2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited Problems
The 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited has 240 NHTSA complaints, with engine problems dominating, but no recalls, making it a model year to approach with caution. Based on 240 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited has 240 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
CHEVROLET CRUZE LIMITED 2016 has 240 NHTSA complaints, with 104 engine problems and 57 electrical faults. No recalls exist, but 19 crash-related complaints raise safety concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Cruze Limited
- Model year
- 2016
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 240
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 30
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited?
The 2016 Cruze Limited is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on thorough pre-purchase inspections. Consider other model years with fewer complaints.
Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems that may affect ownership experience.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher maintenance risk and who can perform or afford repairs.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable, low-maintenance vehicle should avoid this year due to high complaint counts.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine for unusual noises, leaks, or check engine light.
- Check all electrical systems: lights, windows, infotainment, and battery.
- Verify airbag system operation and recall status.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for common issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Test all electrical features before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited shows 240 total complaints, with engine problems (104) and electrical faults (57) as top concerns. There are no recalls, but 19 crash-related complaints suggest potential safety issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other Cruze years, 2016 has elevated complaints, particularly in engine and electrical systems, while some years show fewer issues.
Recall context: With zero recalls, buyers must independently verify vehicle history and inspect for unreported defects.
- Engine problems account for 104 of 240 total complaints.
- Electrical faults total 57 complaints, the second most common issue.
- 19 crash-related complaints indicate potential safety concerns.
- Engine Problems: 104 complaints, the most frequent issue.
- Electrical Faults: 57 complaints, including potential wiring or component failures.
- Airbag Malfunctions: 21 complaints, a safety-critical concern.
Full breakdown
All 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 104 | 3 | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 57 | 2 | 4 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 40 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 32 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 31 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 21 | 12 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 16 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My husband was driving and noticed smoke coming from the engine so we pulled over and he lifted the hood and when he did we clearly saw a part of the Bosch manifold absolute pressure map sensor had come off and appeared to have melted off. I have taken it to a mechanic and have p…
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 ove…
My tire pressure sensor keeps coming on even after I had it worked on. 3 of them shows the pressure level but one shows 2 lines but no pressure level but there’s air in the tire. The other problem I’m having is the check engine light is on. Please advise if any issues are rec…
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 co…
I was driving the car, stopped at a light took my foot off the brake started to move and the car completely shut off. No warning lights went on. I had to start the car again. I took the car to a local dealership to be looked at. They pulled the codes, nothing showed up. I did an …
Purchased a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze on [XXX]. [XXX]. As of July 26th I paid $862 on repairs for the car to be smoking this morning on my way to work [XXX]. In total I’ve spent Almost or close to $2,000 in car repairs. This purchase was for my 17 year old daughter as a graduation pr…
I HAVE A 2016 CHEVROLET CRUZE AND THE TURBOCHARGER INTERCOOLER HOSE BASICALLY BROKE FROM WHERE THE END OF THE HOSE STARTS AND A LITTLE BIT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE AREA OF THE END PART OF THE HOSE. AND THIS CAUSED MY ENGINE'S POWER TO BE REDUCED INMENSLY. TO THE POINT THAT I HAD MY FOO…
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.…
Component or System Failed/Malfunctioned: The turbocharger has been identified by a GM service center as the component that failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request at the service center where the diagnosis was made. Safety Risk: The safety of myself …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel pulled to the left forcibly. The contact also stated that the vehicle was oversteered, and the wheel made the vehicle move in a straight line. The …
On [XXX], the right front passenger side control arm/ball joint broke as my daughters were driving home. The car was in motion on a major street in Kansas City, KS when the control arm/ball joint broke. My daughter was in the right-hand lane when it broke as the car was in motion…
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 applie…
Power train system (po299) A turbocharger harnesses the flow of exhaust gases that spins an internal turbine. This turbine then forces or packs air into the engine faster than normal .This action increases the horsepower of the engine. When it doesn’t work!!!!A failed turbo char…
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. …
Hit a buck on highway. When airbags went off I felt sudden sharp pain in my left arm. I was later advised that it most likely was shrapnel from the airbag. It was obvious from the injury something hit my arm with a lot of force. The car was a total loss and in possession of…
I was driving down the road when my son said he smelled something and made pull over. There were what I thought were small flames on the floor so i dumped my water on them, then i realized the seat itself was melting and dripping stuff on the floor. then the seat went up. Very…
My vehicle gives the message "shift to park" even when it placed in park, making it impossible to lock and possibly causing the battery to run down. Continuing to restart the vehicle and placing in park until the message goes away has been my only resolution. The issue has bee…
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 i…
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the front air bag warning light illuminated, and the message "Service Air Bags" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer that stated that the front passenger side air bags needed to be rep…
Stability Track came on randomly all of sudden car was stalling, running poorly and smell Gas , sure enough leaking Gas Everywhere, very dangerous. Lucky car did not catch on fire. I am still paying for this car. Just thankful no one got injured. THERE IS NO RECALLS FOR THIS VI…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited.
Safety recalls
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited. With zero recalls, buyers must independently verify vehicle history and inspect for unreported defects. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 240 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2016 Cruze Limited is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on thorough pre-purchase inspections. Consider other model years with fewer complaints. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited?▾
#1: Engine Problems (104 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (57 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (40 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 6 fire reports out of 240 total complaints. 14 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited?▾
The 2016 Cruze Limited is a high-risk choice due to frequent engine and electrical complaints. Without recalls, buyers must rely on thorough pre-purchase inspections. Consider other model years with fewer complaints. Engine and electrical issues can lead to costly repairs and safety hazards. These patterns indicate potential reliability problems that may affect ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Cruze Limited reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze Limited based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.