Problems · NHTSA complaints
2014 Chevrolet Cruze problems
Owners filed 704 complaints about the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA between Aug 2013 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is engine (219).
Complaints
704
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
70
Reported by owners
Fires
17
Reported by owners
Injuries
57
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Engine219
- Electrical system188
- Power train98
- Steering93
- Air bags77
- Electronic stability control (esc)69
- Fuel/propulsion system60
- Visibility/wiper42
- Vehicle speed control39
- Service brakes29
- Exterior lighting18
- Engine and engine cooling17
- Structure13
- Seat belts11
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
2
57
52
60
73
99
107
67
45
38
30
39
19
16
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 57 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 60 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 99 |
| 2019 | 107 |
| 2020 | 67 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2022 | 38 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 19 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Engine
219 reports6 crashes10 fires
“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…”
Electrical system
188 reports9 crashes8 fires1 related recall
“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…”
Power train
98 reports3 crashes3 related recalls
“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.”
Steering
93 reports10 crashes1 fire1 related recall
“The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving fast/slow or turning. Everything shuts off, then back on and all codes flash. My car literally locks up, it’s really unsafe when I can’t control the vehicle. Almost hit another car, due to steering wheel locking up. Only thing I was told at the Chevy dealer house was there were no recalls. So they wouldn’t look unless they got to charge me. This issue started happening about five months ago. And I drive like a grandma.”
Air bags
77 reports46 crashes2 fires4 related recalls
“My transmission blew up. My airbags did not deploy. And neither of my brakes or emergency brakes worked. I was in a car accident where I hit another car in a tree and was admitted into the hospital as I am pregnant.”
Electronic stability control (esc)
69 reports3 crashes
“THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT AS WELL AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITH NO PRIOR ISSUES, JUST OUT OF THE BLUE. THE CAR SHAKES WHEN DRIVING. IT HAPPENED 6PM LAST NIGHT, NO ISSUES BEFOREHAND. ITS PARKED OUT FRONT ON THE STREET WHERE I LIVE.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.