What 201 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

Faulty knock sensor at 83k miles. First symptoms were slow/jerky acceleration and needing to apply more pressure to the gas pedal to maintain speed, followed by illuminated Check engine light that came on a few days later. The scanner at Autozone pulled the code P0325. Improper detonation regulation is dangerous. This vehicle has been well maintained but needed all four pistons replaced after 60k miles and the cause of the piston damage is unknown. In this vehicle’s history is also intermittent stalling and the vehicle turning completely off after idling, but dealership could not reproduce either issue. Those problems appeared early in the vehicle’s life/well within warranty.

NHTSA ODI 11469699

POWER TRAIN, PREMATURE MALFUNCTIONED ENGINE PISTONS, LOW SPEED, CHEVY SHAKE. AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT JOSEPH CHEVROLET ON COLERAIN AVE CINCINNATI, OH. MY SAFETY AND SAFETY OF OTHERS WAS COMPROMISED DUE TO LACK OF EXCELRATION , LOW COMPRESSION.PROBLEM IDENTIFIED BY JOSEPH CHEVROLET DEALER SERVICE WRITER CODY. IDENTIFIED . THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FOR THE STABILITY TRAK AND THE ENGINE APPROXIAMETLY APRIL. 2022.

NHTSA ODI 11466517

The car acts as if it’s going to stall at every stop light and stop sign. It is slow to start and several times in the middle of a turn it just acts as if it stops.

NHTSA ODI 11462013

The car stopped Communicating with the computer and the antilock brake system there was no morning and it’s hard for me their break in my car be going faster going to slow down my foots not on the pedal

NHTSA ODI 11458560

Slave cylinder failed on manual transmission/transaxle where you cannot get vehicle out of gear which is a huge safety issue especially with the rampant traffic added to congestion on freeways. It’s frustrating because it seems this has been a common issue with most manual transmission/transaxels which is why GM selected to not produce any more manual Chevrolet Cruze’s. They later on discontinued the Cruze because the vast issues in design with the vehicle. Not only have I had this issue but I also have had diesel exhaust fluid, diesel particulate filter, and air cleaner issues. I’m hoping that enough people have submitted this complaint for GM to do a recall as it’s a $2000 job for the dealer to fix the issue as well as almost getting in a traffic incident.

NHTSA ODI 11457947

With no warning the engine 1t through a Stabletrac warning engine code and moments later BIG orange lettered notice showed something to effect of 'extreme low oil turn off engine!' and at the same moment the low oil indicator turned on. We pulled off the freeway immediately and discovered oil all over the engine and of course smoke everywhere - fortunately it did not catch fire. Checking this was a catastrophic loss of ALL the oil. It may be a completely other situation but 1 month previous ~ 1000 miles previous, that same BOGUS stabletrac msg was displayed and the car went on limp mode. Dealer determined very low oil level is cause! NOTE - it does not indicate low oil. It has never consumed oil. It does not drip anywhere and NO smoke. So this is quite a mystery. He reset the codes and serviced the oil. I was due for a formal recheck about now, a 1000 miles later. On this trip (about a 1000 miles I checked the oil level to start and there was full level, so again no indications of consumption. The Vehicle has but 80k miles. There is something very flawed in this engine to fail so early and so catastrophically. Thats dangerous on multiple levels.

NHTSA ODI 11454463

At only 30,682 miles my 2017 Chevrolet Cruze suffered extensive failure in the braking system. This was first indicated by a low brake fluid warning. Initially I added brake fluid but warning returned two weeks later along with noticeable travel in the brake pedal. On February 22 the dealership found leaks at all four wheel calipers and rusted and grooved scratches on rotors. The car had been serviced only at this dealership and thus far had only routine maintenance along with replacement of two O2 sensors under warranty. Having lost confidence in GM I had a second opinion to confirm and repair done elsewhere for $2,293.18.

NHTSA ODI 11454203

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated the service stability trac and check engine warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the spark plugs, turbo boost sensor, and mass air flow sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred a week later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,761.

NHTSA ODI 11454135

The service airbag light came on, car has not been in any accidents or fender bender, service airbag message came on and took it to dealership and they mentioned that the sensor went out on its own and that the airbag will not deploy on the passenger side if we happen to get into an accident. Will not pass inspections and dangerous to drive like this.

NHTSA ODI 11447839

While driving I went to downshift. When I pushed in the clutch it wouldn't go out and I couldn't get the vehicle into any gear. I was driving approx. 65 mph and since the clutch wouldn't disengage I couldn't get the vehicle into any gear and was almost rear ended. GM has a TSB out for what they are saying this issue is PIP5558C with a faulty dampener between the clutch master and slave cylinders.

NHTSA ODI 11447761

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. While refueling, the contact discovered that cracks had formed on both sides of the middle brake light housing. She then noticed that water from the cracks had leaked into the top rear headliner of the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where they confirmed the failure and provided her an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. Consumer paid $312.82 for the repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11447375

Third rear brake light on my Chevy Cruze hatchback broke off from its mount, and is now dangling against the rear window glass, obstructing the view, obstructing the rear windshield wiper from being able to operate, and held on by nothing but the wiring. It is at risk of falling off into the road, makes the car less visible to drivers while braking, and obscures my view out of the back window, especially when it is raining, as I can no longer use the wiper. It is unable to be reattached without replacing the entire rear spoiler (approximately $1,000 repair according to multiple dealerships I have contacted, with photographs), and it is a manufacturer defect, not caused by outside force. It appears the bolts that hold the spoiler in were over-torqued at the factory, causing excess stress on the plastic holes they mount into, as the plastic surrounding both mounting holes cracked.

NHTSA ODI 11438916

I was going in to a turning lane and as I was about to press the brake, I see a service brake assist system and I go to press the brakes and the brakes make a clicking sound and the car would not stop forcing me to take the car off the road onto the grass to avoid hitting the car in front of me. I restarted the vehicle and the brakes began working fine.

NHTSA ODI 11437124

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while shifting from first to second gear, the clutch was depressed and remained on the floorboard. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive without shifting gears to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11435350

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the brake pedal had to forcefully be depressed with both feet to slow the vehicle down while coming to a stop. The contact stated that the brake assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the brake assist vacuum pump to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but experienced the failure a second time. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The repair was pending. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11425467

Cylinder 1 experienced cracking due to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI, commonly referred to as “Knock”) just after exiting the highway in a 70 mph zone and produced a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) code of P0301. As evidenced in Attachment 1, this caused damage to the Antilock Braking System due to loss of vacuum on the system and possible fouling due to foreign object damage to the vehicle ABS. Later assessment by trained mechanics determined the root cause was due to insufficient structural capability of engine pistons to withstand brief periods of LSPI. As evidenced by attachment 18-NA-171 and PIP5490, the vehicle manufacturer (General Motors) is aware of the insufficient design of the pistons, has re-designed them to withstand LSPI, however has not made an effort to notify me or replace the existing part to prevent damage to the vehicle powertrain and ABS. While this particular instance of piston cracking due to LSPI has only had a financial impact on myself, loss of ABS functionality and potential engine seizure at highway speeds have the potential to produce dangerous, if not fatal, conditions to other drivers with similar hardware.

NHTSA ODI 11423287

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the hood latch opened independently and damaged the windshield, side fenders and roof. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact called the local dealer and was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and filed a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ODI 11421983

Third brake light cracked and letting water in my trunk. Where my battery and other electrical components are located.

NHTSA ODI 11420321

BRAKE PEDAL SINKS SLOWLY TO FLOOR AND BRAKES REQUIRE A STRONGER SHOVE TO ACTIVATE. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES ON FIRST DRIVE AFTER CAR WAS STATIONARY. SEEMS NORMAL AFTER THAT AT THIS TIME. CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHICH SHARES A CLUTCH & BRAKE FLUID SYSTEM. CAR HAS ALREADY HAD CLUTCH SYSTEM REPAIRED DUE TO FLUID LEAK AND DEBRIS FROM CLUTCH RELEASE COMPONENT. EUROPEAN RECALL OF SIMILAR MODEL INCLUDES REPLACING BRAKE COMPONENTS AS WELL AS CLUTCH COMPONENTS.

NHTSA ODI 11415673

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED A FRACTURE ON ONE OF THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT ON THE SIDE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT RECENTLY A PASSENGER IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE POINTED OUT THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS FRACTURED ALLOWING WATER TO LEAK INSIDE THE VEHICLE INTO THE HEAD VISOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY NOTICED THE SEAL AROUND THE BRAKE LIGHT AND SURROUNDING AREA WAS NOT PROPERLY SEALED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11414186

THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT'S AND POPPED HARD SOME OF THE TIMES, FROM PARKED INTO REVERSE OR FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE MODE, ONLY INTO REVERSE THO NOT IN ANY OTHER GEAR JUST REVERSE, BUT IT'S NOT ALL THE TIME THAT IT HAPPENS ETHIER ONCE OR TWICE A DAY, EVERY TIME I DRIVE AROUND TOWN THAT SAME DAY. COULD MY TRANSMISSION BE GOING OUT ?

NHTSA ODI 11413088

WHEN VEHICLE IS SITTING IN AUTO-STOP MODE, RELEASING THE BRAKE AND PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL WILL RANDOMLY CAUSE VEHICLE TO STALL. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO DIFFERENT CHEVROLET DEALERSHIPS AND NO ONE CAN FIGURE OUT THE CAUSE OF IT AND THEY CANNOT REPLICATE THE ISSUE. (THE MECHANICS ARE NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE LONG ENOUGH FOR IT TO HAPPEN.) THIS HAPPENS MORE OFTEN DURING SUMMER MONTHS, BUT HAS HAPPENED OVER THE 2020 WINTER. I HAVE TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON TO GET THE CAR MOVING. THIS IS ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS IF I AM TRYING TO TURN IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI 11412786

THE CLUTCH PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT DISENGAGING CLUTCH. THIS HAPPENED IN MY DRIVEWAY BEFORE STARTING THE TRIP, AND THERE WAS NO COLLISION OR INJURY AT THIS TIME. I READ THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THESE CARS, AND THAT IT HAS CAUSED HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS IN TRAFFIC FOR OTHERS, AND THAT FOR A SIMILAR EUROPEAN MODEL IT IS THE SUBJECT OF A SAFETY RECALL IN EUROPE.

NHTSA ODI 11406322

VEHICLES COMES WITH A ENGINE STOP ON/OFF THAT CAN'T BE TURNED OFF. WHAT THIS DOES IS THAT IT 'TURNS OFF' THE ENGINE WHEN IDLING TO SAVE GAS. WHAT HAPPENS IS THAT THIS ENGAGES EVEN BEFORE BRAKE PRESSURE HITS 100%. SO WHEN IN AN UPHILL OR DOWNHILL AND COMING TO A STOP THE CAR TENDS TO SHUT DOWN WHEN IT REACHES LOW SPEEDS. HOWEVER, WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE CAR STARTS ROLLING AND YOU CAN'T STEER CORRECTLY BECAUSE POWER STEERING IS TURNED OFF. THIS CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD BECAUSE IT ENGAGES BEFORE PRESSURE IS 100% CAUSING THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN EARLY AND YOU START ROLLING UNEXPECTEDLY WITHOUT ANY POWER STEERING. VEHICLE WAS APPROACHING A RED LIGHT IN A SLIGHT UPHILL. CAR ROLLED FROM :34-:50 SECONDS BACKWARD. I RE GAINED CONTROL OF NY CAR ONCE I LET GO COMPLETELY OFF MY BRAKE(THIS CAUSES THE AUTO STOP ON/OFF TO DISENGAGE)

NHTSA ODI 11400218

2017 CHEVROLET CRUZE WITH 28,751 MILES IS CONTINUALLY LOSING ALL GAUGE FUNCTIONS, AIR CONDITIONING, RADIO, TURN SIGNALS AND EMERGENCY FLASHERS ARE AFFECTED. PROBLEM ORIGINALLY SURFACED IN LATE 2017 WITH ABOUT 12,000 MILES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE NEXT DAY VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTO NATION CHEVROLET AND DEALER ADVISED TO RETURN THE CAR WHEN THE PROBLEM REOCCURRED, ABOUT A WEEK LATER THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED BUT I WAS NOT ADVISED OF WHAT CAUSED THE MALFUNCTION AND PROBLEM DID NOT REOCCUR UNTIL 1/27/21 THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT UNUSED OVERNIGHT AND NEXT MORNING VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE THE MALFUNCTION. THE PROBLEM REAPPEARED ON 2/10/21 AND WHILE FILMING THE OCCURRENCE THE MALFUNCTION CLEARED AND VEHICLE WAS ONCE AGAIN OPERATIONAL. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN THE LAST 2 INCIDENTS BUT THE PROBLEM ORIGINALLY OCCURRED VARIOUS TIMES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. TO THIS DATE I DO NOT KNOW WHAT CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO LOSE ALL GAUGE AND OTHER VEHICLE FUNCTIONS. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THE OCCURRENCES AND I AM SUBMITTING SCREEN SHOTS FROM THE VIDEOS ALL OF WHICH ARE WITH THE IGNITION ON AND ENGINE RUNNING. THE 4TH SCREENSHOT SUBMITTED SHOWS WHEN THE DISPLAY IS RETURNING TO NORMAL WHILE THE PROBLEM EXISTED ON 2/10/2021.

NHTSA ODI 11395744