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2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems

The most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is engine and cooling, typically around 66,445 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Cruze model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
73/100
Owner complaints
250
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
1,333
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
26-34mpg

The worst 2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Check engine light 38Overheating 22Stalling 22Loss of power 10Won't start 10Engine failure 8Fire or smoke 8Airbag light 7No deployment 7Jerking 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze mention

P0011 2

Recalls 4

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 10, 2018 · 111,966 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 18V304000 · Recall details

Seats: front assembly: head restraintReported January 26, 2017 · 17,197 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 17V057000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 5, 2016 · 8,367 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 16V502000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: headlightsReported July 1, 2016 · 32,913 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
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.

Recall number 16V498000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze 1,333

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,333 bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

2016 Chevrolet Cruze fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.4L 4‑cylFWD26-3036-4030-34
1.8L 4‑cylFWD22-2534-3526-29

What 2016 Chevrolet Cruze owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Acceleration, Body · PA

I am filing this complaint due to repeated mechanical and safety problems with my 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The vehicle has had ongoing acceleration problems, including times when it would not accelerate properly even with the A/C on its lowest setting. The turbocharger has needed to be replaced multiple times, yet acceleration problems have continued. I have also had oil lines randomly snap and spray oil from the vehicle. Other issues include a passenger-side seatbelt that does not work properly, a tire-pressure sensor that began cutting out after new sensors were installed, and a piece of plastic underneath the vehicle that came loose and now hangs near the tire.also had a problem with the car losing liquids: exhaust leak, oil leak, and now coolant randomly. The most serious incident happened recently. The vehicle was running unusually whenever I slowed down at lights, stop signs, and turns. After stopping at a light, I tried to accelerate uphill. The RPM went to about 2,000, dropped toward 1,000, and the accelerator stopped responding. While turning at a red light, I then lost braking assistance and steering assistance. I had my hazard lights on and had to pull into a Red Robin parking lot. The dashboard and radio remained on, but the RPM eventually dropped to 0. After restarting, the vehicle shook and made a rough, grumbling sound when I pressed the accelerator. I scanned for diagnostic codes and none were present. After sitting, the vehicle was driven home for about 17 minutes without reproducing the problem, but the issue occurred suddenly while I was driving and created a serious safety hazard. I am requesting that the vehicle and its repair history be thoroughly investigated for defects, recalls, technical service bulletins, or recurring problems. I am especially concerned about the repeated loss of acceleration and the recent loss of braking and steering assistance while driving.

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · NC

car has been overheating run while i take the keys out doors will lock with keys in the ignition lots of lights will come on car will slow way down constantly adding antifreeze in it heat and air will stop working i have had trouble ever since i bought this a year ago

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Engine · TX

Manufacturer: General Motors / Chevrolet Vehicle: 2016 Chevrolet Cruze LT (VIN: [XXX]) Corporate Case Number: XXX Nature of Dispute: Premature mechanical failure of a major drivetrain assembly and administrative bad faith. Factual Timeline: Initial Failure & Prior Liability: At 51,490 miles, the vehicle suffered a mechanical failure of the turbocharger assembly. General Motors acknowledged defect awareness and prior liability by funding a $1,000 payout to complete the repair. Premature Secondary Failure: Just 40,000 miles after that official manufacturer repair, a certified Chevrolet dealership service department formally diagnosed a second total mechanical failure of the turbocharger assembly (Error Codes: P0299 Underboost and P1101 Airflow Performance). Administrative Breakdown: Upon requesting a supervisor escalation due to a combative tier-1 case manager, the manufacturer reactively demanded unauthorized diagnostic fees and prematurely closed the file. General Motors subsequently breached its 24-hour supervisor review commitment and issued a final refusal to address the recurring mechanical defect on its network. Remedy Sought: Full manufacturer coverage for the replacement of the prematurely failed drivetrain component based on documented prior corporate liability. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 22, 2026 · Fuel system · GA

After 3 years of having this car it’s overheating each summer requiring the coolant system, hoses, thermostat, and water pump to be replaced each summer. As well as major oil leaking after full tune ups.

Filed Jun 9, 2026 · Engine · OH

Coolant system and engine fan

Filed May 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CO

My engine needed oil I checked the dip stick added the oil the next day my engine started leaking and over heating come to find out there’s a pcv issue the valve cover gasket along with multiple other seals need replaced I was unaware of anything wrong no indication of over heating I just smelled the heat and was able to see after popping the hood the radiator fan is now not working and gas is coming through the valves

Filed Apr 15, 2026 · Steering · AZ

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.

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · NC

There has been no accident to report. My check engine light comes on periodically and will remain on for a lengthy time. It is the light that looks like a water spigot. When I have it checked they say it’s either the “Turbo” or “Air Filter” . I can. It get a clear answer as to what it is and why it comes on or how to fix the problem. My car is actually a 2016 Chevy Cruze Premier but that’s not an option to choose.

Filed Oct 24, 2025 · Brakes · FL

The rear brakes lights have a crack causing water to leak through. The water caused damage to the converter output

Filed Aug 18, 2025 · Electrical · 56,639 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that upon returning to the parked vehicle, while attempting to unlock the doors with the key fob, the doors failed to open. The contact was able to open the door manually using the key. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle and closing the front driver's side door, the doors locked and failed to unlock. The contact depressed the brake pedal and pressed the Push to Start button, but the vehicle failed to start or unlock. The message "No Key Fob Detected" was displayed. The contact disassembled the key fob and wiped the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact called his wife, who arrived with another key fob. The vehicle was able to restart after several attempts. The message "Theft Alarm" was displayed. The contact was trapped inside the vehicle for 5 minutes and was sweating due to the temperature inside the vehicle. The contact drove to the residence; however, the instrument panel was partially inoperable. The contact stated that only the RPMs, the speedometer, and the odometer were operable. Upon returning to the residence, the vehicle restarted and operated as needed after several attempts. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,639.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze before you buy

Compare the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

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Other model years

2010201120122013201420152016201720182019

Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Owners have filed 250 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, close to a typical Cruze model year.

What is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze year score?

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze scores 73 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Cruze: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Engine and cooling, with 108 complaints, typically around 66,445 miles. Next is electrical (59).

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?

4 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline, seats and electrical system.

What year does the Chevrolet Cruze have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Cruze model years with the most engine complaints are 2012 (308 complaints), 2011 (295 complaints) and 2014 (235 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze get?

Official estimates for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze range from 26 to 34 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 26-30 city and 36-40 highway.

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