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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 4
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,026 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems

electrical problem

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2016 Chevrolet Cruze Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #56

Jun 042024

Cruze

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Water leak in trunk. Took car in 3 time to have it fixed after them doing the recall( 84279073 f-lamp kit). Every time it went in they found a leak in a different spot. 15Feb17 they found water leaking from right side of the spoiler retainer holes. Dealer removed spoiler applied double back tape and sealer. Reinstalled spoiler 02Mar17 found pin hole leak in weather strip. Dealer replaced weather strip. 01jan24 start having electrical issues. Hard starting/ running weird and finally dead battery. Had les swabs install battery and remove water in trunk. Car starts but shuts off when driving. 05mar24 Dealer finds leak coming from right side spoiler and now 1 licence plat bolt. Charged me $600. to reseal. Here we go again They could never stop/find the leak before and will not warranty previous work. Isn't this a fire/safty issue? That started the recall in the 1st place. And why wasn't drain plugs required for this yr.car. I believe it was in the newer one. I would like to know how many people had to take their car in multiple times to never have the problem truly fixed. Is this a tactic used to make consumers go away and say they fixed the recall, but never really did.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #55

Oct 272023

Cruze

  • 33,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle inadvertently shut off without warning. The contact stated that soon after the failure, the vehicle independently restarted, and the vehicle resumed normal vehicle operation. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed and recommended that the fuel system be cleaned. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

- Zephyrhills, FL, USA

problem #54

Jul 192019

Cruze

  • miles
At first, and only on cold/rainy/snowy weather, while driving the radio would randomly turn off and turn itself back on (i have videos of this). Sometimes it would last a few seconds, sometimes a few minutes. While this was happening, the blinker sounds wouldn't work. I brought it to Chevy in Geneva, NY for diagnostics. No check engine codes ever. They told me that the radio computer needed to be updated. I had them fix it, only to find out that the problem would still happen. Over a few months, it developed more symptoms. It started to not shut off when I pushed the button, and it also started stalling when it went into auto off, but would turn back on if I put it in park and re started. At first it would stall in auto off at random times. This caused an accident in the summer of 2019. I was at a stop sign, waiting to make a right hand turn, took my foot off the brake and car stalled. The car behind me thought I was going and rear ended me. I had to drive around in the summer with the heat on, as it was the only way to prevent the car from going into auto off. I had the car looked at a few more times after that (paying $100 diagnostic fees every time). Brought it back to chevy and the told me it was because of the damage to my trunk allowing water to get to the battery (it wasn't). Issues then turned into stalling at auto off, but not turning back on once in park. I brought it to the dealership I bought it from and they looked at the alternator and had them clean all battery terminals and replace the battery. This worked for 2 weeks before continuing. It got to the point that I had to jump start my car everytime I wanted to drive it or it stalled. Finally it just wouldnt start, So i had it towed to chevy again in 2021. They determined the issue was the starter and replaced. It worked but as of now (9/13/23) my car has began stalling at auto off. It is very dangerous, car gives no warning!! There is too much to say with limited space

- Geneva, NY, USA

problem #53

Dec 152022

Cruze

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Paid thousands of dollars into getting a thermostat housing and thermostat leaking antifreeze a couple months ago started leaking antifreeze again just now

- Schuylerville , NY, USA

problem #52

Aug 152022

Cruze

  • miles
While at red light, stop signs, or transitioning turns, the engine shuts off and does not restart. Sometimes it shuts down when driving at extremely low speeds. This is dangerous because I have had to push the car while transitioning in multipile lane intersections. Luckily others stop and help me push the car to shoulder or convenience gas stations. The battery and spark plugs are new, and the car has plenty of fuel.

- Garland, TX, USA

problem #51

Jul 032022

Cruze

  • miles
My car was brought to the dealership around December of 2021because every time I stop at a red light or stop sign the auto stop would cut the car completely off. The dealership said it was because the throttle body needed cleaning out. That is not the case because I can be driving and the car will cut off out of nowhere while driving. Also at times the car seems as if it doesn-??t want to crank.

- Oakdale , LA, USA

problem #50

Jul 152019

Cruze

  • 109,911 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the hydroplane warning light illuminated and the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated to 50 mph. The contact stated that a couple of weeks later, the contact was driving at 65 mph and the vehicle independently downshifted and decelerated to 55 mph. The contact then stated that while driving at various speeds, the air bag warning light illuminated causing the vehicle to stall. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,911.

- Bird City, KS, USA

problem #49

Apr 132021

Cruze

  • miles
My 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is only 4 years old. I had to replace the thermostat and after a inspection. The (vvt) variable valve timing when trying to start my car, it would click but wouldn't turn over all lights and power was on but car would not start. Also, my engine light was on and and the metal wire ring inside of the starter was completely broken in half.and had to be replaced

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #48

Feb 132021

Cruze

  • miles
Check engine light came on I paid out of pocket for 3 different diagnostics for them to say they fixed it and still have this problem. Car goes in stability track and reduced engine power wont drive over 5mph this is the same problem I see numerous other people with this car are complaining about why are you guys not investigating or recalling this engine because it's clearly a manufacturer issue

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #47

Oct 072019

Cruze

  • 70,000 miles
I purchased a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze with an auto stop feature. The vehicle was purchased as a used vehicle in August of 2019. At the time of purchase, it had 70,000 miles on it. Less than two month into having the vehicle, the car started shutting off each time I came to a complete stop. The only way to get the car moving again was by placing it in park and restarting the vehicle. This issue occurs in all settings including city streets and highways. I have to be in traffic in order for the issue to present itself on the highway. The issue presents itself on the street anytime I stop at a light, stop sign, or yield to oncoming traffic. It has done this hundreds of times to date. I took the car to a Chevrolet dealership in October of 2019 shortly after the issue began. A representative explained that this happened because the auto-stop component wasn't able to receive enough power to stay on. I had the component replaced out of pocket, since my warranty didn't cover. The same day I drove the vehicle home, the issue persisted. Since then, I have also had the battery replaced. As of November 2020, the car is still experiencing the same issues, coupled with a check engine light that comes on and goes off each time restart the vehicle. The technicians have not been able to properly diagnose this vehicle's issue after multiple visits. Much of my time and money has been wasted trying to fix a vehicle with no active recalls. This is also the second time I am filing a complaint with the NHTSA.

- Hampton, GA, USA

problem #46

Nov 122020

Cruze

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Negative battery cable shorted out, failing a main fuse and the starter. Car turned off while driving down I-5. we were able to get the car to restart one time, then once we were to a safe place to pull over turned off the car and the electrical in the car would not turn off (stereo, lights, etc..) push button start in car. Once we finally got everything to turn off the car would not start again and was towed to the repair shop.

- Shasta Lake, CA, USA

problem #45

Sep 282020

Cruze

  • 52,000 miles
High-mount stop light leaking again after recall repair. Screw mounting high mount stop light has backed out again causing leaking onto the headliner and water collecting in the battery tub. Dealer refuses to cover cost of fixing it due to "work warranty" lapsed. Extended warranty refuses to cover it as it is classified as a 'trim piece' even though it is required by D.O.T. I shouldn't have to pay to have this fixed again as it's already a known issue that was recalled once before and their 'fix' obviously didn't work.

- Springfield, MO, USA

problem #44

Sep 232020

Cruze

  • miles
The whole engine went out and the auto repair shop that I took it too is saying the whole engine needs to be replaced. I'm also not the only who is having this problem with this car. What is going on is that the engine is always overheating and having problems.

- Flower Mound, TX, USA

problem #43

Jul 272020

Cruze

  • 143,000 miles
I was in a crash on July 27,2020, pm hours.I was driving straight on interstate, it began raining, I slowed down & adjusted traction control/stability control setting.the car veered to the right for some reason, I got car back in straight motion, then in a split second, it shot to the left of the road way.I tried gaining control, to get back in the correct lane, and the car ran into the guardrail in trying to get control of it. I do not think that the rate of speed, nor weather, were the only reasons for this accident. Prior to this crash, months before, at various times, and and for no reason, the service power steering, at times the service traction control, and at times the service stability message would appear, only for a split couple of seconds, at random times. The check engine light was on, and a prior certified mechanic diagnosed it as bank 1 catalyct concerter clogged. We, were trying to get the vehichle re-diagnosed by a different mechanic shop, at the time frame this accident happened, but, covid 19, made things to difficult to arrange and plans were in progress to have it checked asap.I beleive the vehichle had a malfunction and hope to get the sensors, computers, relays or any other checked out by you, not only GM. Every airbag along doors of car deployed.but, the steering wheel airbag did not. My head hit either the steering wheel or windsheild. I had a blow to my head. If all other airbags deployed, then I feel steering wheel bag should have also. This is serious malfunctions. There were problems from this car from day 1. things went wrong way before expected time for. Such as heatercore, ignition coil, coolant leaks, thermostat housing outlet, driver door window & motor, all of most went bad before 80,000 miles.even electrical such as door chime, lights not working at correct time. Air bag malfunction led to my head being hurt.thank you.

- Gassaway, WV, USA

problem #42

Aug 032020

Cruze

  • 36,000 miles
I just purchased this car and several times while I'm driving on the freeway the radio shuts of then turns back on numerous times. Then I usually get a stability's error message. Then the best part. The power steering will completely go out while changing lanes or in mid turn. I have been driving through a round about and also while making sharp turns to get on and off the freeway. This is so dangerous! I see that so many people are reporting the same exact problem! something needs to be done about this! I called onstar 3 times in one trip. First it disconnects because all electrical components shut off, then they actually told me I have to wait to call them back while I am losing my steering. Only to conclude they can only help after I am in an accident. When this is not going on the car runs great and I love it so it is obviously some kind of manufacture defect.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

problem #41

Mar 022020

Cruze

  • 65,000 miles
After repairing the coolant system car, I drove it around the block to ensure it was working properly. Upon doing so, all gauges stopped working. I also put the car in reverse to park it in the driveway and the transmission would not go into the selected gear. We had to put the car into neutral and push it into the driveway. Also, all notification lights were also lit at the time. When it finally shifted into drive the car jerked very hard.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #40

Mar 022020

Cruze

  • 25,380 miles
Car stalls out after auto stop is disengaged. Battery is dead car wont start even tho battery has power. Door locks lock and unlock on there own. Touch screen flickers.

- Tuckahoe, NY, USA

problem #39

Dec 232019

Cruze

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the home screen became inoperable. The contact stated that the power steering ceased and the stabilitrak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #38

Dec 022019

Cruze

  • 30,000 miles
While driving, the car radio has cut out multiple times while 'service stabilitrack' has been displayed on the dash. The battery was replaced and the issues continued. This is mainly seen while slowing down or stopping at a red light. The lack of power to the car threatens safety as my turn signals failed to work and I lost power steering on one occasion. I personally researched this issue through online forums and found out that many others share the same problem. The result may be a faulty negative battery connection.

- Jenkintown, PA, USA

problem #37

Aug 272019

Cruze

  • 72,680 miles
I purchased a used vehicle from atlanta luxury motors at Kia South on August 11, 2019. I purchased this vehicle as-is, but no mechanic claims to have found any issues at the time of inspection. The vehicle is a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze and only had 70,000 miles on it at the time of purchase. About two weeks after purchase, the engine cut off after the auto-stop initiated and the check engine light came on. I had to restart the vehicle in order to get out of the road. Since then, the number of times the engine has cut off has increased immensely. As of October 29, 2019, my engine cuts off anytime the car falls into auto-stop. Today it happened eight times during one forty-five minute commute.

- Hamptom, GA, USA

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