2016 Chevrolet Cruze: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
First year of the redesigned gen2 Cruze: lighter, roomier and more efficient, but the new 1.4L turbo brought cooling leaks, stalling and turbo failures. Buy only with documented service and a careful inspection. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze ranged from $16,620 to $23,120 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
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First year of the redesigned gen2 Cruze: lighter, roomier and more efficient, but the new 1.4L turbo brought cooling leaks, stalling and turbo failures. Buy only with documented service and a careful inspection.
Sources (5)
- fixdapp.comhttps://www.fixdapp.com/car-reviews/best-worst-years-of-the-chevrolet-cruze-g…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze.html
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/cruze-16.html
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-cruze-reliability-and-common-problems/
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
Known issues
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1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement.
commonly reported · 89 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive.
occasional · 28 NHTSA complaints · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=cru…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy, including a 1.4L turbo around 30/40 mpg city/highway and an available diesel rated about 52 mpg highway.
- Spacious, modern interior with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a comfortable, quiet ride.
- Affordable to buy used and pleasant, refined daily commuter.
Cons
- Discontinued by GM after 2019, which can mean weaker long-term parts and dealer support.
- 1.4L turbo engine concerns persist, cracked pistons, coolant leaks, turbo failures and stalling on some examples.
- Manual-transmission clutch and automatic shifting complaints reported.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L Sedan | $16,620 | discontinued | 1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp) | 34 |
| LS Sedan | $18,120 | discontinued | 1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp) | 34 |
| LT Sedan | $19,820 | discontinued | 1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp) | 34 |
| Premier Sedan | $23,120 | discontinued | 1.4L turbo 4-cyl (153 hp) | 34 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (3)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-chevrolet-cruze-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/37276
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Cruze
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,600–1,700/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 34 MPG) | ≈ $1,129/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/cruze
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/chevrolet-cruze-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have?
Documented issue patterns include: 1.4L turbo (LE2) engine problems, cracked pistons, cylinder misfires, coolant leaks, turbocharger failures and unexpected stalling, sometimes requiring engine or turbo replacement; Transmission and driveline complaints, automatic transmission shifting faults and manual-transmission clutch slave-cylinder failures leading to loss of drive. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
First year of the redesigned gen2 Cruze: lighter, roomier and more efficient, but the new 1.4L turbo brought cooling leaks, stalling and turbo failures. Buy only with documented service and a careful inspection.
How much did the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze cost new?
Between $16,620 and $23,120 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Cruze expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.