How common are engine problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Engine complaints make up 114 of the 250 total complaints filed for the 2016 Cruze, or 46% of all complaints for this model year, according to NHTSA data.

Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze engine issues?

NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to this engine complaint pattern for the 2016 Cruze.

At what mileage do 2016 Cruze engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 66,050 miles.

Are the 2016 Cruze engine complaints worse than other model years?

The 46% share of engine complaints in 2016 matches or exceeds most other Cruze model years, with 2011 also at 46% and 2012 at 39%, based on NHTSA complaint data.

2016 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Problems

Engine complaints account for 114 of 250 total complaints (46%) filed on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, the highest share of any model year in the range. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this engine issue, with a median failure mileage of 66,050 miles.

Engine complaints: 114; 46% of 250
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 3
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 66,050 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Engine and accessory power loss occurs while driving, sometimes triggered by the automatic start-stop feature at a stop light, causing the vehicle to lose power when the accelerator is applied.
Owners report the engine stalling or dying suddenly at idle or while driving at various speeds, in some cases with the vehicle unable to restart afterward.
Some owners describe the vehicle sputtering, cutting off repeatedly, and needing multiple attempts to restart, sometimes tied to the check engine light and sensor or turbo hose issues.
A subset of complaints describe a burning or plastic-like smell coming from the engine area, in some cases accompanied by smoke or fire.
Loss of braking or power steering assist has been reported alongside engine warning lights, with the vehicle going into a reduced-power or limp mode.

When 2016 Chevrolet Cruze engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 7, 2016, latest Sep 17, 2026.

114 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q1 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q3 (10).

Engine recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Cruze model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
2011337 (46%)
2012338 (39%)
2013254 (43%)
2014265 (38%)
2015114 (45%)
2016114 (46%)
201782 (41%)
201833 (30%)
20196 (29%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems in the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?: Engine complaints make up 114 of the 250 total complaints filed for the 2016 Cruze, or 46% of all complaints for this model year, according to NHTSA data.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze engine issues?: NHTSA does not list any related recalls tied to this engine complaint pattern for the 2016 Cruze.
At what mileage do 2016 Cruze engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 66,050 miles.
Are the 2016 Cruze engine complaints worse than other model years?: The 46% share of engine complaints in 2016 matches or exceeds most other Cruze model years, with 2011 also at 46% and 2012 at 39%, based on NHTSA complaint data.