← New search

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 250.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

149 reports with mileage · 100 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 102 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 58 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports6 fire reports12 injury reports

Steering complaints

18 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Apr 15, 2026
Steering

While driving, I went to make a right turn and the power steering went out making the turn very difficult using manual muscle to complete the turn. Fortunately, it was in a parking lot. After the ignition was turned off for about 45 minutes, I turned it back on and the steering functioned normally. However, I am very concerne…

Read full complaint

While driving, I went to make a right turn and the power steering went out making the turn very difficult using manual muscle to complete the turn. Fortunately, it was in a parking lot. After the ignition was turned off for about 45 minutes, I turned it back on and the steering functioned normally. However, I am very concerned if this problem would again happen and I am driving at a speed and this problem would appear, it could possibly cause a serious accident because of the unexpected action that would be required.

NHTSA ODI #11731311

61,000 miles · Jul 17, 2024
Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly. The contact also stated that the vehicle was oversteered, and the wheel made the vehicle move in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly. The contact also stated that the vehicle was oversteered, and the wheel made the vehicle move in a straight line. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod had separated from the steering gear and both inner tie rods and tires needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V442000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000.

NHTSA ODI #11602979

Mileage unknown · Jul 30, 2023
Steering

Power steering warning keeps coming and going, replaced battery didn't fix saw a lot of complaints about negative battery cable so replaced that and it fixed the issue. cruze's up to 2015 recalled this the 2016 obviously needs it too.

NHTSA ODI #11535347

60,000 miles · Feb 13, 2021
EngineSteeringVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

SECOND REPORT I'M MAKING ABOUT THIS CARS ENGINE PROBLEMS THE STABILITY TRACK AND REDUCED ENGINE POWER CAUSED MY CAR TO STOP ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND I ALMOST HIT SOMEONE ! PLEASE INVESTIGATE INTO THIS ISSUE THEIR ARE SEVERAL PEOPLE UNDER THIS POST FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD SAYING THE SAME THING

NHTSA ODI #11396071

36,000 miles · Aug 6, 2020
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE RADIO SHUTS OF THEN TURNS BACK ON NUMEROUS TIMES. THEN I USUALLY GET A STABILITY'S ERROR MESSAGE. THEN THE BEST PART. THE POWER STEERING WILL COMPLETELY GO OUT WHILE CHANGING LANES OR IN MID TURN. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THROUGH A ROUND ABOUT AND ALSO…

Read full complaint

I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE RADIO SHUTS OF THEN TURNS BACK ON NUMEROUS TIMES. THEN I USUALLY GET A STABILITY'S ERROR MESSAGE. THEN THE BEST PART. THE POWER STEERING WILL COMPLETELY GO OUT WHILE CHANGING LANES OR IN MID TURN. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THROUGH A ROUND ABOUT AND ALSO WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS TO GET ON AND OFF THE FREEWAY. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS! I SEE THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE REPORTING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM! SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS! I CALLED ONSTAR 3 TIMES IN ONE TRIP. FIRST IT DISCONNECTS BECAUSE ALL ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SHUT OFF, THEN THEY ACTUALLY TOLD ME I HAVE TO WAIT TO CALL THEM BACK WHILE I AM LOSING MY STEERING. ONLY TO CONCLUDE THEY CAN ONLY HELP AFTER I AM IN AN ACCIDENT. WHEN THIS IS NOT GOING ON THE CAR RUNS GREAT AND I LOVE IT SO IT IS OBVIOUSLY SOME KIND OF MANUFACTURE DEFECT.

NHTSA ODI #11343767

57,000 miles · Feb 23, 2020
Steering

IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING HOME THE CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED DOING A SCRUBBING SOUND BEFORE IT STOPPED TURNING COMPLETELY

NHTSA ODI #11310941

85,000 miles · Jan 23, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOME SCREEN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING CEASED AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACT…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE HOME SCREEN BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING CEASED AND THE STABILITRAK WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11301466

30,000 miles · Dec 3, 2019
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR RADIO HAS CUT OUT MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE 'SERVICE STABILITRACK' HAS BEEN DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE ISSUES CONTINUED. THIS IS MAINLY SEEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. THE LACK OF POWER TO THE CAR THREATENS SAFETY AS MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK AND I LOST POWE…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR RADIO HAS CUT OUT MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE 'SERVICE STABILITRACK' HAS BEEN DISPLAYED ON THE DASH. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED AND THE ISSUES CONTINUED. THIS IS MAINLY SEEN WHILE SLOWING DOWN OR STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT. THE LACK OF POWER TO THE CAR THREATENS SAFETY AS MY TURN SIGNALS FAILED TO WORK AND I LOST POWER STEERING ON ONE OCCASION. I PERSONALLY RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE THROUGH ONLINE FORUMS AND FOUND OUT THAT MANY OTHERS SHARE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE RESULT MAY BE A FAULTY NEGATIVE BATTERY CONNECTION.

NHTSA ODI #11286635

71,000 miles · Nov 23, 2019
Exterior LightingService BrakesSteering

I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZ NG ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2019, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVROLET AGENCY TO CHECK THE WATER FILTERING OF THE 3 LIGHT STOP OF THE CAR, IT LEAKED WATER AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR OF THE RECALL N162064340 . ON THIS VISIT I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM (REC…

Read full complaint

I BOUGHT A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZ NG ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016. ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2019, I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE CHEVROLET AGENCY TO CHECK THE WATER FILTERING OF THE 3 LIGHT STOP OF THE CAR, IT LEAKED WATER AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR OF THE RECALL N162064340 . ON THIS VISIT I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE CAR HAD A RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM (RECALL N182201620) WHICH PRESENTS A FAILURE IN THE PACKAGING OF THE STEERING BOX CAUSING MOISTURE TO ENTER THE PART AND DEACTIVATE THE POWER STEERING. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR THE AGENCY INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING SYSTEM AND THE AGENCY CLOSED THE RECALL N182201620. ON NOVEMBER 5, 2019, WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN DRIVE, THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED, PREVENTING ME FROM TURNING, I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE VEHICLE, AND THE BOARD THREW A MESSAGE 'THE POWER STEERING HAS BEEN DEACTIVATED, DRIVE WITH CAUTION', THE STEERING WHEEL IS COMPLETELY HARD AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO MANIPULATE IT. I CONTACTED THE AGENCY AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE CHEVROLET WORKSHOP AT MY COST, THE AGENCY ANALYZED THE FAULT AND RESPONDED THAT IT WAS NOT RELATED TO RECALL N182201620 (SAME FAULT THAT IS NO LONGER SHOWN ON THE GM PAGE) AND THAT THE THE CAR HAD NO GUARANTEE, THE AGENCY NOTIFIED ME THAT I SHOULD PAY FOR THE CHANGE OF THE PART. TALK TO GM 01800 AND I REPORT THE SITUATION, THEY CONTACTED ME AFTER 72 HOURS WITHOUT AN ANSWER, AFTER 6 DAYS GM'S RESPONSE WAS THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO WARRANTY AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR IT, THE ADVISOR INDICATED THAT THE RECALL OF THE STEERING SYSTEM WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE AGENCY AND THAT GM WAS NOT RESPONSIBLE, THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A TECHNICAL RESPONSE OF THE FAILURE OF THE PIECE AND THEY VIOLATION OF IATF RULE 16949: 2016 CLAUSE 10.2.6, THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ANALYSIS OF THE PIECE FAILED AND REFUSED TO CHANGE OR REPAIR THE FAULT OF THE STEERING SYSTEM FOR FREE.

NHTSA ODI #11281917

60,785 miles · Apr 5, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering

MY 2016 CHEVY CRUZE LS STARTED MAKING A ROARING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THEN THE STEERING GOT VERY STIFF I BARELY MADE IT HOME AND I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP AT ANYTIME AND IT COULD CAUSE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT FOR I WILL NOT HAVE NO …

Read full complaint

MY 2016 CHEVY CRUZE LS STARTED MAKING A ROARING NOISE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THEN THE STEERING GOT VERY STIFF I BARELY MADE IT HOME AND I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT IF I CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THIS WAY THE STEERING WILL LOCK UP AT ANYTIME AND IT COULD CAUSE A VERY BAD ACCIDENT FOR I WILL NOT HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11193976

Official recalls

4

18V304000 · Fuel System, Gasoline

May 10, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a lock-ring on the fuel tank that will shield the fuel tank vapor pressure sensor from damage in a rear-impact crash, free of charge. The recall began June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.

17V057000 · Seats:front Assembly:head Restraint

Jan 26, 2017

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a result, in the event of a crash, the head-restraints may not function properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 202a, "Head Restraints."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front passenger seats, replacing any with seat-back frames that are incorrectly welded, free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.

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.

16V498000 · Exterior Lighting:headlights

Jul 1, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

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

Remedy: 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.

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.