This service bulletin provides procedures to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions, Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated with DTCs P0299, P0234, P0236, P2227, P00C7 Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 28,751 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Cruze | 75 |
| 2014 Cruze | 133 |
| 2015 Cruze | 40 |
| 2016 Cruze | 46 |
| 2017 Cruze (this page) | 30 |
| 2018 Cruze | 9 |
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 30 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 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 30 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.
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.
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 ↗This service bulletin provides a repair procedure to correct a customer concern of a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) Illuminated - DTC P3055 Set.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical malfunctions dominate the 2017 Cruze complaints. The most frequent issue is the instrument cluster and center display going completely black—gauges, speedometer, fuel level, temperature, and RPM all dead at once—lasting from seconds to minutes with no warning. This happens while driving and parked. One owner documented a separate electrical reset event with a loud pop under the dash; all systems went dark then rebooted like a power cycle. Dealer replaced the ECM, the failure recurred two weeks later, then again 5 weeks after that, including headlights going out at highway speed in darkness. Dealers held the vehicle nearly two weeks, found no diagnostic codes, and ultimately told the owner there were no issues.
Keyless entry problems trap owners inside cars; the vehicle won't recognize the key fob, triggering a "no remote detected" message with electric door locks stuck shut and no manual override. This happened early and recurred repeatedly, with one owner changing fobs multiple times.
Auto stop/start misfires—the engine shuts down at traffic lights but fails to restart when the brake is released, forcing a full manual restart. At least three owners report this recurring hazard.
Battery failures kill power suddenly with no warning at very low mileage (5,000–17,000 miles). Two owners documented underbody water intrusion through cracked high-mounted brake lights reaching the trunk battery compartment and electrical modules. Two vehicles caught fire from electrical shorts while parked. Knock sensors fail repeatedly within 1–2 months of replacement. Dealers have acknowledged none of these as systemic, pointing to customer-specific causes or offering no diagnosis.
Same Chevrolet Cruze electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Instrument Cluster / Gauge Blackout
Entire digital instrument cluster, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, RPM meter, and center information screen go dark or blank without warning. All gauges become inactive simultaneously. Incidents occur both while driving and parked, during day and night, with air conditioning running or off.
When: Early ownership (12K–35K miles); first incidents reported around 12K miles in late 2017, recurring into 2021
Symptoms owners cite: All gauges inactive simultaneously; Speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature, RPM all non-functional; Center display screen black or completely dark; Blackout duration 30 seconds to 2–3 minutes before display returns; No advance warning; Occurs while driving on highway, in traffic, and while parked
Codes mentioned: P16F3 (reported in one incident)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced ECM after finding P16F3. Another dealer suggested possible ground problem causing loss of communication without diagnostic codes. Dealer held vehicle nearly 2 weeks but could not find codes or issues. Owner reports narrative suggests wiring harness issue—factory-installed wiring too short, causing short circuits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Technical Service Bulletin dated Oct 5, 2018 (PIC 63333C) noted to be addressing the issue. GM Consumer Line ticket suggested by one dealer. Another dealer/GM tech indicated 'no issues' and returned car to owner. No recall identified by GM.
Electrical System Loss of Power / Reset
Complete loss of electrical power to dashboard, instrument panel, warning lights, radio, and other systems while driving; all systems reset and come back online within seconds. One incident included simultaneous headlight failure at highway speed in darkness.
When: Early to mid 2018 (33,960 miles to 35,970 miles); recurring over 5 weeks with three separate incidents in November–December 2018
Symptoms owners cite: Loud pop sound under dash preceding first incident; All dashboard lights, radio, gauges suddenly go out; All warning lights illuminate as if car just started; Systems return to normal within seconds; Check engine light remains on after first incident only; Headlights out and back on during third incident at highway speed; Occurs while driving on city streets and highway
Codes mentioned: P16F3 (first incident)
Repairs/costs cited: First incident: dealer replaced ECM. Second incident three weeks later: no codes found; tech bulletin PIC 63333C mentioned. Third incident: different dealer held vehicle nearly 2 weeks, found no codes or issues; GM tech called and directed return to owner with 'no issues' determination. Local former-GM mechanic discussed possible ground problem as cause without codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer suggested calling GM Consumer Line to enter safety ticket. GM tech ultimately said no issues found and authorized return of vehicle. Tech bulletin PIC 63333C (dated Oct 5, 2018) noted as under investigation by GM.
Remote Key Fob / Keyless Entry Failure
Vehicle does not recognize key fob, displays 'no remote detected' or 'remote key not detected' message. Door locks become inoperable; electric door locks cannot unlock manually. Owner becomes trapped inside vehicle unable to unlock doors.
When: Early ownership and recurring; first incident February 2018, repeated April 2018; up to 117,000 miles; intermittent occurrences throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Car does not recognize remote with on-screen message; Message 'no remote detected' displayed; Message 'remote key not detected' displayed; Electric door locks remain locked; no manual unlock available; Owner locked inside vehicle unable to exit; Alarm triggered when remote not recognized; OnStar notification of 'car stolen'; Recurring after multiple key fob replacements
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer told them electronic items in cup holder could confuse car. Pressing start button and remote repeatedly eventually restored recognition. Another owner replaced key fob multiple times; issue persisted. At 117,000 miles, dealer replaced key fob without diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin Number 16-NA-396 (Intermittent Operation of Key Fobs - Electrical System) exists for this issue but may not address all cases. No systematic recall noted.
Auto Stop/Start System Malfunction
Auto stop mode activates at traffic lights or stop signals, engine shuts down, and vehicle fails to restart when brake is released. Vehicle stalls completely; driver must shift to Park and manually restart before proceeding. Occurs multiple times during ownership.
When: At traffic lights and stops; recurring multiple times during ownership; mileage range 18,511 miles to later ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts down unexpectedly during auto stop at traffic light; Failure to restart when brake is released; Complete stall with no power to dashboard; Instrument panel dark during stall; Must shift to Park and manually restart; Creates dangerous traffic condition when car behind unaware; Jerking motion when accelerating or coming to complete stop after incidents; Recurring multiple times over ownership period
Repairs/costs cited: One owner at 18,511 miles replaced battery to verify if battery was cause. No other repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM informed one owner VIN was not under recall. Advisor contacted dealer but owner was advised not to mention failure to dealer.
Battery Drain / Premature Failure
Battery dies suddenly with no advance warning or indication of problem. Vehicle locks up in gear or becomes inoperable. Occurs early in ownership with minimal mileage.
When: Early ownership; 5,000 miles at 10 months old; 17,000 miles at 1 month after lease; repeated incidents of sudden failure
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies suddenly with no warning; Vehicle locks up and cannot be moved; All electrical systems go dead; No indication of problem before failure; Recurrence of sudden failures; Vehicle stuck at traffic light or major street, cannot be pushed
Repairs/costs cited: AutoZone refused to install replacement battery. AAA and GM roadside assistance required to tow vehicle to dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented; vehicle towed to dealership for service.
High-Mount Stop Lamp Gasket Failure / Water Intrusion
High-mount stop lamp gasket allows water to leak into trunk and rear compartment battery tub, causing water damage to electrical components including multifunction power supply converter, fuel pump power control module, and fuse block.
When: Unknown onset mileage; identified at 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Water leaks into trunk under spare tire; Water accumulates in battery compartment; Water contacts electrical components between rear seat and rear quarter panel; Musty or mildew smell in vehicle; Top-mounted brake light cracks with water intrusion; Potential for electrical shorts
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified faulty high-mount stop lamp gasket. Multifunction power supply converter, fuel pump power control module, and fuse block damaged by water. Vehicle was not repaired by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Satisfaction Program 16147 existed but vehicle was not included. Recall was issued for this issue for some VINs but owner's vehicle was not included in recall. Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline.
Electrical Fire / Undisclosed Electrical Short
Vehicle catches fire from electrical short in cabin while parked. Interior burns including visor, center console, seats, and floor through to frame. Fire spreads to entire interior causing total loss.
When: While parked; one at approximately 4,000 miles (new vehicle), another later in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Fire originates inside cab from electrical short; Visor melts and burns; Fire burns from center console through floor to frame; Seats damaged by fire; Entire interior destroyed; Heavy smoke damage throughout vehicle; Vehicle declared total loss by insurance
Repairs/costs cited: Fire department noted electrical short possibly after locking vehicle. Vehicle declared total loss; not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Headlight Failure
Headlights stop working completely except for daytime running lights. High beams and actual headlights non-functional.
When: Unknown timing and mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights completely out; High beams non-functional; Daytime running lights still functional; Complete loss of headlight illumination
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Radio / Infotainment Screen Blackout
Radio, camera display, navigation, backup assist, and lane-assist audio all go completely offline. Radio volume control non-functional, backup camera does not display. System remains dark for approximately one hour before returning to normal; WiFi and satellite do not restore until full reset.
When: Early ownership; first instance one week after purchase (October 8, 2016); recurring three times within 10 days
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/camera panel completely off with no volume control; Unable to turn radio on or off; Backup camera does not display; OnStar navigation has no sound; Backup assist has no sound; Lane assist has no sound; Occurs while driving and after being parked overnight or during lunch break; Outage lasts approximately one hour; Only radio returns initially; WiFi and satellite do not work until full reset; Everything returns to normal after approximately one hour
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer visited twice; could not find anything wrong and problem never occurred while in dealer's care. Owner has video of last incident.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Knock Sensor Failure / Check Engine Light
Knock sensor fails repeatedly requiring replacement up to five times. Each replacement lasts one to two months before check engine light returns. When sensor fails, transmission shift quality degrades significantly.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; multiple failures documented
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates repeatedly; Knock sensor failure diagnosed via diagnostic scanner; Transmission shifts slowly or rough; High RPM and sluggish shifting during acceleration and highway speeds; Shifts fine at slow speeds but fails to shift properly during highway acceleration
Codes mentioned: Check engine light for knock sensor failure
Repairs/costs cited: Knock sensor replaced 5 times, with each replacement lasting 1–2 months before check engine light returns. Owner uses computer diagnostic scanner to confirm knock sensor issue. Only one of two identical 2017 Chevy Cruze LT 1.4 Turbo vehicles exhibits problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no recalls exist for this issue.
Ignition / Steering Lock Failure
Vehicle unable to start; ignition and steering become completely inoperable at approximately 4,000 miles.
When: At 4,000 miles on new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to start vehicle; Ignition inoperable; Steering inoperable; Vehicle locked in Park or unable to shift
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed that ignition needed replacement but vehicle was not repaired by customer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case number 8-4384152866 opened by GM.
Door Lock Intermittent Failure
Door latches (all four doors) independently lock and unlock without driver input. RPM occasionally increases unintendedly. Failures are intermittent and difficult for dealer to duplicate.
When: Early ownership; approximately 16,994 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All four doors lock and unlock independently; Door latches operate without driver input; RPM increases unintendedly; Failures intermittent and unpredictable; Dealer unable to duplicate failure
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle taken to dealer twice; failure not duplicated.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure; no action documented.
Rear Bumper Detachment
Rear bumper detaches while driving at highway speed, hanging from passenger side of vehicle along with unknown control module. Only one screw remained attached; others were missing.
When: At approximately 88,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal banging sound while driving 55–60 mph; Rear bumper detaches and hangs on passenger side; Unknown control module detaches with bumper; Multiple bumper screws missing, only one screw remains attached
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer parts department provided screws for temporary re-attachment only. No diagnosis or repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance provided.
Odometer / Instrument Cluster Display Malfunction
Odometer and instrument cluster display malfunction or fail; replaced once then replaced again. Cluster display failures affect mileage recording.
When: Unknown; mileage 80,000 at time of report
Symptoms owners cite: Odometer sticking or failing; Instrument cluster display malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Odometer/cluster replaced once, then replaced again. Repair facility left park brake open in vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Rear Camera Malfunction
Rear camera does not activate reliably or display immediately when backup mode engaged.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Camera does not come on right away; Intermittent camera functionality; Unreliable display
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The radio screen stopped working, and now the backup camera will not display on the screen at all. This is a definite safety issue.
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal banging sound. The contact then noticed through the rearview mirror, that the rear bumper had detached and was hanging on the passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and noticed that an unknown control module had detached along with the bumper.…
I was sitting stationary in traffic when the light changed to green. I prepared to move, the auto stop kicked off and shut my car down. Nothing was on but all the lights on the dashboard. I had to shift into park and restart my car. This was the first time this has happened and it almost caused an accident since the car behind me was not aware that my car had just cut off. Now my car makes a…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 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 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 16,994 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 28,751. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,994; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2017/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.