Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019
2nd generation (J400)
NHTSA data through 13 August 2026882 complaints, 498 with mileageMethod
- Reports with mileage
- 498
- Median of reported failures
- 40,000 mi
- Most-reported system
- Engine (23.2%)
- Recalls
- 6
Before-you-buy checklist ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
On this generation, failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 15,980 and 68,000 miles.
Figure 1 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019 · 498 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
Complaints per 10,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 87 complaints.
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 10%
- 2,000
- 25%
- 15,980
- Median
- 40,000
- 75%
- 68,000
- 90%
- 91,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 87 | 17.5% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 67 | 13.5% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 50 | 10.0% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 42 | 8.4% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 34 | 6.8% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 42 | 8.4% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 53 | 10.6% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 31 | 6.2% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 36 | 7.2% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 15 | 3.0% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 17 | 3.4% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 8 | 1.6% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 3 | 0.6% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 5 | 1.0% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 4 | 0.8% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 3 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.
What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.
Owners filed 882 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze, and 498 of them record the mileage at which the failure happened. That is enough to show not just what fails, but when.
Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 15,980 and 68,000 miles. The median is 40,000 miles.
The most-reported areas are the engine (23.2% of complaints, typically around 53,000 miles), the electrical system (12.2% of complaints, typically around 33,000 miles), problems owners could not categorise (11.2% of complaints, typically around 35,000 miles).
6 recall campaigns cover this generation.
If you arrived asking “is it reliable?” — this page answers the version of that question the data can support: which problems owners reported, and at what mileage.
How many miles does a 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze last?
Half of the failure reports on the 2016–2019 Chevrolet Cruze were filed by 40,000 miles and 90% by 91,000 miles — figures drawn from 498 NHTSA complaints that record an odometer reading, so they time reported failures, not the cars whose owners never filed one.
Before you buy a 2016–2019 Cruze: the 3-minute check
Generated from 498 mileage-tagged complaints, 6 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
- Check engine (1.4l le2 turbo) on 2016–2019 cars. 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.
- Check engine (1.4l le2 turbo) on 2016–2019 cars. Head gasket failure and coolant loss reported at moderate mileage, often following the cooling-system leaks above.
- Check emissions (1.6l diesel) on 2017–2018 cars. DEF/SCR and DPF regeneration faults triggering limp mode and no-start countdowns.
- Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.
For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 16,000 and 68,000 miles, with a median of 40,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.
On inspection, the engine and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The electrical system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 33,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.
None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.
What fails, and when
Figure 2 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019
When each system fails
Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.
- Electrical system108 reports33,00013,000–61,000Electrical system: 108 reports, median 33,000 miles, middle half 13,000 to 61,000 miles.
- Problems owners could not categorise99 reports35,00012,000–60,000Problems owners could not categorise: 99 reports, median 35,000 miles, middle half 12,000 to 60,000 miles.
- Fuel and propulsion system56 reports36,0008,000–67,000Fuel and propulsion system: 56 reports, median 36,000 miles, middle half 8,000 to 67,000 miles.
- Brakes50 reports40,00014,000–62,000Brakes: 50 reports, median 40,000 miles, middle half 14,000 to 62,000 miles.
- Transmission and driveline99 reports45,00025,000–72,000Transmission and driveline: 99 reports, median 45,000 miles, middle half 25,000 to 72,000 miles.
- Engine205 reports53,00019,000–75,000Engine: 205 reports, median 53,000 miles, middle half 19,000 to 75,000 miles.
- Airbag system38 reports58,00021,000–91,000Airbag system: 38 reports, median 58,000 miles, middle half 21,000 to 91,000 miles.
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 205 | 23.2% | 53,000 | 19,000–75,000 |
| Electrical system | 108 | 12.2% | 33,000 | 13,000–61,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 99 | 11.2% | 35,000 | 12,000–60,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 99 | 11.2% | 45,000 | 25,000–72,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 56 | 6.3% | 36,000 | 8,000–67,000 |
| Brakes | 50 | 5.7% | 40,000 | 14,000–62,000 |
| Airbag system | 38 | 4.3% | 58,000 | 21,000–91,000 |
| Steering | 33 | 3.7% | 43,000 | 21,000–61,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 27 | 3.1% | 30,000 | 10,000–60,000 |
| Body structure | 27 | 3.1% | 42,000 | 18,000–75,000 |
Where your car sits
Failure reports by the odometer reading they were filed at. Pick the anchor nearest your car — or type the exact mileage: your marker lands on this curve and on the timing chart above.
Figure 3 · Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2019 · 498 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.
- 60,000 mi — 65% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
- Your odometer — appears after you enter it below
Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
At 60,000 miles
65% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 35,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Engine — middle half 19,000–75,000 mi
- Electrical system — middle half 13,000–61,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — middle half 25,000–72,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — middle half 8,000–67,000 mi
- Brakes — middle half 14,000–62,000 mi
- Airbag system — middle half 21,000–91,000 mi
At 90,000 miles
89% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine — median 53,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 33,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 35,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 45,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — median 36,000 mi
- Brakes — median 40,000 mi
In the reporting window
- Airbag system — middle half 21,000–91,000 mi
At 120,000 miles
97% of the failure reports on this generation came below this mileage. That describes reports, not your odds.
Reported earlier than this mileage — ask for repair records
- Engine — median 53,000 mi
- Electrical system — median 33,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise — median 35,000 mi
- Transmission and driveline — median 45,000 mi
- Fuel and propulsion system — median 36,000 mi
- Brakes — median 40,000 mi
- Airbag system — median 58,000 mi
Which systems, and when
Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 40,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.
The engine accounts for 23.2% of complaints (205 reports, 105 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 53,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 19,000 and 75,000 miles.
The electrical system accounts for 12.2% of complaints (108 reports, 67 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 33,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 13,000 and 61,000 miles.
Problems owners could not categorise accounts for 11.2% of complaints (99 reports, 55 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 35,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 12,000 and 60,000 miles.
The transmission and driveline accounts for 11.2% of complaints (99 reports, 47 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 45,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 25,000 and 72,000 miles.
The fuel and propulsion system accounts for 6.3% of complaints (56 reports, 26 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 36,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 8,000 and 67,000 miles.
The brakes account for 5.7% of complaints (50 reports, 29 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 40,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 14,000 and 62,000 miles.
Differences between model years
Within this generation, complaint volume is not constant across model years. The 2016 model year drew the most — 391 complaints — while 2019 drew the fewest at 30. The median year sits at 230.
The first year of the generation, 2016, sits above the median. That is a common pattern — early production of a redesigned vehicle tends to surface problems that later years do not repeat — and it is worth weighing when choosing between years.
Recalls and what they cover
NHTSA records 6 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.
Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.
Reported severity
What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 882 complaints against this generation:
- Crashes
- 73 (8.3%)
- Fires
- 27
- Injury reports
- 37
- Fatality reports
- 1
These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.
Documented problems
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.
By model year
| Year | Complaints | With mileage |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 391 | 238 |
| 2017 | 295 | 159 |
| 2018 | 166 | 94 |
| 2019 | 30 | 7 |
Recalls (6) — is your car included?
Dec 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 Acadia, and 2020 Cadillac XT6 vehicles. The start/stop accumulator endcap may have missing bolts.
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 presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
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 GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313440.
Oct 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 rear brake caliper pistons may have an insufficient coating causing gas pockets to form, potentially reducing rear brake performance.
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 customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Jun 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 vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, "Fuel System Integrity."
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 June 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 18159.
Feb 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 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."
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 17035.
Oct 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 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 Sta
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 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.
Aug 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 fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
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 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.
What owners reported
Problem of sickening, strong odor inside the car while the engine is running. Sweet smell of coolant emanating from inside the dashboard ventilation area system. Odor persists throughout the drive. It persists in all settings of ventilation, a.C., Air, etc. I have brought the car in for repeated,failed attempts by the…
2016 · 25 miles · Problems owners could not categorise
I purchased a new 2016 chevy Cruze limited from fairway Chevrolet on 4/2/16. At the time of purchase i was not aware that it had a center high mounted stop light flashing device on it[the dealer called it a "red alert system". I stated to dealership personnel that per DOT laws that i believe such a device is not…
2016 · 30 miles · Exterior lighting
the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Without warning, the vehicle had an internal leak that saturated the rear of the vehicle, the flooring, the electronic components, and caused various shorts within the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…
2016 · 250 miles · Body structure
Built from 498 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-08-18 · open data · reproduce this page