2016 Chevrolet Cruze Electrical System Problems
NHTSA lists 61 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 24% of its 250 total complaints for the year. Owners reported 4 fires, 2 crashes, and 1 injury tied to electrical issues, with a median failure mileage of 40,500 miles. Two related recalls (16V502000 and 16V498000) touch electrical components.
- Electrical System complaints
- 61
- 24% of 250
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 40,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Owners describe sudden complete electrical shutdown while driving, with hazard lights, OnStar, power windows, and door locks all failing at once before the vehicle restarts on its own minutes later.
- Several complaints describe a burning plastic or rubber smell coming from the front of the vehicle, sometimes followed by visible smoke or fire while the car was in motion.
- Some owners report the steering locking up while merging or driving, accompanied by the electrical system flickering on and off before releasing again.
- Multiple owners report the check engine light illuminating almost immediately after purchase, at very low mileage, with delays in getting a dealer appointment.
- One complaint describes the rear backup camera and center console losing power and becoming unresponsive shortly after the vehicle was leased.
- A separate report describes an electrical harness catching fire while the vehicle was being driven, fully consuming the car.
When 2016 Chevrolet Cruze electrical complaints were filed
First complaint May 11, 2016, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
- NHTSA 16V502000Jul 5, 2016Electrical System8,367 vehicles
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 16V498000Jul 1, 2016Electrical System32,913 vehicles
Exterior lighting:headlights
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Cruze vehicles manufactured November 5, 2015, to May 26, 2016. The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Assoc. Equipment."
Risk: Without the identification code, the headlights may be improperly aimed during service, reducing nighttime visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will mail owners instructions and adhesive labels, with the correct code, to install on their headlight assemblies. Owners may also bring the vehicle to a GM dealership for any assistance with applying the label, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 50190.
Electrical System complaints by Cruze model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are electrical problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
- NHTSA lists 61 electrical system complaints for the 2016 Cruze, which is 24% of all 250 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for electrical issues on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
- Yes. Recall 16V502000 covers a park lock lever issue and recall 16V498000 covers missing headlight aim identifier codes; both are classified under the electrical system.
- Have there been fires linked to the 2016 Cruze's electrical system?
- NHTSA data shows 4 fires and 2 crashes associated with electrical system complaints for the 2016 Cruze, along with 1 reported injury.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 Cruze?
- The median mileage at failure for electrical system complaints on the 2016 Cruze is 40,500 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.