2016 Chevrolet Cruze recalls and problems
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 safety recalls and 250 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
Recall 18V-304: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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."
Risk: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Recall 17V-057: Seats
Problem: 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."
Risk: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-502: Electrical System, Power Train
Problem: 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."
Risk: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 16V-498: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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."
Risk: 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.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 102 | |
| Electrical System | 59 | |
| Unknown or Other | 43 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 35 | |
| Power Train | 31 | |
| Air Bags | 21 | |
| Steering | 18 | |
| Service Brakes | 18 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 16 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 11 | |
| Structure | 8 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 8
- Back Over Prevention › Camera System — 1
- Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Internal › Clutches/Bands — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Pump — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) — 1
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Crank/Camshaft Position Sensor — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 56,639 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2016 Chevrolet Cruze complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Chevrolet Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze: 18V-304 (fuel system, gasoline), 17V-057 (seats), 16V-502 (electrical system, power train), 16V-498 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners report engine problems most often (102 reports), followed by electrical system (59). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 56,639 miles.
Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.