2016 Chevrolet Cruze · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 40owner reports
- 53,825median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Oct 6, 2024 · checked Sep 9, 2026
173 of the 249 complaints on this car are about the engine. 40 of those describe stalling, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Cruze.
Tick what matches of 40 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the engine cover the 2016 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Cruze
Chapman chevrolet / cruze engine recall. Closed oct 20, 2014.
NHTSA summary
Engine compartment fire. Closed jul 19, 2012, led to recall 12V-288.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 30,000 and 80,000 miles, from the 27 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“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 VIN ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE.”
Filed Sep 2, 2023
“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”
Filed Sep 12, 2022
“The car randomly shuts off when driving. It also has problems with accelerating when the AC system is turned on.”
Filed Sep 7, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 40 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Check engine light or misfire 37 reports