2014 Chevrolet Cruze Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
89/100
#2 most-complained of 10 Cruze years
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze ranks 2nd worst of 10 model years, with a Complaint Index of 89 and 702 NHTSA complaints. Engine problems dominate at 38% of complaints, with 10 recalls including airbag inflator and steering gear issues. Verdict: Avoid.
- Complaints
- 702
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 70 / 17
- Injuries / deaths
- 57 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26 city / 37 hwy
Top 2014 Chevrolet Cruze problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine265 (38%)
- Electrical System197 (28%)
- Brakes102 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain97 (14%)
- Steering93 (13%)
- Other91 (13%)
- Airbags77 (11%)
- Fuel System61 (9%)
- Visibility & Wipers43 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires19 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report airbags failing to deploy in low- to moderate-speed crashes, including impacts with deer, curbs, and parked vehicles.
- Some drivers describe the steering wheel seizing or the vehicle swerving independently at low speeds, leading to loss of control.
- Reports describe fires breaking out after crashes, sometimes engulfing the vehicle within seconds.
- Owners describe brakes locking up and the anti-lock system malfunctioning during stop-and-go traffic, causing skids.
- Some complaints describe abnormal engine noises followed by a sudden loss of control at low speed.
2014 Chevrolet Cruze recalls
10 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V764000Nov 6, 2025Airbags2,099 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 23V870000Dec 21, 2023Airbags20,712 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 23V674000Sep 20, 2023Airbags9,264 vehicles
Air bags:side/window
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.
Risk: 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.
2014 Chevrolet Cruze fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26 MPG
- Highway
- 37 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2014 compared with other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?
- Compared to other Cruze model years, 2014 ranks 2nd worst out of 10 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 89 and 702 NHTSA complaints. NHTSA data shows the Engine as the top problem area, involved in 38% of complaints.
- What are the biggest problems with the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
- NHTSA complaints point to the Engine (38% of complaints, median mileage 59,522), Electrical System (28%), and Brakes (15%) as the top problem areas. Airbags were tied to 46 crashes despite a lower complaint share.
- Does the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze have recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2014 Cruze, covering airbag inflators, a steering gear assembly, a right half shaft on 1.4L turbo engines, and an engine oil pan/block heater cord, among others.
- How does the 2014 Cruze compare to other years?
- The 2014 Cruze has a Complaint Index of 89, worse than 2013 (67), 2015 (44), and 2018 (22), but slightly better than 2012 (100). It ranks 2nd worst of 10 years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
- EPA rates the 2014 Cruze at 30 mpg combined (26 city / 37 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,150.