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2015 Chevrolet Cruze Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Chevrolet Cruze carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and parking brake. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Coolant leak and water pump failure causing overheating.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

4 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #16V502000 · May 7, 2016

Issue: 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.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #15V113000 · Feb 27, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, the fastening bolts may back out completely, causing the parking brake bracket to separate and the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: If the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll away and a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left-rear and right-rear parking brake brackets bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15135.

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

Campaign #15V876000 · Dec 23, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.

Risk: An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15777.

STEERING

Campaign #15V442000 · Oct 7, 2015

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.

Risk: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze.

Reported to NHTSA

Coolant leak and water pump failure causing overheating

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

55 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, who diagnosed that there was a coolant leak and that the water pump was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498121
“COOLING SYSTEM CONTINUES TO LEAK AFTER BEING REPLACED FOR THE THIRD TIME NOW. THE CAR DOES NOT RETAIN COOLANT OR WATER TO KEEP THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING. THE CAR WILL OVERHEAT IF IT DOESN'T HAVE COOLANT OR WATER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11119815
“87,000 miles on the car. 6 incidences of coolant system failure within the last 2 years/3,000 miles. This car costs me over $1000 in repairs every 3 months”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11496296

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger failure and boost loss

ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-03

“I have had to replace the turbo 3 times now. My car was leaking oil where the the oil filter is so I replaced that whole part. I watched a video how to replace the part”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646618
“The turbo on the vehicle develops a crack in the exhaust side by the wastegate over time. This is a common problem as reported by forums, that seems to be a near 100% failure rate”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559607

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power window regulator failure

VISIBILITY

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-02

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while opening the driver's side front window and the passenger’s side front window, the cable snapped, and the window fell inside the door. The power windows became inoperable”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640898
“I AM LEASING THIS CAR USED. THERE IS PROOF FROM PREVIOUS OWNER HIS TROUBLE WITH DRIVER WINDOW STOPS WORKING DUE TO MOTOR INSIDE WINDOW OR UNLINKING. HE HAS A RECEIPT OF REPLACING THIS AND I HAVE REPLACED 3 MORE TIMES THEY DEALER PARTS AND EVERYTHING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11406563
“MY DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW HAS BEEN SERVICED TWICE FOR BEING STUCK. EITHER IT WON'T ROLL BACK UP OR IT WON'T ROLL DOWN. I HAVE MY CAR SERVICED BY A CHEVY DEALER. THE WINDOW IS CURRENTLY STUCK ALL THE WAY DOWN. THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD TIME THAT THOS HAS OCCURED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310697

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper transmission failure

VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2021-09

“The windshield wiper transmission failed on my ‘15 Cruze in the middle of a rain storm caused my Hurricane Ida. The problem has been confirmed by my husband who is a mechanic at a Chevrolet dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11432172
“THE WIPER TRANSMISSION BROKE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. I CAN LOOK THROUGH THE PLASTIC SHIELD AND SEE IF HAS CAME APART. I HAVE NO DRIVERS WIPER FUNCTION NO MORE. I SEE ONLINE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH CRUZES. THE CAR ONLY HAS 54K ON IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365504
“ONE WINDSHIELD WIPER STOPPED WORKING. THE NEXT DAY THEY BOTH HAVE STOPPED. THEY WILL NOT MOVE AT ALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11056210

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Stabilitrak and traction control electrical fault

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

28 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2026-01

“The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The warning light turned on and off, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle failed to restart”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11709650
“NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE ISSUE - MY RADIO IS CUTTING IN AND OUT, TURN SIGNALS WILL NOT ALWAYS WORK, "SERVICE STABILITRAK" LIGHT WILL INTERMITTENTLY FLASH”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057378
“STEREO BLINKS ON AND OFF, WHILE DRIVING OR PUTTING THE WINDOWS UP OR DOWN OR EVEN SITTING AT A STOP LIGHT. DASH LIGHTS BELOW THE STEREO BLINK ON AND OFF. STABILI TRACK LIGHT, ABS LIGHT BLINK ON AND OFF. WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASH. BLINKERS TURN OFF INTERMITTENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363507

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment or unexpected deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

14 NHTSA complaints · 2018-01 → 2023-01

“THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE REAR-ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THERE WAS NO INJURY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11337915
“I WAS DRIVING AND WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT. WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN I PROCEEDED TO EXCEL FORWARD. THE CAR WAS ONLY GOING BETWEEN 10-15 MILES PER HOUR WHEN WITHOUT HITTING OR CURBING ANYTHING MY TIRE BLEW. RIGHT AFTER THE TIRE BLEW ALL (6) SIX OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11073000
“I WAS REAR ENDED BY A DRIVER TRAVELING OVER 45MPH WHILE I WAS AT A FULL STOP. THIS IMPACT SLAMMED MY VEHICLE INTO THE TRUCK INFRONT OF MINE, AND SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. DESPITE THE ONBOARD COMPUTER ALERTING ME THAT THEY HAD, NO AIRBAGS IN THE CAR DEPLOYED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11123230

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

147 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

20

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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