NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 704 owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. Most complaints involve engine (219) and electrical system (188). The EPA rates it 26–32 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“To the Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report a dangerous and urgent safety defect regarding my 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. My vehicle is exhibiting severe symptoms that pose an immediate risk of vehicle rollaway, property damage, and personal injury, and has left me dangerously stranded on the side of the road. While operating the vehicle, the physical gear shifter inside the cabin was placed into the "Park" position. However, the transmission shaft locked and failed to engage Park, remaining physically stuck in "Reverse." As a direct result, the vehicle began rolling backwards out of control, requiring the immediate emergency deployment of the handbrake to halt the vehicle. Furthermore, because the vehicle's internal computer recognizes that the transmission is not safely in Park, the ignition cylinder has completely trapped my key. The key cannot be turned to the off position or removed from the ignition, leaving the electrical system active and draining the battery. Due to these interconnected safety failures and the transmission shaft locking, the check engine light is on and the car completely refuses to start. Unfortunately, I have…”
“For the first question, I’d strengthen it to: The vehicle has experienced repeated engine and engine-cooling system failures, including recurring overheating and coolant loss. Over approximately the past year, I have had to replace or repair numerous components, including the radiator, thermostat housing, temperature sensor, water outlet, turbocharger/turbocharger components, O-rings, multiple oil seals, and the head gasket. I have also had other cooling and engine components repaired, although I no longer have a complete list of every component that has been replaced. Despite these repairs, the vehicle continues to experience overheating and coolant loss. The vehicle has also experienced loss of power while driving. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle has repeatedly displayed an overheating warning. Other symptoms have included coolant loss, shaking and vibration, rough or uneven acceleration, loss of engine power while driving, and a check-engine light. The check-engine light has previously flashed during operation. The vehicle has also experienced unexplained engine-oil loss. These problems have continued despite extensive…”
“It happened on [XXX] where the service engine light was on and died in the middle of traffic. This light was on after we purchased the vehicle but not on when we test drove it. I think the dealership knew about and are not wanting to fix it. Not the car want start at all. My son spent his hard earned money to purchase a car. We had to have it towed home.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Diesel, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 27 | 44 | 32 | $2,950 | 314 |
| Cruze Eco Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 40 | 32 | $1,950 | 273 |
| Cruze Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 36 | 30 | $2,100 | 300 |
| Cruze Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,100 | 298 |
| Cruze Eco Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.4 L, Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive | 26 | 37 | 30 | $2,100 | 295 |
| Cruze Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,150 | 309 |
| Cruze Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 34 | 26 | $2,400 | 336 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
10 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 704 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (219), electrical system (188), power train (98). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze at 26–32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (7 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 5 out of 5 stars overall.