2016 Chevrolet Cruze: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze: 4 recalls, 250 owner complaints and up to 34 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #16V498000 · 2016 · 32,913 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Without the identification code, the headlights May be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Electrical, Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #16V502000 · 2016 · 8,367 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If the key is removed without the transmission in park, the vehicle May rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Seats Vehicle recall #17V057000 · 2017 · 17,197 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: In a crash, the seat-backs for the front seats May break, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants.
The 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.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #18V304000 · 2018 · 111,966 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 6 mention a fire, 14 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (102): the most common themes are warning light on (31), stalls / loses power (25), leaks (17).
- Electrical (59): the most common themes are electrical failure (22), stalls / loses power (19), warning light on (15).
- Other / unknown (43): the most common themes are leaks (7), stalls / loses power (7), electrical failure (6).
- Fuel & propulsion (35): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (11), leaks (9), warning light on (8).
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 250 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 10 Cruze model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 372). Complaints peaked in 2020 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 56,639 miles. Neighboring years: 2015 (252 complaints, 4 recalls), 2017 (201 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 40 | 34 | Regular |
| 1.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2016 Chevrolet Cruze problems?
Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (102), electrical (59), other / unknown (43).
What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze get?
EPA ratings run up to 34 mpg combined (1.4 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.