Chevrolet Cruze check engine light comes on

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Driver assistance, Electrical · OH

To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report a dangerous and urgent safety defect regarding my 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. My vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms that pose an immediate risk of vehicle rollaway, property damage, and personal injury, and has left me dangerously stranded on the side of the road. While operating the vehicle, the physical gear shifter inside the cabin was placed into the "Park" position. However, the transmission shaft locked and failed to engage Park, remaining physically stuck in "Reverse." As a direct result, the vehicle began rolling backwards out of control, requiring the immediate emergency deployment of the handbrake to halt the vehicle. Furthermore, because the vehicle's internal computer recognizes that the transmission is not safely in Park, the ignition cylinder has completely trapped my key. The key cannot be turned to the off position or removed from the ignition, leaving the electrical system active and draining the battery. Due to these interconnected safety failures and the transmission shaft locking, the check engine light is on and the car completely refuses to start. Unfortunately, I have been stuck on the side of the road with an inoperable, hazardous vehicle. This dangerous failure perfectly mirrors the conditions described in the federal safety agency Safety Recall Campaign Number 14V092000 (GM Campaign Number 14048) concerning transmission shift cable separation. I am filing this complaint to ensure this severe safety issue is officially documented against my vehicle's profile, and to request immediate assistance in ensuring General Motors provides a swift, remedy and safe towing for this severe manufacturing defect. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent safety matter, for not only my Safety, but also the Safety for others on the road. Everyone’s time, guidance, attention and genuine concern for this unfortunate situation is beyond more than I can express in writing form, again Thank You!

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 - 60 MPH and attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brake pedal became stiff and pushed back, requiring three to four attempts to respond and causing an extended stopping distance. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while driving on several occasions. In addition, the check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the microswitch inside the power brake vacuum pipe assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V360000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OK

It happened on [XXX] where the service engine light was on and died in the middle of traffic. This light was on after we purchased the vehicle but not on when we test drove it. I think the dealership knew about and are not wanting to fix it. Not the car want start at all. My son spent his hard earned money to purchase a car. We had to have it towed home. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Transmission · GA

COMPONENT: Transmission control system / GM VT40 continuously variable transmission (CVT), RPO code MRG - a rare, fleet-only configuration for this model year, confirmed via the vehicle's factory build/RPO code list. WHAT HAPPENED: While stopped at a red light (engine idling just after an automatic stop-start restart, foot on brake only, no accelerator input), the check engine light came on along with an unusual mild jolt sensation from the drivetrain. Diagnostic codes P0700 (Transmission Control System - MIL Request) and P2714 (Pressure Control Solenoid D Performance/Stuck Off) were stored. Drove approximately 4 miles without further incident; vehicle has since been limited to short, low-speed use only pending repair. CONFIRMATION: An independent mechanic shop confirmed the codes, and pulled a transmission fluid sample showing visible metal debris up to several mm in size. Shop's assessment: internal transmission failure; recommended full transmission replacement (quoted approx. $7,800). Not yet inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. SAFETY RISK: I located GM Technical Service Bulletin PIP5819B (later 24-NA-009), "VT40 Transmission Setting DTC P2714," describing this identical DTC/failure pattern - clutch regulator valve sticking, forward clutch piston damage, and/or primary pulley bearing bore wear - on other VT40-equipped GM vehicles (Malibu, Trailblazer, Encore GX). This bulletin is not listed as applying to the Cruze, despite the Cruze using the identical VT40/MRG unit per GM's own public confirmation of this fleet-only configuration. Secondary sourcing of this bulletin describes the failure as capable of causing sudden, complete loss of forward propulsion while driving. GM Customer Assistance Center case #108675675 was opened. GM stated the bulletins do not apply to this vehicle, and refused further discussion or assistance despite the transmission in question being the same as in the bulletins.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, multiple oil seals, and the head gasket. I have also had other cooling and engine components repaired, although I no longer have a complete list of every component that has been replaced. Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to experience overheating and coolant loss. The vehicle has also experienced loss of power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed an overheating warning. Other symptoms have included coolant loss, shaking and vibration, rough or uneven acceleration, loss of engine power while driving, and a check-engine light. The check-engine light has previously flashed during operation. The vehicle has also experienced unexplained engine-oil loss. These problems have continued despite extensive repairs over approximately the past year, including replacement of the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, oil seals, and head gasket. The repeated failures have created a significant safety risk because the vehicle has overheated while being driven and has previously lost power while traveling on the highway. I have been forced to stop on the side of the road, where I was almost struck by another vehicle. The possibility of sudden loss of power or overheating while traveling in traffic creates a serious risk to both myself and other motorists.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MN

i’m unsure if the person i bought this vehicle from had the codes wiped before selling to me, but there were NO lights on dash for 3 days after minimal driving only to work and back, then all of a sudden the check engine light came on, and in the info box it would pop up saying “service stability system” - i took to o’reiley’s to see what it was for, apparently it was the ECM (electronic computer module) which essentially controls like everything. days go by i don’t do anything more about it and drive as usual to work, and it starts overheating, and smoking like crazy, but doesn’t say it’s hot on my dash, so i had no idea how hot it got or anything. i got to work, worked my shift, and went to put coolant in before returning home- just to find that it was full and i didn’t need to put any in. weird, right? ok well on my way home i’m going about 55mph on the highway and it suddenly just wouldn’t let me accelerate anymore and behaved as if i ran out of gas but i had over half a tank. when i came to a stop i turned the car off, and tried to turn it back on when it wouldn’t even turn over. i sat about 15 mins on the side of the highway before it actually started and i drove home. a week goes by, and now this ecm is effecting more and more- driving on the highway/streets it’s shifting really hard, immediately following that, my speedometer and rpm meter fall to “0” on the dash but the vehicle is still driving and the message pops up about the service stability system. i replaced my tire and now it’s telling me to service airbag system and the abs light is stuck on, as well as traction control and it’s just so weird. i just don’t feel safe in this car and after looking it up, apparently everyone with the make and model have very similar problems, but specifically searching by my VIN- apparently there’s no recalls and it’s just extremely frustrating and i don’t know what to do. if i fix the ECM will all these issues be resolved or will i waste $600-$800 replacing it?

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Engine · MI

Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to AutoZone and received a code of P0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acceleration was an issue, especially for a 19 year old inexperienced driver. This put her life and those around her in danger. Took the vehicle back on 6/5 and had to leave it. No vehicles available or offered while the car was in the shop. This time they scanned the vehicle and came up with the same P0299 code. Left the vehicle for a week and the cost for the engine replaced turbocharger and all single use parts related for the repair was $3010.38 Yes, the vehicle was presented as "as as." However, the vehicle was also presented as if the maintenance and repairs were all completed and the vehicle was road ready and safe and this was not the case at all.

Filed May 26, 2026 · Engine · PA

I purchased my car in 2020 and have had this issue recently come up. I have coolant that is vanishing from my car but not dripping to the floor. I've learned since then that there was a recall on my car for my water pump which causes this exact issue which has caused a related check engine light to appear. It seems unfair to me that there's a recall on my car that was taken away after one year despite it still not being replaced, and purchasing my car not knowing of this recall not being done and the window closing I feel should be rectified. I will be notifying GM about this matter as well. Thank you for your time and consideration on this matter

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine · NC

Recently my car's check engine light and the message "Service Stabilitrak" started coming up on my car, then my car started shaking while idling. I quickly took the car to my mechanic who assessed it, replaced my spark plugs, which did not solve the issue, and recommended I go to the dealership. In between these appointments my car was consistently shaking while idling and I would have difficulties accelerating especially after coming to a complete stop and often while making turns, this worsened after adding fuel to my car. The nearest Chevrolet dealership did a compression test and found that the psi in cylinder 1 was only 85, while the rest of the cylinders are 180 psi. They reported "internal engine damage causing misfire on cylinder 1" and quoted the repairs and replacement engine at $9500, almost double the value of the car if the engine was working. The codes P0300 "Engine Misfire Detected" and P0301 "Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected" were the two relevant codes in the report. However the car only has 49,860 miles on it. I see that other people have reported this issue as well and it continues to happen. Additionally, if the manufacturing issue or defect has not been rectified what are the chances of this happening again down the line with the same issue? This is a clear manufacturing defect in the engine of these cars that make them a safety hazard on the road. There is no telling when and where my engine may completely give out despite the car being low mileage and well taken care of. GM and Chevrolet should and must rectify this issue.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine · TN

Both catalytic converters and O2 Sensor's have been replaced and I’m still getting a check engine light. Along with a multitude of other parts that I’ve had to replace. Like the turbo, gaskets, sensors multiple times…