I have replaced my whole engine and the cars fuel system.. my gas was backing into my oil along with the engine failing .. has happened again. This car has been a nightmare and just keeps failing. Strong gas and oil burning smell then car starts smoking. Had to shut it off in the middle of the road.
2015 Chevrolet Cruze
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 250.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Cruze years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
173 reports with mileage · 78 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 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 49 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel/propulsion System complaints
23 reportsI understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to …
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I understand this vehicle is over 10 years old. I bought this vehicle pre-owned and have only had it for less than 6 months. This vehicle has 71,000 miles on it and isn't very good condition cosmetically besides the gloss paint. As a widow, I needed a dependable vehicle for work purposes. Since I've had this vehicle I've had to replace the thermostat, I've had continued overheating issues, issues with the catalytic converters, the hoses and connectors becoming brittle and needing replacement throughout the engine. Suddenly the traction control light came on the dash after they check engine light. With the code reader showed problems with the mass air flow and the mass air flow electric wiring. Suddenly after a oil change, the vehicle is running terribly and is undrivable. The ECM or computer that powers the entire vehicle has lost all power was no explanation. All the pieces and relays are in good working order. After research on this issue of the ECM I've learned that even replacement of the computer for this vehicle causes the vehicle not even to start. I contacted customer service for GM and Chevrolet and they referred me to you because it is over 10 years old. No one was able to help me. My roommate has the exact same vehicle besides I have a turbo and she does not same year, and she is also having the exact same problems including her ECM is not getting any power. I'm sure of that there's nothing anyone can do financially but Chevrolet and GM really dropped the ball on this vehicle as far as dependability and safety. I counted on this vehicle to be dependable and and live up to the standards of gmn Chevrolet and it has not. Besides this website I don't know who could called Chevrolet and GM accountable for this disaster of a car. I would appreciate any suggestions to try to get this vehicle safe and in working order if it is even possible. I appreciate your time and consideration and I am available if anyone needs to contact me with any questions thank you.
I have had car repairs done identical with the 2014 models with the same exact issues described in those year recalls, car hesitant and jerking, breaking down on numerous occasions and replacing gaskets hoses and many codes common with fuel and traction control and finally engine blown!
There are two main problems I've seen them time and time again ( on YouTube sure not great credibility but hear me out) the intake manifolds are not tightened tight enough come lose and start making the motor shudder misfire losses power and then the coolant line t isn't secured good enough and burst from high pressure I underst…
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There are two main problems I've seen them time and time again ( on YouTube sure not great credibility but hear me out) the intake manifolds are not tightened tight enough come lose and start making the motor shudder misfire losses power and then the coolant line t isn't secured good enough and burst from high pressure I understand wanting to use plastic over metal its cheaper but aluminum would have been more reliable then after that the intake manifold causes the coolant line to burst at the t which causes your head gasket to blow which in turn kills your turbo and possibly if driven ( if it's possible to drive mind you I was almost hit twice just trying to get off the road ) kills your catalytic converters and that's a complete engine failure that could have been prevented
It shakes and stutters while driving off and on. If it’s super cold outside it may not even start. When sitting idle it’ll spit and sputter and periodically backfire. When going to take off from a stop sign there’s lag or it won’t take off at all even floored. I’m getting milky oil so I’m getting condensation from somewhere. Thi…
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It shakes and stutters while driving off and on. If it’s super cold outside it may not even start. When sitting idle it’ll spit and sputter and periodically backfire. When going to take off from a stop sign there’s lag or it won’t take off at all even floored. I’m getting milky oil so I’m getting condensation from somewhere. This trickle effect all starts off my MAF sensor and has progressively gotten worse. I’ve had the MAF, o2 sensor, turbo valve , spark plugs, battery(s) changed all trying to fix this issue and 2 years later I’m still fighting with it. Yesterday while heading home I couldn’t go over 45, and it would stutter and feel like your driving on rubble strips, when I got home it smelled like something was burning, popped the hood and the dipstick showed “black” oil but in the oil cap there the milky oil in and around the cap as well as my fan being SUPER loud after it’s shut off.
Reduced engine power & service stabilitrek. Service Engine light came on, and I had reduced power on the highway in the fast/passing lane with people behind me, this issue caused my car to suddenly slow down about 30mph, causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes and cut in front of other cars to the slow lane to avoid rear …
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Reduced engine power & service stabilitrek. Service Engine light came on, and I had reduced power on the highway in the fast/passing lane with people behind me, this issue caused my car to suddenly slow down about 30mph, causing cars behind me to slam on their brakes and cut in front of other cars to the slow lane to avoid rear ending me
Unknown
Driving the car and suddenly it began to stall, next engine light came on, stability light came on, engine overheating waring came on, radio turned off, ac stopped working, smelling antifreeze, car shakes, power stalls when accellerating, smoke exited the engine, oil leaked and finally car stopped. AAA got car took it to a mech…
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Driving the car and suddenly it began to stall, next engine light came on, stability light came on, engine overheating waring came on, radio turned off, ac stopped working, smelling antifreeze, car shakes, power stalls when accellerating, smoke exited the engine, oil leaked and finally car stopped. AAA got car took it to a mechanic and rebuilt whole cylinder head. Now I received a letter from GM stating something wrong with PCV valve, and same thing is happening again same senerio just 4 months after getting fixed.
On many occasions the car would be at a stop and start shaking violently, then it would stall out no matter where I was. The engine light came on so I went to see what it was, at first I thought it was the air filter, changed that, then it was the mass airflow sensor changed that then it started doing it again, then it was the O…
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On many occasions the car would be at a stop and start shaking violently, then it would stall out no matter where I was. The engine light came on so I went to see what it was, at first I thought it was the air filter, changed that, then it was the mass airflow sensor changed that then it started doing it again, then it was the O2 sensor and it worked for a day or 2. Now if the AC is on it shakes violently again and if I am at a stop it still will stall out.
BOUGHT 2015 CRUZE LT USED IN 2017 FROM LHM USED CAR SUPERMARKET. 3 MONTHS LATER I'M RETURNING TO DEALERSHIP AS THERE IS A LARGE QUANTITY OF DEXCOOL ON THE GROUND. STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING AND SHUDDERING WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS LOOSES POWER AND EVEN STALLS ON THE…
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BOUGHT 2015 CRUZE LT USED IN 2017 FROM LHM USED CAR SUPERMARKET. 3 MONTHS LATER I'M RETURNING TO DEALERSHIP AS THERE IS A LARGE QUANTITY OF DEXCOOL ON THE GROUND. STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY REPLACE THE WATER PUMP. 3 MONTHS LATER AND THE VEHICLE STARTS SHAKING AND SHUDDERING WHILE AT STOP LIGHTS LOOSES POWER AND EVEN STALLS ON THE HIGHWAY. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC OUTSIDE THE LHM PERVIEW AND MECHANIC STATED: LEAKING COOLANT ON TRANSMISSION HOUSING AND POOLING THERE DRAIN PLUG STRIPPED OUT CAUSING MASSIVE OIL LEAK AND PCV BAD NEEDS REPLACED. THE NEW MECHANIC REPLACED THE OIL PAN AND GAVE ESTIMATES FOR THE PARTS AND LABOR FOR THE PCV AND THE COOLANT LEAK. NOW DON'T GET ME WRONG I LOVE MY CRUZE BUT I WAS TOLD ID BE CLOSE TO WHAT I OWE ON THE CAR TO REPAIR IT AS CHEVROLET WILL NOT DO A RECALL ON THE MASSIVE ISSUE PARTS, THERE IS ONLY 59,213 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. SOMEONE FROM CHEVROLET NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS AND EITHER FIX THE ISSUE OR MAKE SOME SORT OF RECOMPENSE FOR THOSE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AS I AM.
Official recalls
416V502000 · 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.
15V876000 · Seat Belts:front:anchorage
Dec 23, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured September 24, 2014, to May 29, 2015. In the affected vehicles, one of the driver-side seat belt assembly bolts may not be properly tightened.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An insufficiently torqued bolt may prevent the seat belt from holding the required load in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the bolts, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2016 Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15777.
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.
15V113000 · Parking Brake
Feb 27, 2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured February 4, 2015, to February 9, 2015. The left-rear or right-rear parking brake cable brackets may not have been properly fastened during the assembly process. As a result, the fastening bolts may back out completely, causing the parking brake bracket to separate and the parking brake to not hold the vehicle in place. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake bracket separates, the parking brake may not hold the vehicle, increasing the risk of a vehicle roll away and a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the left-rear and right-rear parking brake brackets bolts, tightening them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in March 24, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15135.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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