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2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cruze years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are substantially higher than the model-year median of 250.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

483 reports with mileage · 219 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 217 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 187 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

70 crash reports17 fire reports38 injury reports

Engine complaints

217 reports
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28,000 miles · Dec 3, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The traction control and check engine warning lights along with various codes were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact self-diagnosed the vehic…

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The traction control and check engine warning lights along with various codes were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact self-diagnosed the vehicle with a cylinder misfire. The contact replaced the ignition coil pack and four spark plugs; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a code to provide to a dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 28,000.

NHTSA ODI #11442540

Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2021
Engine

My engine is making whistling sounds, the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), is failing. This is causing my check engine light to flicker on and off. The diagnostic codes report that the turbo seal may be cracked due to this issue above.

NHTSA ODI #11441073

33,047 miles · Nov 17, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change however, upon return of the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son called the dealer and made an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The contact informed her son that she would be charged…

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for an oil change however, upon return of the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's son called the dealer and made an appointment to have the vehicle serviced. The contact informed her son that she would be charged a diagnostic fee and the contact canceled the appointment. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they discovered a coolant leak related to a defective water pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 33,047.

NHTSA ODI #11440796

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2021
Engine

We have discovered a known issue with the pistons cracking. Seems this issue has impacted a huge number of people. We are now left with an unuseable vehicle that requires 8k in repairs. There are tons of articles and complaints about this issue. Chevrolet must repair or reimburse all those that have been impacted.

NHTSA ODI #11439780

Mileage unknown · Sep 22, 2021
EnginePower Train

I have a code p0420 code and engine light keeps comeback on I had the catalytic converter replaced, and everything inspected by Friendship Chevrolet in Forestcity NC 28043. Kept my car for two weeks and still couldn’t find the problem of this p0420 code so my engine light stays on.

NHTSA ODI #11433927

Mileage unknown · Sep 2, 2021
EngineForward Collision AvoidanceSuspension

I purchased this chevrolet cruze2014 in 2021 of november now I have an unsafe vehicle I have took it to have it looked at and now they want me to pay 1,600 for damages that I have not created tension belts and assembly problem and an oil pan that is cracked this also have struts and other suspension problems that need to be a…

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I purchased this chevrolet cruze2014 in 2021 of november now I have an unsafe vehicle I have took it to have it looked at and now they want me to pay 1,600 for damages that I have not created tension belts and assembly problem and an oil pan that is cracked this also have struts and other suspension problems that need to be address I will like to see if their is any way to have this problem taken care of so that it is not all on me I don't feel like getting into a dangerous car and kill myself or other people please help me my name is [XXX] phone number is [XXX] so that I may get these problems fix so I can have a decent car I purchased it from American car center and now they are giving me problems on fixing this car that they sold me with these problems INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11431503

148,000 miles · Aug 25, 2021
EngineFireInjury

The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 62 mph when the contact noticed other drivers flashing their lights, therefore, they decided to pull over to the side of the road. When they pulled over they noticed that there was smoke coming through the vents of the vehicle. The vehicle's touchscr…

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The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 62 mph when the contact noticed other drivers flashing their lights, therefore, they decided to pull over to the side of the road. When they pulled over they noticed that there was smoke coming through the vents of the vehicle. The vehicle's touchscreen on the dashboard that controls the radio as well as a few other functions went blank and the actual physical rubber parts of the screen began to melt. The contact turned off the vehicle and got out of the vehicle when the vehicle suddenly caught on actual fire. The fire department extinguished what was left of the fire after the contact's efforts. A police report was filed. The contact had received a burn to their arm. There was no medical attention needed. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. The contact had not spoken to the dealership. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 148,000.

NHTSA ODI #11430478

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2021
Engine

Vehicle overheated, oil and coolant mixing in. The mentioned vehicle may stall on the road causing traffic hazard to its occupants, and the driving public around it. The engine oil is visibly mixing in with the engine coolant at this point. The temperature gage showed higher than normal level, then steam/smoke came out of the en…

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Vehicle overheated, oil and coolant mixing in. The mentioned vehicle may stall on the road causing traffic hazard to its occupants, and the driving public around it. The engine oil is visibly mixing in with the engine coolant at this point. The temperature gage showed higher than normal level, then steam/smoke came out of the engine compartment as oil and coolant spew out of the closed coolant tank.

NHTSA ODI #11422695

108,000 miles · May 24, 2021
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway but was unsuccessful. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in successfully moving the vehicle off the highway and ont…

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The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. The contact attempted to steer the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway but was unsuccessful. A fellow motorist assisted the contact in successfully moving the vehicle off the highway and onto the shoulder. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI #11418386

82,517 miles · Apr 29, 2021
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING AND METALLIC SOUND DETECTED. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WHILE ACCELERATING, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY LOOSE. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING AND METALLIC SOUND DETECTED. THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER WHILE ACCELERATING, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, TRACTION CONTROL AND TPMS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MAP SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GENESIS CHEVROLET (21800 GRATIOT AVE, EASTPOINTE, MI 48021, (586) 804-7977) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER, BRAKES, WATER PUMP, NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE, BODY CONTROL MODULE, AND COOLANT LEAK NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO HAMILTON CHEVROLET (5800 E. 14 MILE RD, WARREN, MI 48092, (586) 838-1537) AND DIAGNOSED WITH A LEAKING ASSEMBLY CAMSHAFT COVER, BELT TENSIONER, AND DRIVE BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,517.

NHTSA ODI #11414492

Official recalls

10

25V764000 · Air Bags:side/window

Nov 6, 2025

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530830. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 23V674 and 23V870.

23V870000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 21, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232425640.

23V674000 · Air Bags:side/window

Sep 20, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232408490.

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.

15V442000 · Steering

Jul 10, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.

14V417000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

14V372000 · Air Bags

Jun 26, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.

14V151000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.

14V092000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Feb 21, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

13V452000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Sep 23, 2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.