Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019 problems by year and mileage
2nd generation (J400)
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026583 complaints, 331 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 57,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 250
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine102 reports · median 66,000 mi
- Electrical system59 reports · median 40,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise43 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline · Seats — front assembly · Electrical system — ignition
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 28,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 201
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine73 reports · median 32,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline39 reports
- Electrical system33 reports
Recall areas Fuel system, gasoline · Seats — front assembly
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- 24,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 109
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine27 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise24 reports
- Transmission and driveline23 reports
Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components · Fuel system, gasoline
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 23
- Recalls naming this year
- 2
Most reported on the 2019
- Transmission and driveline8 reports
- Engine5 reports
- Electrical system4 reports
Recall areas Power train — automatic transmission · Service brakes, hydraulic — foundation components
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2018, and the 2016 is 2 years older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 36,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 90,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 331
- Recalls
- 6
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine35.5% of complaints · median 53,000 mi
- Electrical system18.9% of complaints · median 33,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline17.3% of complaints · median 46,000 mi
Documented problems
- Engine (1.4L LE2 Turbo)2016–2019
- Engine (1.4L LE2 Turbo)2016–2019
- Emissions (1.6L Diesel)2017–2018
Owners filed 583 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze; the engine leads with 35.5% of them, and half of the 331 that record an odometer reading came by 36,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 14,000 to 67,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze last?
On the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze, half of the 331 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 36,000 miles and 90% by 90,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
2 reports came in past 150,000 miles — each one proof that a Cruze reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019 · 331 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 66 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 2,000
- 25%
- 14,000
- Median
- 36,000
- 75%
- 67,000
- 90%
- 90,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 66 | 19.9% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 42 | 12.7% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 35 | 10.6% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 28 | 8.5% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 21 | 6.3% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 26 | 7.9% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 34 | 10.3% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 21 | 6.3% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 24 | 7.3% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 11 | 3.3% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 9 | 2.7% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 5 | 1.5% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 2 | 0.6% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 3 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 2 | 0.6% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 1 | 0.3% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.3% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Cruze problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Electrical system110 reportsmedian 33,000middle half 13,000–61,000
- Problems owners could not categorise100 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 12,000–60,000
- Fuel and propulsion system57 reportsmedian 36,000middle half 8,000–67,000
- Brakes51 reportsmedian 40,000middle half 14,000–62,000
- Transmission and driveline101 reportsmedian 46,000middle half 25,000–72,000
- Engine207 reportsmedian 53,000middle half 19,000–75,000
- Airbag system39 reportsmedian 58,000middle half 21,000–91,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 207 | 35.5% | 53,000 | 19,000–75,000 |
| Electrical system | 110 | 18.9% | 33,000 | 13,000–61,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 101 | 17.3% | 46,000 | 25,000–72,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 100 | 17.2% | 35,000 | 12,000–60,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 57 | 9.8% | 36,000 | 8,000–67,000 |
| Brakes | 51 | 8.7% | 40,000 | 14,000–62,000 |
| Airbag system | 39 | 6.7% | 58,000 | 21,000–91,000 |
| Steering | 33 | 5.7% | 43,000 | 21,000–61,000 |
| Body structure | 28 | 4.8% | 42,000 | 18,000–75,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 28 | 4.8% | 30,000 | 10,000–60,000 |
Known problems with the 2016–2019 Cruze
Engine (1.4L LE2 Turbo) 2016–2019
Coolant leaks from the plastic thermostat/water-outlet housing and turbo coolant lines, plus continued PCV-system and valve-cover failures inherited in concept from the LUJ.
Engine (1.4L LE2 Turbo) 2016–2019
Head gasket failure and coolant loss reported at moderate mileage, often following the cooling-system leaks above.
Emissions (1.6L Diesel) 2017–2018
DEF/SCR and DPF regeneration faults triggering limp mode and no-start countdowns.
Before you buy a 2016–2019 Cruze: the 3-minute check
Generated from 331 mileage-tagged complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine (1.4L LE2 turbo) on 2016–2019 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check emissions (1.6L diesel) on 2017–2018 cars.
- Years differ here: from 23 to 250 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Cruze problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi66% below | At 90k mi90% below | At 120k mi97% below | At 150k mi99% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 19,000–75,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 13,000–61,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 25,000–72,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 12,000–60,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 8,000–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 14,000–62,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 21,000–91,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019 · 331 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 66% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 90% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 99% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze recalls (6)
NHTSA records 6 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
Oct 2020 · 2018–2019 · Power TrainMissing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress…
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Cruze and Buick LaCrosse, 2018-2020 Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Terrain, 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, 2019-2020 Buick Encore, Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, Chevrolet Blazer and GMC…
What can happen. Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the…
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact…
Aug 2018 · 2018–2019 · Service Brakes, HydraulicA reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Chevrolet Equinox, Impala, Cruze, Volt and Bolt EV vehicles, GMC Terrain vehicles, Buick Lacrosse and Regal vehicles, Cadillac XTS and XTS Professional vehicles and 2018 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles. The…
What can happen. A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac…
May 2018 · 2016–2018 · Fuel System, GasolineA fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The free 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…
Jan 2017 · 2016–2017 · SeatsIn a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats may break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
The free 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.…
Jul 2016 · 2016 · Electrical SystemIf the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The free 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…
Jul 2016 · 2016 · Exterior LightingWithout the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime…
The defect. 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…
What can happen. Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The free 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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 583 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 48 (8.2%)
- Fires
- 16
- Injury reports
- 25
- Fatality reports
- 1
Cruze problems by model year
The 2016 drew the most complaints of this generation, 250, most of them about the engine, and the 2019 the fewest, 23. A typical year drew about 155.
The first year of the generation, 2016, drew more complaints than a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 250 | 149 | 57,000 | Engine (102) | 4 |
| 2017 | 201 | 114 | 28,000† | Engine (73) | 2 |
| 2018 | 109 | 61 | 24,000† | Engine (27) | 3 |
| 2019 | 23 | 7 | under 30 reports | Transmission and driveline (8) | 2 |
What Cruze owners reported
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly displayed the "Park" light on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and shifted the vehicle into park to restart it. After restarting the vehicle, the parking brake became stuck, and the…
2019 · 60,000 miles · Transmission and driveline
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield wiper compartment inadvertently opened. There was a failure with the seat belts. The contact stated that the driver’s side seat belt was excessively loose, and the front passenger’s side seat belt was…
2018 · 67,000 miles · Seat belts
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 entering the vehicle and closing the front…
2016 · 57,000 miles · Electrical system
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the door latches independently unlocked and locked. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had occurred with all four doors. The contact stated that the RPM occasionally increased unintendedly. The contact…
2017 · 17,000 miles · Electrical system
Built from 331 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Cruze generations
- Cruze 2011–2015 2,366 reports with mileage, most about the engine