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2017 Chevrolet Cruze Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering fuel system, gasoline and head restraint. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Cylinder 1 misfire and cracked piston engine failure.” 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.

2 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze.

Reported to NHTSA

Cylinder 1 misfire and cracked piston engine failure

ENGINE

26 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2026-05

“At just over 70k miles the engine began running rough. Diagnostic showed cylinder 1 pressure issues from cracked piston requiring engine replacement. This vehicle has had all recommend service since owning it.”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11599316
“AT AROUND 57,000 MILES SERVICE STABILITRACK MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON DASHBOARD. NEXT DAY CEL CAME ON. ROUGH IDLING. TOOK IT TO CLOSEST CHEVY DEALER TOLD IT WAS A MISFIRE IN CYLINDER 1. NEW SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACK. DIDN'T FIX.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376103

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Clutch pedal sticking to floor on manual transmission

POWER TRAIN

19 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-11

“Chevy Cruze 2017 manual transmission clutch pedal stuck to the floor while driving preventing changing of gears. Was able to lift pedal with toe, but was still not fully able to then depress clutch to get the car in gear. Pumping the pedal helped loosen…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11494507
“While driving I went to downshift. When I pushed in the clutch it wouldn't go out and I couldn't get the vehicle into any gear. I was driving approx. 65 mph and since the clutch wouldn't disengage I couldn't get the vehicle into any gear and was almost rear ended.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447761

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Third brake light cracking with trunk water leak

STRUCTURE

15 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2025-08

“During rain or carwash, water leaks into rear passenger cabin along ceiling. Suspect coming from cracked rear third brake light which is a known Cruze issue that may also cause battery issues. My third brake light has two cracks (one on each side).”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479150
“THERE IS A KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE 2016+ CHEVY CRUZE MODELS WHERE THE TOP MOUNTED BRAKE LIGHT CRACKS AND WATER LEAKS INTO THE TRUNK UNDER THE SPARE TIRE AND INTO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11329418

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Instrument cluster and display blackout

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2024-05

“Several times during ownership (Bought used in 2021 with 13,000 miles at purchase, currently 35,000 miles on car. Entire instrument cluster including center screen and center console shifter selector goes completely dark. This includes both speedometer indicators.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11573424
“Periodically the dash cluster board and information center goes black and will stay blank for about a minute or two and then comes back on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589622

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake assist loss and hard brake pedal

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2024-06

“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the brake pedal had to forcefully be depressed with both feet to slow the vehicle down while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the brake assist warning light was illuminated.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11425467
“I was going in to a turning lane and as I was about to press the brake, I see a service brake assist system and I go to press the brakes and the brakes make a clicking sound and the car would not stop forcing me to take the car off the road onto the grass…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437124

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Turbocharger failure and underboost

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-08 → 2025-09

“My turbocharger is failing. My car has 83,000 miles, but had to get a completely new engine at 37,000 miles. So the engine is less than 50,000 miles old. My check engine light has turned on and it’s is the turbo charger.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690501
“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while idling or while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate while attempting to accelerate. The check engine warning light illuminated and turbocharger under boost message was displayed.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11475769

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall at Auto Stop with failure to restart

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-03

“ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE IN TRAFFIC THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN FOR THE "AUTO START" AND FAILED TO RESTART UPON RELEASING THE BRAKE. THE CAR STALLS COMPLETELY OUT AT WHICH POINT I HAVE TO PLACE THE CAR IN PARK AND START IT AGAIN BEFORE PUTTING IT IN DRIVE TO PROCEED.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120953
“We believe the auto stop is malfunctioning. When stopping at a light the car will go into auto stop and then die. It won't restart without getting out of the car, alarming and locking it, then unlock and get back in.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11645776

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Knock sensor failure with reduced power

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2023-07

“Faulty knock sensor at 83k miles. First symptoms were slow/jerky acceleration and needing to apply more pressure to the gas pedal to maintain speed, followed by illuminated Check engine light that came on a few days later. The scanner at Autozone pulled the code P0325.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11469699
“Have filed an earlier complaint and never heard back. But the engine was stalling and not maintaining speed without heavy acceleration. First week of August 2022 the car finally gave out after diagnosis of faulty knock sensor.…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477899

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)

177 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.

8

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 2017 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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