repaired per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified
Burning Smell from Engine Leak
Owners report strong burning smell from engine bay; service center identifies oil leak as source. Multiple owners of same make/model report identical issue to same service center. Fire risk concern noted by owners.
When: Under 100,000 miles; 48,000 miles on one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: burning smell from engine; oil leak visible; smell persists when starting car
Repairs/costs cited: Oil leak repair pending in some cases; parts not specified
P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Code
Check engine light illuminates with P0420 code (catalyst system efficiency). Coolant leaking contributes to recurring issues.
When: Under 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: check engine light P0420; coolant leaking
Codes mentioned: P0420
Repairs/costs cited: Not specified
Antifreeze Loss with No Visible Leak
Antifreeze level drops repeatedly within 24 hours despite no visible leak, and no warning lights illuminate. Owner monitors closely but issue unresolved.
When: 69,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: low antifreeze level recurring; no warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; not diagnosed by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; message left
Fuel Vapor Buildup in High Heat
Vehicle stalls and fails to restart when ambient temperature exceeds 100°F. Diagnosed as vapor buildup in fuel feed line. Occurs under bulletin PIP5507B. No permanent remedy offered.
When: 60,000 miles in high heat conditions
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalls; check engine light; unable to restart or difficult restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership recommended higher octane fuel and cooler storage; no remedy provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Bulletin PIP5507B; manufacturer aware but provided no remedy; dealership stated no fix available
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet cruze. While the vehicle was parked and idling in the driveway, it turned off on its own and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred three other times even when driving. The vehicle was taken to knight automotive inc (383 route 3, plattsburgh, ny 12901) three times where it was determined that there was…
Had engine trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 53 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 30 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 76,618. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/2016/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.