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2016 Chevrolet Cruze Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze carries 4 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel system, gasoline and head restraint. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine overheating and coolant system leaks.” 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

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Campaign #18V304000 · Oct 5, 2018

Issue: 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.

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT

Campaign #17V057000 · Jan 26, 2017

Issue: 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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Campaign #16V498000 · Jan 7, 2016

Issue: 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.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

Reported to NHTSA

Engine overheating and coolant system leaks

ENGINE

31 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2026-06

“THE VEHICLE HAS HAD OVERHEATING ISSUES SINCE I BOUGHT IT. REPAIRED IT TWICE AND IS EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS AGAIN. I HAVE CHANGED ALL COMPONENTS OF THE COOLING SYSTEM TO NO AVAIL. I HAVE COME ACROSS COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. WHY HASN'T THERE BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS YET?”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11349365
“It suddenly come up with ac off to keep engine feom overheating on message .I have had 4 theromstat housings put on in the last month and it is still leaking around housing and leaking coolant out onto ground and thit has only 73000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11525273
“There is currently a recall for Chevrolet Cruzes because of overheating, that is caused by the cooling system and the antifreeze leaking out at the thermostat housing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11538069

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger and PCV system component failure

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11608482
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11626888
“2 issues. 1st is the PCV system. PCV valve will fail regularly 1-3 years. This requires a new intake manifold and valve cover possible new hose and possible sensor replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11487789

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system and door lock malfunctions

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2025-08

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681263
“MY DOOR AJAR ALARM GOES OFF NOT STOP WHEN CAR IS IN MOTION AFTER 3 MINS THE LOCKS TRY TO UNLOCK AND LOCK GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE DOME LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11133197
“ONSTAR MODULE FAILED AT APPROXIMATELY 53,500 MILES, TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP AT 54,542 MILES, GM PART NUMBER 84024907, NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY, ONSTAR SAFETY SYSTEM WILL NOT WORK”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11243750

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unexpected engine shutdown while driving

ENGINE

41 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2024-10

“CAR STALLS AT INTERSECTIONS. THE AUTO STOP FEATURE GOES FROM "AUTO STOP" ON THE DASH TO "OFF". PROBLEM OCCURS AS YOU ARE MOVING FOOT OVER FROM BRAKE TO GAS AND CAUSES THE CAR TO TURN OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11228901
“WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS OR CITY STREETS THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF AT RANDOM TIMES. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANY LIGHTS ARE ON THE DASHBOARD BEFORE IT HAPPENS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11270104
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RADIO WAS STILL OPERATING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11268649

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering loss while driving

STEERING

11 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731311
“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11602979
“IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING HOME THE CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED DOING A SCRUBBING SOUND BEFORE IT STOPPED TURNING COMPLETELY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310941

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag deployment and warning light failures

AIR BAGS

15 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-11

“The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the front air bag warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Air Bags" was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11543268
“IN LESS THAN A YEAR THE AIRBAG NEEDS SERVICING MEANING IT WILL NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11312050
“IN SEPTEMBER, MY DAUGHTERS 4 SIDE AIRBAGS BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING. SHE WASN'T IN ANY COLLISION OR ACCIDENT, THEY JUST BLEW OUT AND THE PIECE THAT BLEW OUT ON HER SIDE, HIT HER IN THE HEAD TOO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376491

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)

146 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.

19

complaints mentioning a crash

6

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 2016 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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