Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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). …
I remote started my car using the factory installed remote starter, and approximately 5 minutes later I heard my car alarm start going off, so I went to investigate and when I opened the drivers side door, my car was filled with smoke and flames were coming up from the front passenger footwell, underneath the dash where the HVAC blower motor is located. I closed the drivers door and rushed inside to grab a fire extinguisher, but within those 10 seconds I was away, the fire has more than tripled in size. So when I opened the passenger door to use the extinguisher, the fire had grown out of control. With the fire put out, I started looking around and noticed that the engine bay for the car still has rubber hoses and pieces of plastic that are fully intact and haven't been burned, yet the interior of the car is completely gone. …
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the door locks were opening and closing independently. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was also flashing several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that the heater and the A/C were also functioning independently. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but became a constant failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the transmission occasionally slipped out of gear, almost causing the vehicle to stall, making the steering wheel difficult to turn. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The contact replaced the 12-Volt battery and the fuse box; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 177,000.
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.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that the instrument cluster was melting. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was made aware there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The contact stated that the material of the dashboard is melting and has become sticky. They have tried to clean it using soap and water but that does not work. The vehicle has been in the garage since purchasing.
I financed my car through drivetime in june 2019 and from the time i got the car i have been having electrical issues. My car has also been in a really bad accident prior to me purchasing it and when i tried to return it. They just kept telling me to go to pep boys because I had a 60 day warranty to fix any issues. I should not have had to take my car to any mechanic if I got it from a dealership. I now have really mad transmissin issues and I havent even had the car for 3 years. I believe this company sold me a lemon and i dont know how to prove it. I dont have the money to fix all the issues.
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.
I have had my 2014 Chevy Cruze for 2 years now and have kept up with regular maintenance. My vehicle rocks back and forth while on the brakes, there's an constant issue with the traction control system, my automatic lights don't work (I have to many turn on the light in order for the brake lights to turn on), the vehicle shakes side to side when braked, and so much more. When I take the vehicle to be looked at every mechanic and shop tells me there's nothing wrong or they don't know.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000. It was later discovered upon checking the Carfax report that the mileage was 107,000.
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.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016.
Electrical complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 187 complaints about the electrical system of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, 27% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-502 (ignition, Jul 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Cruze electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 9 crashes, 8 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.