What 201 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze Limited

My 2017 Chevy Cruze had the throttle body replaced by STG Auto Group in Montclair, CA. A few months after the repair, my car began shaking violently and then shut off in the middle of the street while I was driving on 11/17/2025 This created a serious safety hazard for me and other drivers. When I took the vehicle to a local auto zone once the vehicle turned on , they told me the throttle body “needs cleaning,” but a new throttle body should not get dirty within a few months. This suggests improper installation or a defective part. The problem returned even though the part was recently replaced. I immediately called the dealership who fixed it and the manager stated I’d have to wait to the following week for another inspection and that I can not be squeezed in . The vehicle is still unsafe to drive because it shakes and can stall unexpectedly. I am concerned because this issue has happened more than once and could have caused an accident. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11700010

Apparently there is a TSB from GM regarding the end for updated/replacement of parts concerning the hydraulic piping, slave cylinder and accumulator. My clutch became spongy then stuck on the floor. This happened unexpectedly (reservoir full) while driving and almost caused an accident. Apparently GM doesn't take enough accountability to update the failure before or after failure. Reporting this hoping it will eventually force a recall!

NHTSA ODI 11699905

Slave cylinder failure. At approximately 125,000 miles, the slave cylinder began to fail. Clutch pedal would only come back up about half way, and would need to be pulled the rest of the way up. Associated problem is difficulty putting car into gear. Took vehicle to dealership for other warranty work and asked to investigate. Dealership ignored request. Took back separate time for other faulty parts and was ignored again. Other part failure was turbo waste gate. Internal spring failure caused turbo waste gate to become stuck open, not allowing boost to build. Caused check engine light and severe lack of power. Replaced part with aftermarket, and problem disappeared. Investigation into cause revealed low quality spring that broke internally. Dealership visits within extended warranty period were ignored/ told could not replicate issue, despite suggestions of potential causes, including waste gate failure.

NHTSA ODI 11638575

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

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

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

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

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the vehicle was designed with the Auto START/STOP feature; however, while at a complete stop, the engine turned off but failed to restart. The contact shifted into park (P) and restarted the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving between 35-65 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle jolted and hesitated to respond. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact also stated that the check engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11532083

Car very suddenly started having slow acceleration, and vibration felt during acceleration. Check engine light on with StabiliTrak warning message on dashboard. Rough idle and vibration felt in cabin. Difficulty accelerating at traffic light and car seemed to almost stall at one point. Diagnosed at the dealer with cracked pistons in engine with code P0300 for random misfire. 2017 Chevy Cruz has passed the power train warranty by 1 year. Mileage odometer reading is about 58200. GM is not willing to replace without charging $4700 for replacing the faulty piston components in the engine even though this poses safety hazard for regular driving. After some research, this seems to be a widely known problem of this generation Chevy Cruz and GM has even changed the part number of the piston assembly to replace the faulty pistons in engine. This needs to be a recall!

NHTSA ODI 11530514

The clutch pedal got stuck while driving. There is a factory defect with this vehicle's Clutch Slave Cylinder and it's a huge safety hazard since it can happen at any time on all the manual transmission models. This is a known issue that hasn't been addressed by GM

NHTSA ODI 11524203

Clutch pedal does not return, cannot change gears. Chevy issued a TSB, however they do not warranty the repair. The problem is with a clogged orifice which is a engineering defect. This is a well know problem and is extremely dangerous. I assume enough people haven't died yet from this issue for a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11498668

Chevy Cruze 2017 manual transmission clutch pedal stuck to the floor while driving preventing changing of gears. Was able to lift pedal with toe, but was still not fully able to then depress clutch to get the car in gear. Pumping the pedal helped loosen and eventually allowed it to work normally temporarily. For the past year, occasionally the clutch would be slow to return after depressing, but did not cause any safety issue and since it could not be reproduced for dealer, no repairs were made. Having an experience of not being unable to change gears in traffic caused a significant safety issue, which will need to be remedied. Appointment for service is scheduled for tomorrow and will find out more what the problem is, but based on online forums, it likely is a faulty slave cylinder which has been reported in other Chevy Cruze cars of this year.

NHTSA ODI 11494507

I should have filed a complaint here after the catastrophic failure. The next time I may not be so lucky and it could cause loss of life. I was driving at approx. 65 MPH on the frwy when bang! An explosion under my hood that caused my car to jump over a lane, I slammed on the breaks, swerved but couldn't push the brake pedal down anymore. It felt hard and would barely move. i had no way to slowdown or stop! And traffic infront of me was slowing fast. I put all my weight on that pedal even tried pumping it, but it would only move alittle. Luckily the car in front sped up just enough for me to swerve onto the shoulder. As I slowed i could depress pedal alittle if I stood up on it out of my seat but stopping distance was like 15ft while maybe going 15 mph. This all happened in a matter of minutes i still dont know how I was able to avoid an accident. The engine sounded really rough. So I called the dealership they said to bring the car in. I had already spoke. With them that week due to traction control system and transmission causing instability and brake issues. I was mortified when I found out what happened I had cracked 2 pistons & the force was so strong it blew thru the membrane that seperates the break system, got oil in my break lines! This is a new car! Dealership said it was a known issue & GM determinedtitle was a design flaw. I had 2 pistons replaced and my break system flushed my car has never been the same. There's always something little and intermitten still with the transmission & Now the engine jumps while idling and stopped in drive it jumps so hard the car jumps fwd, feels like ill hit whats in front of me. I lost significant value at only 26,290 miles, i cant afford to trade it in on disability, covid turned into long haul covid, no affordable extended warranty. I have no piece of mind in a car I dont feel safe in. What happens when the pistons fail they didnt fix. How many injuries or lives must be sacrificed before they do something.

NHTSA ODI 11477451

While driving down the Interstate my clutch failed and remained on the floor and I was unable to shift. Luckily there was an open lane next to me and I was able to pull off the highway. I checked the fluid reservoir it was full and no air bubbles I managed to limp it home after manually hand pumping the clutch to get it back up and I would get two or three shifts out of it maybe and then have to do it again once I was forced to stop at a light or a stop sign. I just have not been able to get the car in as it is out of warranty and I'll have to pay for tow and for it to be fixed. I just had the engine replaced (under extended warranty) roughly 5000 miles ago. There was no accident but there certainly could have been a Harry Chapin type situation. There were no warning lights or messages that appeared and the clutch is currently inoperable on the floor.

NHTSA ODI 11475209

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

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

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. 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

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 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

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

CLUTCH PEDAL BECAME REALLY SOFT. AT ONE POINT, IT HAD NO RESISTANCE AT ALL. I COULD NOT CHANGE GEARS WHEN THE CAR WAS ON, BUT I COULD CHANGE GEARS WHEN THE CAR WAS OFF. THE PEDAL WAS EVEN STUCK TO THE FLOOR AND WOULD NOT COME BACK AT ALL. AFTER BEING TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, THE CLUTCH WAS BACK TO NORMAL, BUT NOTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR. I BELIEVE SOMETHING FROM THE TOW TRUCK MAY HAVE UNSTUCK SOMETHING. NOW THE CLUTCH PEDAL HAS A WEIRD FEELING. SOMETIMES THERE IS NO RESISTANCE BUT WHEN I PRESS IT A FEW TIMES, I GET SOME PRESSURE BACK. THE 'SWEET SPOT' KEEPS MOVING.

NHTSA ODI 11375825

CLUTCH PEDAL DROPS TO THE FLOOR AND STICKS, DOES NOT RETURN. OCCASIONALLY STICKING POINT IS HIGH ENOUGH THAT IT IS STILL POSSIBLE TO SHIFT GEARS. SOMETIMES THE ENGAGEMENT POINT IS TOO LOW AND GEARSHIFTING BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE UNLESS DRIVER CAN PERFECTLY REV-MATCH AND FLOAT INTO THE GEAR. CHEVY SERVICE DEPARTMENT CAME BACK WITH TSB #PIP5558C FOR DEBRIS STUCK IN SMALL ORIFICE IN HYDRAULIC LINE AND ESTIMATED ~1500 IN REPAIR COSTS ON A CAR THAT ONLY HAS 40K MILES, AS THE CLUTCH SYSTEM IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY- WHY???? IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING BECOME UNABLE TO SHIFT GEARS IN A MANUAL CAR. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TO ME ~5 TIMES IN THREE WEEKS, SOMETIMES WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN AND SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED. PEDAL CAN BE PULLED UP INTO NORMAL POSITION BY FOOT OR HAND BUT HYDRAULIC PRESSURE DOES NOT RETURN, THUS CLUTCH IS USELESS. THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE VERY COMMON AS THERE ARE NUMEROUS THREADS ON THE WEBSITE CRUZETALK.COM RELATED TO THE ISSUE AND TSB. THE FACT THAT THERE EVEN IS A TSB FOR THIS ISSUE SPEAKS TO ITS PREVALENCE. FOR GM TO IGNORE THIS DANGEROUS FAULT IN THEIR VEHICLES IS IRRESPONSIBLE AT BEST.

NHTSA ODI 11351900

HYDRAULIC CLUTCH ACTIVATING SYSTEM WILL FAIL AT TIMES RESULTING OT BEING ABLE TO DISENGAGE CLUTCH. SYSTEM HAS ACDV A CLUTCH DELAY ORIFICE VALVE THAT CLOGS AND ALLOWS FLUID TO GO INTO AN ACCUMULATOR , THUS NOT RELEASING THE CLUTCH. ITS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH EARLIER CRUZES OF 2011 2016. AND OURS 2017 ( GEN2). CRUZE TALK .COM A CHAT ROOM ALREADY SHOWS A FIX, BUT NOT 'GM" IDEA. WE LOVE THE DIESEL THAT LISTS 52MPG , AND HAS GOTTEN 60MPG IN THE PAST. BEEN BACK TO DEALER 3 TIMES ON A FLAT BED SINCE CLUTCHPEDAL GOES TO FLOOR AND NO CLUTCH ACTION. I MYSELF SEARCHED THE WEB AND FOUND TSB PIP5558C WHICH I TOLD THE DEALER AND IS DOCUMENTED ON WARRENTY CLAIM . THE TSB TEMPORARILY FIXED ISSUE. PRESENTLY DEALER IS ORDERING A SLAVE CYLINDER WHICH INVOLVES SPLITTING THE TRANSAXLE TO REPLACE. CRUZE TALK .COM STATES THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM. CRUZE TALK .COM HAS A FIX THAT INVOLVES NO ADDED PPARTS BUT INSTEAD REQUIRES REMOVING THE CDV AND ACCULUMULATOR. NO NON GM PARTS. DEALER " CAN,T USE ANY NON G PARTS BUT REMOVING A PICE OR 2 WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. ALREADY CARS HAVE REAENDED OTHERS CAUS CLUTCH WON,T DISENGAGE OR TRYING TO SHIFT UPP AND HAVE A TRUCK ETC. RUN OVER YU CAUSE CAN,T SHIFT GEARS. WOULD THINK THIS ISSUE HAS CROSSED YOUR DESK BEFORE. LLOK UP ON WEB "CRUZE CLUTCH PEDAL GOES TO FLOOR" AND SEE LOTS OF COMMENTS. CRUZETALK HAS SEVERAL WHICH INCLUDES ACCIDENTS CAUSE OF CLUTCH FAILURE. PLEASE HELP US/. LOVE DIESELS , HAD TO GIVE UP OUR2011 VW JETTA CAUSE OF THEM CHEATING ON IMMISSIONS. GOT A BONUS + VALUE AND BOUGHT THIS CRUZE DIESEL FOR ONLY2300.00 DIFF. WE ARE 81 AND 79 , THE ONLY NEW CAR WE EVER HAD AND NOW THIS. I AM A RETIRED MECHANIC SO I KNOW OF WHAT I SPEAK. I HOPE THEY DON,T MILK THIS CLUTCH ISSUE TILL WARRANTY EXPIRES. ALREADY FIGHTING OVER 5 YR 60,00 DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY. WOULD LIKE TO KEEP THE CAR WITH 6SPD TRANNY PLEASE HELP

NHTSA ODI 11323213

I'M HAVING TRANNY ISSUES WITH MY CAR. ITS NOT SHOWING ANY CODES IN THE TRANNY CONTROL MODULE. ITS DOWN SHIFTING REALLY HARD AND SOMETIMES NOT EVEN SHIFTING. I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND SIT THERE FOR 15 MINS WASTING MY TIME WHEN I COULD BE GETTING MY KIDS OR GOING TO WORK! I HAVE SEEN ABOUT 30+ WITH THIS ISSUES AND CHEVY ISN'T DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I DO A LOT OF CITY DRIVING. I DON'T EVEN DRIVE THE CAR HARD THAT'S WHY IM SO UPSET. $24,000 PIECE OF CRAB.

NHTSA ODI 11319993