← New search

2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Cruze years

Owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze are substantially higher than the model-year median of 250.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

483 reports with mileage · 219 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 217 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 187 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

70 crash reports17 fire reports38 injury reports

Power Train complaints

97 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Aug 21, 2026
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, wa…

Read full complaint

For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, multiple oil seals, and the head gasket. I have also had other cooling and engine components repaired, although I no longer have a complete list of every component that has been replaced. Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to experience overheating and coolant loss. The vehicle has also experienced loss of power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed an overheating warning. Other symptoms have included coolant loss, shaking and vibration, rough or uneven acceleration, loss of engine power while driving, and a check-engine light. The check-engine light has previously flashed during operation. The vehicle has also experienced unexplained engine-oil loss. These problems have continued despite extensive repairs over approximately the past year, including replacement of the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, oil seals, and head gasket. The repeated failures have created a significant safety risk because the vehicle has overheated while being driven and has previously lost power while traveling on the highway. I have been forced to stop on the side of the road, where I was almost struck by another vehicle. The possibility of sudden loss of power or overheating while traveling in traffic creates a serious risk to both myself and other motorists.

NHTSA ODI #11758553

45,000 miles · Aug 13, 2026
Power Train

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into neutral(N) or drive(D) as intended, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had re…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into neutral(N) or drive(D) as intended, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ODI #11756664

177,000 miles · May 27, 2025
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the door locks were opening and closing independently. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was also flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the heater and the A/C were also functioning independently. T…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the door locks were opening and closing independently. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was also flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the heater and the A/C were also functioning independently. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission occasionally slipped out of gear, almost causing the vehicle to stall, making the steering wheel difficult to turn. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the 12-Volt battery and the fuse box; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.

NHTSA ODI #11663067

Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2025
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainInjury

My 2014 Chevy Cruze has been having some major safety issues as of late. The powertrain has been one of the major components in this system that has failed. The engine has overheated 3 times in the last 3 months causing many safety concerns to others on the road as well as myself due to having to randomly pull over on the side o…

Read full complaint

My 2014 Chevy Cruze has been having some major safety issues as of late. The powertrain has been one of the major components in this system that has failed. The engine has overheated 3 times in the last 3 months causing many safety concerns to others on the road as well as myself due to having to randomly pull over on the side of the road on the busy highway. The car has jolted many times due to losing power and causing my neck to have a severe pinched nerve. These issues are related mainly to the fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. The engine light repeatedly goes on and off causing many issues to the car daily.

NHTSA ODI #11654439

Mileage unknown · Feb 27, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidancePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

Transmission won’t shift into gear while driving and the brakes won’t engage when this happens, this will cause a wreck and hurt someone, the codes are showing po700 tcm code

NHTSA ODI #11645360

Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

Well like everyone car has this nasty cloud of black grey smoke Turns out i have a faulty catalytic converter. Not to mention the constant over heating. The change of the water pump thermostat multiple times. This is a nightmare. I drive with one eye on the road and the other on my needle gauge. I drive with my 2 kids and my b…

Read full complaint

Well like everyone car has this nasty cloud of black grey smoke Turns out i have a faulty catalytic converter. Not to mention the constant over heating. The change of the water pump thermostat multiple times. This is a nightmare. I drive with one eye on the road and the other on my needle gauge. I drive with my 2 kids and my biggest fear is catching fire. We inhale the smoke as we drive. Unfortunately this life is taking a toll on me. The stress of this car and always needing something is terrible. Get a new car right. Yeah if life was simple we wouldnt be struggling daily breathing in all thise chemicals.

NHTSA ODI #11628731

Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train

Was parked on a slight incline with the car completely off and keys out of ignition. My daughter, her cousin and I exited the car and were walking in front of it. As we got in front of it my car made a sound like it was about to start. The headlights came on and the entire vehicle jerked forward a bit. It almost hit us.

NHTSA ODI #11601042

Mileage unknown · Apr 17, 2024
Electrical SystemPower Train

Various parts of the cooling system have failed on this vehicle multiple times even after under warranty repair (twice in as many years beginning in 2018) at a licensed dealership; and again several more times since, most recently this week. At no point did a Chevrolet/GM employee/representative alert me of known common issues, …

Read full complaint

Various parts of the cooling system have failed on this vehicle multiple times even after under warranty repair (twice in as many years beginning in 2018) at a licensed dealership; and again several more times since, most recently this week. At no point did a Chevrolet/GM employee/representative alert me of known common issues, and they even incredulously asked me who did prior repairs when it was indeed, their dealership. In all, nearly every hose been replaced at least three times, reservoir tanks replaced, and thousands of dollars outside of warranty repairs have occurred on the same components. The vehicle has completely blown hoses while driving and filled the cabin with burning, noxious, and sweet smells, and fogged up the windshield with vaporized fluids. Coolant certainly leaks and works it way into the cabin. I was not made aware of any known issues though this appears it is a common problem with this vehicle. Issues with the battery/powder have also plagued this vehicle. It results in the "stabilitrak" failing randomly, electrical issues that causing power failures and disruptions to dashboard lights and components, sound system (including from the radio, to the sounds of the blinker and alerts), and engine power getting cut off. These incidents started occurring after about a year of purchasing the vehicle (certified used) in 2017. It appears the previous owner also faced these problems. I do not currently have paperwork of the repairs but they can be obtained. Date given is of the most recent incident with the first instance occurring in 2018. I also believe this vehicle may be a victim of the airbag defect, causing a possibly premature deployment of the side airs bags only during a front tire collision. Plastic pieces broke off and caused injuries to my scalp and shoulder, though the recall would not be issued for at least 2 years.

NHTSA ODI #11583485

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2024
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

The car would randomly stop working while driving. One of the times it stopped, it stopped while driving on the freeway.

NHTSA ODI #11572066

Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2022
EnginePower TrainSteering

My car often loses power unexpectedly in the middle of a turn in an intersection and once while exiting a busy road. Twice it has died upon arrival at destinations and yet the battery has indicated when tested as fully charged. The key indicator is the radio system turns off for a second or two and then automatically restarts …

Read full complaint

My car often loses power unexpectedly in the middle of a turn in an intersection and once while exiting a busy road. Twice it has died upon arrival at destinations and yet the battery has indicated when tested as fully charged. The key indicator is the radio system turns off for a second or two and then automatically restarts and the car with it. When this occurs the car is unable to be driven as the wheel will not turn. I have informed the local Chevy dealership near me and test was done with no error codes reported. What I have had to do is remove the battery cable and replace it and it seems to make the car work for a little longer until it starts the process again with the radio. I had work done to repair the window motor and that is when I first notified Chevy (I will have to locate the date). I have given permission for my friend to drive the car and he has seen this occur with the radio but did not notice if the car shut down.

NHTSA ODI #11493299

Official recalls

10

25V764000 · Air Bags:side/window

Nov 6, 2025

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530830. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 23V674 and 23V870.

23V870000 · Air Bags:side/window

Dec 21, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232425640.

23V674000 · Air Bags:side/window

Sep 20, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232408490.

16V502000 · Electrical System:ignition; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Jul 5, 2016

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."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:ignition

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."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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."

Consequence: If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.

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.

15V442000 · Steering

Jul 10, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.

14V417000 · Equipment:electrical

Jul 2, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.

14V372000 · Air Bags

Jun 26, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.

14V151000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Mar 31, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.

14V092000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Feb 21, 2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.

13V452000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Sep 23, 2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.