2014 Chevrolet Cruze electrical system problems

“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…”

“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.”

“The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, a Chevrolet Impala crashed into the rear of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to fishtail and flip over several times and land upside down in the woods. The contact stated that the air bags deployed and exploded. The contact stated that the air bags obstructed the exit out of the vehicle. There was an unknown yellow warning light illuminated. There was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The driver was able to exit the vehicle through the rear window. The contact sustained injuries to the head, a gash on the leg, and had shrapnel embedded in the skin. Medical attention was provided. The driver was emotionally distraught. A Police report was filed. Upon research, the contact determined that the failure might be associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V372000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 14,302.”

“The contact stated that the key-fob failed to lock and unlocking of the failed intermittenly. The key fob was the original manufactured key fob. The dealer had been contacted, and the key fob was reprogrammed. The failure persisted. The dealer was contacted again, and it was diagnosed that the circuit board would slip inside the key fob itself, causing the malfunction. The key fob was replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and due to the vehicle no longer being covered under warranty, they opened and then closed a case. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.”

“On May 25, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Central Time, after the vehicle had been operated under normal conditions and subsequently parked, a fire originated within the vehicle’s engine compartment and/or under-hood area. Personnel from the Milwaukee Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the fire. An official fire investigation report is pending and is expected to be available within the coming week. The incident has been documented through photographs and video recordings, all of which have been preserved. The vehicle itself remains in its post-fire condition and has been retained for inspection. At this time, the precise cause and origin of the fire have not been determined, of which no warning lamps nor other symptoms of a problem prior to incident.”