What 201 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

Once my Chevrolet Cruze equipped with the 1.6liter diesel engine and 9T50 transmission reached 120,000 miles it stopped shifting into the 9th speed. I had Jones Chevrolet (local GM dealer) flush the transmission at their request. Apparently the transmission filter is basically impossible to replace unless pulling the transmission out and taking the transmission apart. This problem still exists and after doing some research it seems that GM knows of the problem and changed the torque converter and transmission pump in later years.

NHTSA ODI 11629407

When it’s cold outside the air induction signal comes on and comes off. This is the second time I had this service within a year. Mechanics advised me that there is nothing wrong with my vehicle and drives smooth that the code P1101 maybe a recall because they have been seeing it much frequent on Chevy Cruze 2017,2018

NHTSA ODI 11628906

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while attempting to reverse, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated while attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11616229

At just over 70k miles the engine began running rough. Diagnostic showed cylinder 1 pressure issues from cracked piston requiring engine replacement. This vehicle has had all recommend service since owning it.

NHTSA ODI 11599316

The slave cylinder failed in the manual transmission. When it failed, the petal went to the floor and did not return. In a panic I was trying to engage it, the vehicle was rolling without control of the drivetrain. I pulled into a driveway and rolled out into traffic when trying to put it in reverse and was not able to move the vehicle. Yes you can inspect it currently being repaired for $1500

NHTSA ODI 11596269

Operating vehicle on German autobahn, 90mph, brake assist light came on, check engine light came on, vehicle loss turbo power, felt a shift in the transmission feeling, without notice as a slowly pulled into the gate guard at 30mph, I had zero brakes, loud metal noise and/vibration applying the brakes hard, I almost impacted the vehicle in front of me, vehicle was parked, vehicle would not start afterwards, had the brake assist light only come on when I backed out the driveway with a little noise riding the brake out the driveway but the light disappeared the same day. Vehicle was towed to the GM dealer in Pirmasens, was told that the brake booster failed, the cam, timing chain, and brake booster needs to be replaced and that my car was not under any recall yet research on the internet shows that others had te same problem with the Cruze.

NHTSA ODI 11593087

Periodically the dash cluster board and information center goes black and will stay blank for about a minute or two and then comes back on

NHTSA ODI 11589622

The vehicle has been struggling off and on to accelerate from a stopped position or a need to suddenly increase in speed (merging onto an expressway). I have replaced several parts of the car, there are no codes available to the technicians but it is reported in several forums and a common issue. I have almost been t-boned making a left turn onto major roads where there are cars going 55-70 or above mph because the car suddenly stops working even when pressing the acceleration pedal all the way to the floor.

NHTSA ODI 11589211

To whom it may concern, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration regarding my recent experience with my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. It has come to my attention that there is a known issue with the piston in the engine of this model, and unfortunately, I have fallen victim to it. This issue has caused significant inconvenience and expense for me. As a loyal Chevrolet customer, I expect better quality and reliability from your vehicles. I urge you to address this matter promptly and take responsibility for the faulty piston in the engine of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. I trust that you will take appropriate action to rectify this situation and restore my confidence in your brand. Case # 9-12557961076

NHTSA ODI 11584805

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was a clunking sound, and the sound was more prominent while driving over small bumps or dents in the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a bent sway bar. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.

NHTSA ODI 11580996

Several times during ownership (Bought used in 2021 with 13,000 miles at purchase, currently 35,000 miles on car. Entire instrument cluster including center screen and center console shifter selector goes completely dark. This includes both speedometer indicators. No apparent cause, no advance warning, screen(s) just "black out". After some time...30-40 seconds to as long as 2-3 minutes all console and instruments lights come back on. Happens during daytime and nighttime usage, with heater and/or air conditioning in use.

NHTSA ODI 11573424

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that a faulty High Mount Stop Lamp gasket allowed water to leak into the trunk and fill the rear compartment battery tub, resulting in water damage to the Multifunction Power Supply Converter, Fuel Pump Power Control Module, and Fuse Block. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Satisfaction Program 16147, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ODI 11566050

I want to know if there is a recall on GM cars with standard transmissions that have the shared master cylinder. That is when the clutch master cylinder and the brake master cylinder are the same part. When the clutch release cylinder leaks, you also lose brake fluid, and when the leak is bad enough, you lose your clutch and brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11565053

1st cylinder misfire with only 60,000 miles on it. Research shows this is an issue yet GM Chevy has not recalled it. Not a simple fix it requires new engine

NHTSA ODI 11556035

Car stops running unexpectedly and without warning. Just driving along and suddenly no power. Usually necessary to restart the car although occasionally it restarts on its own. Very dangerous when it happens at highway speed. Per my mechanic no codes show up for this problem. I looked up this issue online and see that plenty of other Chevy Cruze owners have had the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11553570

The piston in my front cylinder cracked while traveling causing safety issues including, inconsistent speeds, poor acceleration, engine cutting off while driving. While no accident/injury occurred while driving in this instance, it would have been easy for something to happen. The garage I took it took recommended against driving it as it could shut down at any time on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11547188

Car spontaneously stops accelerating. Sometimes a restart is needed. It jerks as you're trying to gain acceleration. Sometimes it stalls after non acceleration. Safety is compromised due to traffic behind me going speed limit or worse. First appeared 2 months ago. Mechanic could not detect anything on diagnostics. Then we took it to the Chevy dealer where purchased and after 5 days could not diagnose. They took it out 3x but could not duplicate symptoms. No lights flash, no warnings. I'm at a loss, I'm a senior citizen who needs her vehicle. I no longer feel safe driving it. Please advise.

NHTSA ODI 11546194

The seat will not move forward. Being that it is an electric motor, it has become increasingly difficult to reach the pedals, especially the brakes.

NHTSA ODI 11545733

The Service Stabilitrak light came on at the same time as the check engine light. When this happened the first time I had it checked, it gave the Code P1101. I payed to having the Massive air flow sensor fix, than a few days after having massive air flow sensor replaced.The Service Stabilitrak and engine light came back on. The engine started to misfire I took it back to the car dealer shop and I was told that it was a Cylinder in the engine. The dealers shop at first couldn't tell me why it was doing this. After the car dealer ship opened up the engine they said that engine needed to be replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11543957

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and was slow to accelerate. The stabili-trak control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was slow to respond while driving uphill. There was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the coil pack, turbo boost, spark plugs, an oil change, ABS, brake booster, and air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the low turbo boost. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ODI 11543469

The engine failed and needs replacement due to low compression and constant misfire on cylinder #1, according to the dealership. I sold the vehicle because of the repair costs that were required. The vehicle’s mileage was 47,664 at time of inspection. A Chevrolet dealer confirmed the issue, and GM acknowledged that the issue occurred. The check engine light turned on a few weeks before the failure was diagnosed, and the light began flashing about a week before it was diagnosed. The Service Stabilitrak light also turned on at the same time as the check engine light.

NHTSA ODI 11541970

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #1. The vehicle was taken to another independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the piston was fractured, and the engine block needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ODI 11537760

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle decelerated to 30-35 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle made abnormal rattling sounds and failed to exceed 30-35 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the knock sensors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred two months later. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the knock sensors and the engine were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Zimbrick Chevrolet Service (1877 W Main St #200, Sun Prairie, WI 53590), where the knock sensors and the knock sensors terminal were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the Engine Control Module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.

NHTSA ODI 11534297

Vehicle had a cracked piston. Now the vehicle is very sluggish while accelerating from a stop. Burns a tremendous amount of fuel. Vehicle is also stalling frequently. It’s been to Chevrolet twice and a mom and pop shop and nobody can figure out what the problem is.

NHTSA ODI 11533975

Based off my mechanic's assessment and that of a Chevrolet dealership, one of the cylinders in my Chevy Cruze is no longer firing. The dealership believes at least one of the pistons needs to be replaced. The car is available for inspection. The car is unreliable to drive, as I drove up a freeway incline it slowed to a dangerously low speed for freeway driving. The dealership has confirmed they believe it is an issue with the piston but will not confirm without charging $2800 to dismantle the car and are not able to guarantee they will be able to fix the issue. Diagnostics were run on the car at Putnam Chevrolet in Burlingame CA. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to a major issue with the cars functionality. The issue first appeared June 15, 2023 without any warning. The engine light came on and the car was not functioning properly, plus a notification to "service Stabilitrek". I have found mention of the same problem on consumer forums. Cracked pistons are a KNOWN issue on this make and model but there are no recalls and the car is just outside of the warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11534172