Home · 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Limited · Complaints

What 698 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

These are the actual owner complaints behind this car’s reliability verdict, filed with the federal government, unedited. They’re unverified reports, not confirmed defects: read them as leads for your pre-purchase inspection, not a diagnosis.

All (698)Crash / fire / injury (86)Engine (216)Electrical system (184)Transmission & drivetrain (95)Steering (93)Airbags (75)Electronic Stability Control (esc) (69)Fuel system (60)Visibility & wipers (47)Speed control (39)Brakes (30)

216 of 698 complaints match · Engine · clear filters · page 1 of 9

Jun 17, 2026Engine

Engine replaced turbo charger. Purchased the vehicle on 5/16 and a week later the engine light came on. Took the vehicle to AutoZone and received a code of P0299. Call the dealership and got no response from the salesperson so I made an appointment for 5/27. Problem was dismissed as the engine light was no longer displayed. Told to return when the light reappeared. The car stalls and the acceleration was an issue, especially for a 19 year old inexperienced driver. This put her life and those around her in danger. Took the vehicle back on 6/5 and had to leave it. No vehicles available or offered while the car was in the shop. This time they scanned the vehicle and came up with the same P0299 code. Left the vehicle for a week and the cost for the engine replaced turbocharger and all single use parts related for the repair was $3010.38 Yes, the vehicle was presented as "as as." However, the vehicle was also presented as if the maintenance and repairs were all completed and the vehicle was road ready and safe and this was not the case at all.

NHTSA ODI 11744804

May 26, 2026Electrical systemBody & structureEngineFire

On May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Central Time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be available within the coming week. The incident has been documented through photographs and video recordings, all of which have been preserved. The vehicle itself remains in its post-fire condition and has been retained for inspection. At this time, the precise cause and origin of the fire have not been determined, of which no warning lamps nor other symptoms of a problem prior to incident.

NHTSA ODI 11740155

May 4, 2026Engine

Both catalytic converters and O2 Sensor's have been replaced and I’m still getting a check engine light. Along with a multitude of other parts that I’ve had to replace. Like the turbo, gaskets, sensors multiple times…

NHTSA ODI 11735547

Feb 7, 2026Engine

Constant overheating issues with coolant loss. I have changed so many parts in this engine to correct the issue and nothing is working. There are far too many complaints online with this specific model. Why hasn’t there been a recall on this issue? This is a safety concern especially when the engine loses power while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11716507

Jan 21, 2026Engine

Water pump failure with head gasket crack

NHTSA ODI 11712540

Nov 11, 2025Engine

Catalytic converters melted do to extreme engine temperatures no heat warning was given temperature gage never went off . Water pump has been replaced 4 times. Exhaust is now affected by melted catalytic converters.

NHTSA ODI 11698775

Oct 29, 2025Electrical systemEngine

A engine always seems to run hot smells like it's burning constantly leaks coolant even after repairing electrical problems reoccurring smells like weird chemicals inside of the car when you turn on smells like gasoline and coolant this occurs every day

NHTSA ODI 11696240

May 27, 2025Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine

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

May 13, 2025Electrical systemEngineFuel system

My service lights keep popping on and start shaking etc.

NHTSA ODI 11660575

Apr 29, 2025Engine

I have this code p0324 and I replaced the whole knock sensor including the wiring with it and the code still pop up, my car is Chevy Cruze 2014 LTZ 1.4 L4 Turbo. Yesterday I went to dealer to program it and they did program the PCM and later in the evening, the check engine light pop up again with the same code but the car run fine. I seriously want to know what else can cause the issues!!

NHTSA ODI 11657412

Apr 10, 2025Engine & coolingEngine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started to emit smoke from the head gasket and from underneath the hood. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact contacted the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the smoke was coming from the turbocharger. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with cylinder head failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

NHTSA ODI 11653908

Feb 17, 2025Electrical systemEngineFuel system

N/A

NHTSA ODI 11643067

Feb 3, 2025Electrical systemBrakesEngine

ABS pump motor stuck X2 & is available for inspection. Brakes could potentially fail putting mine & other's safety at risk. Warning lamps were illuminated. This is the second time this has happened, pump motor was already replaced. There is a recall issued but not for my vehicle specifically. CAN BUS Communication issues.

NHTSA ODI 11640260

Jan 23, 2025Electrical systemEngineFire

My car caught fire driving down the road

NHTSA ODI 11637979

Dec 4, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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

Nov 25, 2024Engine

My vehicle started leaking coolant from the water pump. Gargling noise coming from the engine and coolant smell is going inside the cabin which is a heath hazard to me and my family. We have been having headache all day. I have 3 kids and a baby in riding in this vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11627153

Oct 27, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

I am writing to submit a formal complaint regarding serious safety violations and malpractice by SLValley Chevrolet, along with accountability concerns with General Motors (GM). This complaint follows an existing case with the Utah Attorney General Consumer Protection Division (Complaint SR:9-1384660535) and highlights multiple incidents that compromise vehicle safety and public well-being. Summary of Issues: 1. **Electrical Issues and Unsafe Repairs**: I incurred substantial costs, including a recent invoice of **$2,210.72** dated **October 23, 2024**, for a supposed resolution Salt Lake Valley Chevrolet was supposed to have resvoled for an electrical issue. Despite this, the electrical problems remained unresolved, indicating a lack of professional workmanship and charges for servces not rendedered. Also additional time and money wasted. 2. **Damaged Oil Pan**: Salt Lake Valley Chevrolet caused damage to my oil pan, and they attempted to charge me **$866.00** for this damage. I believe this to be an unfair and unjust practice that reflects poorly on the integrity of their service. I authorized an oil change with the electrical issue and after service the car came home leakinig oil. They damaged the components. An oil change would not have been conducted had there been damage. The April invoice with this company will also show a previous oil change and at that time no issue. 3. **Continued Safety Hazards**: I paid **$531.12** on **September 23, 2024**, for a battery cable replacement, oil change, and tire rotation, which resulted in a new leaking oil issue and a flat tire. My vehicle broke down in traffic due to these unresolved problems, creating a potential accident hazard on the road. Tried to charge me for the damage they caused to oil pan and plug. 4. **Carcinogenic Smoke Exposure**: I faced severe health risks due to inhaling carcinogenic smoke following a service in **February 2024**. A leak at the turbo line feed was noted, and d

NHTSA ODI 11622124

Jun 24, 2024Electrical systemEngineFuel system

The car starts smoking upon acceleration and the engine light comes on. It also has a lot of oil on top of the engine. I took the car to an independent dealership and he stated the engine and gaskets are bad and this is a common problem with the 2014 Chevy Cruz. I've been told there was a recall and read online of a recall on the engine. However, I did not see a recall when I entered the VIN number on the national database. I need for a manufacturer representative to contact me as soon as possible to make this situation right.

NHTSA ODI 11596172

Jun 9, 2024EngineFuel systemAirbags

My car smells like oil burning with white smoke .and the valve cover leaks and the head gasket is damaged I need help still an issue the air bag light on.this car is un safe.

NHTSA ODI 11593278

Jun 5, 2024Engine

The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving the vehicle with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had started flashing quickly, and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.

NHTSA ODI 11592693

May 21, 2024Engine

Car continues to leak coolant

NHTSA ODI 11589987

Feb 28, 2024EngineFuel systemLane Departure

NOTE: 628 SAFETY COMPLAINTS has been submitted to the NHTSA. Major Complaints submitted by several consumers for the VIN: [XXX] ; 2014; CHEVROLET CRUZE and this vehicle has NOT been removed from circulation. This vehicle should be considered a SEVERE Safety Violation and removed from the road. My son-in-law purchased this vehicle for his daughter back in Aug 2023 and within the first week the car ran hot and couldn't be driven. The car was taken back to the dealer but the dealer refused to take it because there was no warranty added to the purchase. It has been sitting parked because we were told the engine was so bad it should be totally replaced. We're positive the dealer was well aware of the vehicles condition (there was NO visual indication) the vehicle was in such poor condition. The dealer even had an on site mechanic who assured the buyer that the car was in good condition but they both the (owner and mechanic) decided to take advantage selling the car anyway. Can you direct us to whom ever can assist us in getting help in resolving this issue. Regarding the following questions, I feel is irrelevant as all past 628 complaints has been submitted in your system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11574512

Feb 15, 2024Transmission & drivetrainEngineFuel system

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

NHTSA ODI 11572066

Feb 8, 2024LightsEngine

So yesterday night I was at walmart and I had the car idling while putting stuff in the car the interior lights dimmed and there was a rattle that came from underneath the car right after the car stalled out twice, I had interior lights on but no power to the engine just sitting and once I started driving it didn't stall out on highway, but there is a possibility of this happening at a stop sign or traffic light, but again no check engine light, wondering if you can research into this? seems to be a reoccurring situation.

NHTSA ODI 11570719

Feb 6, 2024EngineFire

At [XXX] am on [XXX] the alarm sounded on my car that was parked beside my front porch. I was confused ; as I never locked my car and did not understand why my alarm would be going off. I opened the front door and the front of the car and underneath the engine was in flames. It was burning under the hood and burning and sparking behind the passenger side front tire It was very close to my home so I woke my son and we grabbed a few belongings and went out the back door. I was sure the fire would consume my car and our home. I immediately called 911 and the local fire department arrived and put it out but not before the windshield and all the tires exploded. This could have been deadly. There is absolutely no reason for my car to catch on fire. The police dept was notified and they reached out to me asking if I had full coverage insurance on my car that had burned. Unfortunately I did not. The car was paid for and I had liability insurance so I totally lost my car for an unknown reason. I looked for recalls , I called the Chevrolet company and asked if they could do an investigation but no they did not. There are recalls on earlier models of this car for combustion fires but not this model year. I wanted to sue the company as this was very traumatic and if this car had been in the garage it would have been a terrible disaster. I did not have time or money to spend on a lawsuit at the time I am writing this now because this needs to be on a public forum for other owners of this make and model car. I have lost trust in the Chevrolet company and will never ever buy another GM product. Two years later I still have no answers and nobody seemed to care that my car caught on fire for no reason in the early morning hours while we were sleeping during a rainy cold February morning and had not been driven since 9 pm the night before. Thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11570307

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Working with the data? Download all 698 complaints as CSV · fetched from NHTSA July 26, 2026

How to use these: a complaint is one owner’s report, filed voluntarily and published unverified. Patterns matter more than any single story. If several owners describe the same failure at similar mileage, put that system at the top of your pre-purchase inspection list. Back to the full 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Limited verdict →