45 complaints reported

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Engine

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
45
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

May 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal burning odor was coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the engine was hot(H). The contact pulled over, added water to the coolant reservoir, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2025
Nov 2024

The turbo has gone out twice, it was replaced under an extended warranty policy and it has gone out again and is out of warranty, also the plastic intake manifold has gone bad again. also there is a plastic piece that comes off the engine and distributes coolant to the heater core etc...it has gone bad as well and is common on all 1.4 turbos..

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2024
Jul 2024

Defouw Chevrolet was negligent in performing the proper repairs per a GM service bulletin and special coverage. They refused to provide service, falsely claimed that I refused diagnostic, misdiagnosed the vehicle, replaced the wrong part, and were extremely rude and misogynistic. Additionally, they claim the issues were pre-existing while lacking any evidence. As a result, the vehicle now needs $6,400 in repairs, and neither GM nor Defouw will compensate us. Additionally, we have incurred $1,000 in towing costs, among other expenses.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2024
Dec 2023

There is currently a recall for Chevrolet Cruzes because of overheating, that is caused by the cooling system and the antifreeze leaking out at the thermostat housing. This is exactly what happened to my 2016 Cruze as we drove down the highway and warning lights and sounds started going off that required it to be put in the shop (Local Chevy Dealer) and have these parts replaced. If you read the safety recall for this issue on the Chevy Cruze and look at my receipt it is almost the same wording. However, the dealer told me that my Chevy Cruze was NOT covered by the recall. I believe the recall should be expanded to include all Cruzes.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2023
Dec 2023

I have been taking a burning smell emanating from the vehicle. When I took vehicle in for servicing last week, I was told that the smell was as a result of an engine leak. I was informed that my vehicle was not the first of the same make and model that the service center has seen in recent weeks. Worried that this could be an issue can lead to a fire. Planning on having repairs done, but would like to know whether this is something that can be investigated to determine whether it is a manufacturer defect.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2023
Jul 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was restarted after two attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter and Oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,800.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2023
Apr 2023

It suddenly come up with ac off to keep engine feom overheating on message .I have had 4 theromstat housings put on in the last month and it is still leaking around housing and leaking coolant out onto ground and thit has only 73000 miles .Yes it will be available to inspect if in local area afraid to drive to far and i still owe a year on this car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2023
Dec 2022

Was at a red light and my car shut off. It started back up and I was able to get home. I am now afraid my car will just stop while driving and I will crash and die

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2022
Nov 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that he noticed that the coolant level was low and added coolant to the reservoir. The contact stated that when he returned, he noticed the coolant had leaked onto the ground. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,070.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Nov 2022
Nov 2022

As of January of 2022 my Chevy Cruz Limited LTZ engine was starting to over heat. I would pull the car over and turn off the engine and allow it to cool down before starting it up again, the last of February 2022 my engine had threw a head gasket, the machanic that I took it to confirmed that it was a head gasket and had told me that the motor had done this before due to the fact that the head gasket had already been replaced by a previous owner at one point in time, it had kept getting hot while I was trying to get it to the shop so I was having to pull over every few mins causing a safety risk for myself due to the fact I was having to constantly find a place to pull over, I reported the problem to my insurance company but they unfortunately did not cover what they considered wear and tear of the vehicle, there were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the engine overheating, I took the car to the dealership for it's routine oil change and fixed the oil leak they found but did not fix. I also kept check on the oil level and made sure it wasn't low. I kept antifreeze in it as well and made sure that it didn't run low on that either considering both fluids could cause engine problems. It is now July of 2022 and I still do not have my Cruz running due to the fact I'm having to replace the head gasket or get a new motor if the engine that is in it already over heats again...

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2022
Oct 2022

The water pump leaks which will cause the vehicle to heat up. There is a recall on the same vehicles for prior years and it's the same parts. For some reason later years weren't added to the recall, but they are also defective. It is available for inspection, but I need to get it fixed quickly before it harms my engine. It is a 2016 model and have had it fixed once already while under warranty. I have not had any warning lights yet, but I noticed it leaking like the first time it happened. It puts my safety at risk if I get stranded somewhere because I can't drive my car home. I live in the desert and it's 100 degrees out most of the time which can cause heat stroke quickly. I have not taken it to the dealer, but I would rather use non dealer parts at this point or I will have to do this possibly again in a couple of years when it fails again. The vehicle has not been inspected yet, but it's the same thing as the first time. Same place.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2022
Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving over 50 MPH, the A/C unit turned off independently and the instrument panel displayed a message that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the engine power reduced message was displayed. The contact stated that after receiving message alerts on the instrument panel, the vehicle decelerated to 15-20 MPH. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred on several occasions and the instrument panel displayed message alerts for the engine overheating and the engine power being reduced. The contact attempted to call local dealers but was not successful. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2021
Jul 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the vehicle was low on antifreeze, and added antifreeze. The next day when she returned home from work, she became aware that the antifreeze level was again low. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a message was left. The failure mileage was 69,000.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Oct 2022
May 2022

Vehicle is leaking coolant I've had it fixed and continue to have issues with it. When I go to add coolant it sounds like it is boiling in the motor and car is becoming very hot and smokes from the motor. Was driving through town heard a hissing noise and somehow coolant had sprayed all over the hood and windshield of my car.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: May 2022
May 2022

Around 150,000 miles I had the code p0011 the dealership did work but code kept coming back on. So I was told I needed a cylinder head. I wanted a 2nd opinion so I took it to another dealership and was told I need to replace the engine. So July of 2021 engine was replaced. Around 09/2021 cylinder head was replaced with other work done. Now code p0011 came back on again and it’s in the show getting another cylinder head around 188,000 miles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It was inspected by Vann York Chevrolet in High Point, NC and Modern Chevrolet in Winston Salem, NC. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes it have been. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes, I do feel like I was at risk due to engine surge and or reduced power at times. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes an inspection can be done at any time. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Prior to this I kept my car service and I do have receipts. Check engine light came on 04/2021 with code p0011. Then on 07/2021 is when I got my car back with the remanufactured engine. So a 1st cylinder head came with the engine, the around 09/2021 2nd cylinder head, and now 3rd cylinder head of this remanufactured engine. This p0011 code cost me over $7,000 which I had to take a loan out and still paying for but still having the same problem. Which every thing now is covered under the engine warranty which is 3yrs or 100,000 miles. Not to mention 04/2021 I had just spent $1,339.55 water pump gaskets and seals. I have connected GM customer support. But I shouldn’t had to replace an engine around 150,000 miles and the cylinder head shouldn’t had to be replaced 3 times now. I have my records if you need to see them.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2021
Apr 2022

The car started smoking from under the hood and completely stopped and the mechanic I took the vehicle to told me that the engine is done and needs to be replaced at an estimated cost of $3,700.00. Luckily, this did not happen on the highway and I was able to get the car pulled into a retail space parking lot and get it towed to the mechanic. Wile driving, the low oil light flashed on for a moment a couple of times. Not long after that, the vehicle stalled. The mechanic changed the oil but the car was smoking with white smoke billowed out the exhaust. The vehicle has just under 114,000 miles and we have already put much money into this car to get the check engine light fixed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2022
Apr 2022

2 issues. 1st is the PCV system. PCV valve will fail regularly 1-3 years. This requires a new intake manifold and valve cover possible new hose and possible sensor replacement. Can cause stability and traction control failure. 2nd is the engine's head gasket. Between 60-70k miles these vehicles get blown head gaskets. Due to this failure, you could experience a total engine failure which will completely shut down all vehicle functions. If not properly observed this vehicle will not only have a complete failure. It will need an entire new engine due to cracked block and head or warped block and head. If it becomes warped you will need to machine both the block and head and or replace the entire engine long before it reaches 100k miles. Rendering the vehicle absolutely useless. Coolant issues with these vehicles are bad as well. Even if all these issues get fixed in a timely manner you will still most likely have a blown head gasket as I did. Engine failures on a busy highway are a big safety concern.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2022
Mar 2022

The engine and engine parts of my vehicle malfunctioned and caused excessive oil leakage. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The safety of my family is put at risk because: - The vehicle engine sputters while driving. - The engine leaks oil excessively, smokes, and lets off an oil burning odor. - The radio screen blanks out frequently. All of the issues combined worry me because I have had the vehicle serviced multiple times and the safety issues still exist. The vehicle was serviced by the manufacturer. The problems found were: engine concern for squeaking drive belt, front timing cover leaking oil, and camshaft cover leaking. The vehicle had special coverage warranties with the manufacturer for some of the parts that needed to be repaired. There were not any warning lamps, messages, or indicators for the engine issues. I encountered the engine smoking, the vehicle sputtering, a strong odor of oil burning, and excessive oil leakage spots in my driveway. These issues made me take the vehicle in. The engine light did not light up for the issues. No indicator light(s) were on when the vehicle was taken in to be serviced. The vehicle was serviced and the faulty parts were replaced. However, the same issues are present and have not subsided after being serviced, replaced, and or repaired. I worry that the engine issues for my vehicle can not be corrected and that select engine parts should be recalled.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Dec 2021
Feb 2022

Cracked Thermostat Housing Unit. No sensors went off, and smoke started pouring out from under the hood obscuring vision. Vehicle is already under repair so not available for inspection. The Thermostat Housing Units, after first repair taking the one that came with the vehicle, have also all cracked, and has had to be replaced multiple times.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2022
Aug 2021

My car and 2 other Chevrolet Cruzes that I know of have had overheating problems with the engines.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Feb 2020
Jul 2021

Coolant system. I had to pull over on a major I-70 coming into Kansas City. A major extremely dangerous and busy area. I had to get off on exit 69South. It was 100 degrees outside. was not able to let the car cool down all of the way. I would wait for 45 mins, drive two miles and have to pull over again. Check engine light came on. Overheating alarm came on with turn off ac. Which I did and turned on the heater. AGAIN, it was 100 degrees outside. I was without a vehicle in a dangerous part of town.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2021
Jul 2021

When slowing down car just dies out. Not check engine light on and no codes are being thrown. It’s very dangerous when your on the freeway In stop and go traffic and your car just dies with out warning. Everything freezes up the steering and brakes. Thankful car starts back up after a few minutes

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jul 2021
May 2021

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND I PAID $940.00 TO TRY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED AND THE QUOTE TO FIX THE PROBLEM WAS ESTIMATED TO BE APPROXIMATELY $2,000.00. I CAN DRIVE THE CAR, BUT I WILL NOT PASS THE OH EMISSIONS TEST UNTIL IT IS FIXED.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Sep 2020
Apr 2021

I was driving my 2016 Chevy Cruze and a light appears om my dashboard saying the my engine was overheating. My mechanic was booked, and recommended a shop down the road. I brought my car in on 4/8/21. The Coolant housing and hose. Then on May 27th I was driving to the store and I received the same message that my car was overheating. I brought it to my mechanic after the long holiday weekend. He says it needs another coolant hose. My research shows that this is not uncommon in these cars. Isn't there something that can be done? I bought the car used in 2018. I have 97k miles on it, and I am still making payments.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Apr 2021
Nov 2020

I OWN A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE WITH <100K MILES, NO ACCIDENT HISTORY, AND NO PREVIOUS ISSUES. I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND HAVE BEEN THE ONLY OWNER. I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET (<30 MPH) WHEN THE CAR STARTED PUTTERING AND SHAKING. THE CAR SUDDENLY SHUT OFF RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AND I HAD TO SWERVE TO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID CRASHING. UPON BRINGING THE CAR TO THE CERTIFIED CHEVY DEALERSHIP, WE LEARNED THE CAR HAD A DAMAGED PISTON AND CRACKED CYLINDER WALL. THE ONLY FIX WAS TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE ENGINE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED JUST THE WEEK PREVIOUS. I KNOW CHEVY IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THEY RELEASED SAFETY BULLETIN PIP5421F BACK IN 2018 REGARDING THIS VERY ISSUE. I ALSO KNOW THERE IS AN ACTIVE LAWSUIT IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, BUT THIS DOESN'T APPLY TO US IN MINNESOTA. I FIND IT UNACCEPTABLE THAT CHEVROLET IS AWARE OF PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE IN THEIR VEHICLES, AND HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH IT POSES A SAFETY HAZARD.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE, Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
Incident: Jun 2020

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Quick Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze has 45 Engine complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.