What 251 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

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.

NHTSA ODI 11743926

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was leaking oil from the top of the engine onto the drive belts. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11714257

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The warning light turned on and off, and the vehicle suddenly stalled. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that the vehicle started jerking and rolling while on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ODI 11709650

Radiator leaks, car overheated. Looking online it is obvious that a lot of people have had this same issue, so why no recall. It's a peice of crap car, that is dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11705439

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.

NHTSA ODI 11669241

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!

NHTSA ODI 11660519

I have had to replace the turbo 3 times now. My car was leaking oil where the the oil filter is so I replaced that whole part. I watched a video how to replace the part. And it said in the video to remove the plastic piece from the engine oil cooler filter housing if you have a turbo because it feeds oil to your turbo. Well my car had the original part on it and the plastic piece wasn't removed causing no oil to get to the turbo. And the turbo has glowed red hot almost catching fire.

NHTSA ODI 11646618

On [XXX], I purchased a used car from Marietta Auto Sales(2015 Chevy Cruze), through sales agent Alexis Wiley, I test drove the car and everything seemed fine, so I continued with the purchase, later that same day I had a diagnostic done on the car(AutoZone),the fix finder read Check Engine(pass),ABS(pass),Emissions ready(no),Service Interval(pass), I attempted to contact Agent Alexis Wiley immediately, to no avail as it was later in the day, the very next day after the purchase the check engine light came on, I was able to get in touch Agent Alexis Wiley that day and she assured me she would help me address the matter, she did not, there were a mixture phone calls and text between her and I, I made several calls and left several messages and was told someone would get back to me, they never did. On 11-23-2024 I drove to the establishment to show them the many diagnostic reports showing that the car they sold me was defective, additionally I performed an on the spot diagnostics with my (INNOVA SD35 scan tool), also in front of service manager (Paul),he would not reveal his sir name to me, I showed how the diagnostic revealed that for some reason the, Fuel System monitor, Oxygen sensor monitor, as well as the Oxygen Sensor Heater Monitors, have all been disabled, to know avail, the establishment continued defend the sell of this defective vehicle. I've spent thousands of dollars attempting to repair the vehicle to no avail. As I Traded my vehicle to this same establishment at the time of the sale, I am forced to commute in a vehicle that has cut off no less than three times while waiting at a red light, each time I put fuel in the vehicle it struggles to start back up. I've filed complaints against this establishment with the,(BBB),(Capitol One Auto Finance),all to no avail, and most recently with the (CFPB-),which is currently open. This establishment withheld things about this vehicle that should have been made known to me as a consumer. My safety is at risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11643833

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while opening the driver's side front window and the passenger’s side front window, the cable snapped, and the window fell inside the door. The power windows became inoperable. The message to open and close the window was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on three occasions, where it was diagnosed that the power window regulator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11640898

The check engine light came up, after having the code read it was discovered that the turbo charger was bad. My vehicle was fixed by the dealer. Prior to being fixed my vehicle was running rougher and accelerating at a slower speed.

NHTSA ODI 11632293

I have been up there date for fixing this vehicle for the last 4 years when i bought it with 60k miles , I have replaced multiple parts so far from foil pump , wheel, coolant pipes and the container many times from constant leaking in the fuel pump, I have replaced the alternater twice by 70k miles , ABS system failed many times and no one can fix it , Lastly , my daughter was driving to school and while she was driving on the roundabout in the outer lane . She tried to turn the steering wheel t take the exit and everything got locked on her immediately from steering wheel and the break paddle caused he car shift to the curb and hit the side walk because it went out if control because the tire split out the wheel along with another piece from wheel behind the tire , almost killed my daughter on the seen . I had spent in this At least $10k and now it barely passed &100k Just unbelievable. This car is piece of trash no safety in this car now I parked the car and I’m trying to think what to do with it. I will take it back to the GM and the Chevy dealers and I’m complain because even the dealers for the GM and Chevy are the worst people to deal with and the worst customer service. They’re not helpful at all. I have went to local shops. They do better job but the thing is this car is piece of crap Replacing and go back. I am not spending any more penny on this car now I have to get a brand new car for my daughter to go to college she needs it better or don’t sell more cars. This has to be a trust immediately as my daughter career relying on transportation, And I am not claiming my insurance to fix the damage on my vehicle because my insurance will raise my premiums and there was no other car involved because she was on the roundabout on the side lane and she had to hit the curb because the car kept going and has no control but luckily she wasn’t going on the inside lane on the roundabout otherwise she’ll be hitting another vehicles from losing control

NHTSA ODI 11616989

My 2015 Chevy Cruze has had the Turbo replaced because it was blown. It has had every component that connects to turbo replaced, MAP sensor, wastegate, the intake system, the manifold gaskets, the coil pack, fuel injectors idle control valve, coolant bypass hose and engine coolant housing, oxygen sensors, oil pressure sensor switch, purge valve solenoid, and of course the oil pan gasket. Every hose has been changed in case of pin hole for air leak too. I run Iridium spark plugs, high test gas, do my oil changes on time with full synthetic oil but yet every time something gets fixed the check engine light comes back on. Living in the great (not) state of NY you cannot have check engine on for inspection, I financed this with Carvana and this car has been nothing but problems. I would think looking at all the reviews on here CHEVROLET WOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE CRUZE’S! The turbo’s are a major issue and cost Thousands of dollars to repair… Like many others I live on a very tight budget I’m on disability and cannot afford to keep trying to fix this car. It’s time to do something about it, maybe a class action lawsuit on the turbo’s……

NHTSA ODI 11601269

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a cracked catalytic convertor. The vehicle was repaired, however, two years later the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with catalytic convertor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact discovered an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11581800

Frequent thermostat/coolant system problems going on 4 times since I have had the car.

NHTSA ODI 11576792

The turbo on the vehicle develops a crack in the exhaust side by the wastegate over time. This is a common problem as reported by forums, that seems to be a near 100% failure rate. The crack causes lost of intake boost pressure that throws a low boost code and reduces engine power significantly.

NHTSA ODI 11559607

My engine light has been randomly coming on then off leaving many history codes. It's normally a diesel particulate filter code and I have paid hundreds replacing each sensor or part. So this time, Carroll Buick of Venice Fla says the embedded code is saying I need an engine control module , same code. I'm still driving it they say it's safe to drive because the part $900.00, plus labor, is backorder. I'm a bit over 100,000 miles and I have a lifetime power train warranty but it won't cover any electrical parts only greased literal parts of engine or transmission. I'm not certain it's true anymore they replaced everything so far over 2 years but I'm at theor mercy. Zurich warranty is not covering this and I'm shocked it went just b4 100k miles and now I'm at 107k. I feel chevy should own this issue since I've been told to keep driving it with the engine light on. I'm really scared but I need it to go to work please help thx

NHTSA ODI 11554656

Vehicle only has 47939 miles on it and my check engine light came on. I had it coded and it comes up the turbo. It sounds bad and loses power at stop light or going up hill

NHTSA ODI 11547470

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

NHTSA ODI 11545373

I have had my car in the shop MULTIPLE TIMES causing me to lose work. On july24 my car radio shutoff,and on dashboard light off , inside lamp lights flickered. A message of service stabilitrak, service steering. Car parked within 3 miles. I called AAA and towed to koons whitemarsh immediately. I told advisor what happened. After she called next day to say battery was bad.I remembered that there was a recall on negative battery cable. My battery was checked on 7-11-23 and was fine. My battery was installed 10-21-20. No problems with electrical. I requested to have cable replaced because I have been in the shop to much missing work. Then I foundThere is a service bulletin recall for exactly what was happening with my car. I was told my Vin didn't match and that was it!! Despite being my exact problem. I am female so I think I was just ignored. I got a battery that I may not have needed and requested cable because I didn't want to loose steering. By stopping so soon code may not have appeared at dealer. Igot a $70help with bill of $626 for a repair. should be included in this recall despite vin . I have exactly what is recalled.. sometimes cars are added to recalls after initial recall.

NHTSA ODI 11537312

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

NHTSA ODI 11536752

The contact's sister owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. After stopping, the driver noticed there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The driver added additional coolant to the reservoir. The contact removed the water pump and noticed that the housing unit had crumbled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11535406

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that at start up, the key was placed in the ignition however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that she attempted to start the vehicle another time and the vehicle started. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the A/C unit inadvertently turned on, but there was no air coming through the vents. The contact stated that she was able to drive to work however, after getting off work, she attempted to start the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact attempted a second time and the vehicle started and performed as designed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the vehicle would be kept overnight. The contact was then informed by the dealer that the vehicle had been diagnosed and that the communication and power issue were not receiving any voltage. The contact was then informed that a message was displayed on the instrument panel “Theft Deterrent “and the hazard lights intermittently flashed, and the HBC warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that upon research, she referenced TSB: SB 10057574-8899: indicating the negative battery and the battery fuse block. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered. The failure mileage was approximately 107,392.

NHTSA ODI 11535073

When i turn the A/C on, it appears a message on the screen that says A/C off due to high engine temperature. The car is losing coolant without external leak. A mechanic performed a cold pump test to the cooling system and no external leak was found. After that it was performed a compression test at a shop to each cylinder, finding that there's a bad head gasket. My car only has 70.000 miles and it has a bad head gasket already. This can cause an accident because when your engine is overheating, you should pull over your car as soon as possible to avoid any serious damage on your car. Besides that, the losing of coolant should cause a fire on the engine. There are recalls for the same vehicle but not for the 2015 Cruze and I have read lot of complaints about the same issue.

NHTSA ODI 11529011

Leaking coolant, overheating engine

NHTSA ODI 11528773

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sputtering, lost motive power, and an abnormal sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11526544