Chevrolet · Cruze · 2016
2016 Chevrolet Cruze
4
Recalls
244
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 recalls and 244 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (41 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 41 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze currently shows 4 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 244 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (41), unknown or other (19), air bags (15).
- Vehicle
- 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
- Recalls
- 4
- Complaints
- 244
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
10.7% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 18V304000May 10, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
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."
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 17V057000January 26, 2017
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
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."
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16V502000July 05, 2016
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."
Remedy Status
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.
NHTSA ID: 16V498000July 01, 2016
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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."
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
244 totalSTEERING
Apr 14, 2026
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...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 10, 2025
The rear brakes lights have a crack causing water to leak through. The water caused damage to the converter output
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Aug 17, 2025
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 enter...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
May 12, 2025
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 wh...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Apr 14, 2025
My husband was driving and noticed smoke coming from the engine so we pulled over and he lifted the hood and when he did we clearly saw a part of the Bosch manifold absolute pressure map sensor had come off and appeared to have melted off. I have taken it to a mechanic and have p...
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ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Feb 28, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). The contact pulled ove...
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ENGINE
Nov 14, 2024
The turbo has gone out twice, it was replaced under an extended warranty policy and it has gone out again and is out of warranty, also the plastic intake manifold has gone bad again. also there is a plastic piece that comes off the engine and distributes coolant to the heater co...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Sep 25, 2024
My tire pressure sensor keeps coming on even after I had it worked on. 3 of them shows the pressure level but one shows 2 lines but no pressure level but there’s air in the tire. The other problem I’m having is the check engine light is on. Please advise if any issues are rec...
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FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Sep 24, 2024
I was driving the car, stopped at a light took my foot off the brake started to move and the car completely shut off. No warning lights went on. I had to start the car again. I took the car to a local dealership to be looked at. They pulled the codes, nothing showed up. I did an ...
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WHEELS,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Aug 11, 2024
I HAVE A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND THE TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER HOSE BASICALLY BROKE FROM WHERE THE END OF THE HOSE STARTS AND A LITTLE BIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE END PART OF THE HOSE. AND THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE'S POWER TO BE REDUCED INMENSLY. TO THE POINT THAT I HAD MY FOO...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 244 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2016 Chevrolet models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Chevrolet Cruze Years
2017 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.2r198c2015 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.4r250c2018 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.3r107c2014 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.10r691c2019 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.2r19c2013 Chevrolet CruzeCompare this year against 2016 for complaint and recall shifts.5r584c
More 2016 Chevrolet Models
2016 Chevrolet MalibuAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.9r848c2016 Chevrolet SilveradoAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.2r784c2016 Chevrolet ColoradoAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.4r685c2016 Chevrolet EquinoxAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.1r388c2016 Chevrolet TraverseAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.5r290c2016 Chevrolet TahoeAnother 2016 Chevrolet option for same-year comparison.7r252c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 4 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has received 244 owner-reported complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze are engine (41 reports), unknown or other (19 reports), air bags (15 reports).
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 4 recalls on record for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.