Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at various highway speeds, the vehicle would independently enter into limp mode and downshift as the service traction control, service stabilitrak, reduced engine power, and the check engine warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle would not shift out of first gear once the failure occurred. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions and each time the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while attempting to move the gear shifter, the vehicle hesitated while shifting into neutral(N) or drive(D) as intended, and there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
I was sitting at a red light and my vehicle began to move forward with my foot on the brake. The vehicle began to increase in rpm's like i was pushing on the accelerator but i was not!! Later that day i went to the gm dealer to see what they could find and didn't find anything cause the computer had reset since i had shut the car off. Two days later the car did the exact same thing so i immediately drove to the car dealer. Told them how dangerous that was and i couldn't believe the car was acting like i was giving it more gas when i wasn't!! They hooked it up to the computer and found the problem this time. It had to do with a crack in my pollution canister. With that crack my computer thought my car needed more gas and would give it more gas. I can't believe they let a computer program give your car more gas and you have no control of it and without warning. …
I purchased a used as is 2014 Chevy Cruze with 141000 miles on April 4th 2022. I had been well pleased with the car up until the linkage for the automatic transmission became defective on May 5th 2022. It would not go into any gear. So I opened up the hood and immediately Identified the problem, someone had used zip ties to secure the linkage to the transmission linkage. I called my local auto parts store and they had the proper repair kit for it. I replaced all the missing parts with new ones. Now the vehicle will not go into any forward drive gear. It will however go into reverse. My research on you tube that other mechanics have posted lead me to believe that either the transmission is low on transmission fluid, or the fuse could be blown, or the TCM (Transmission Control Module) is defective. …
For about a year now my 2014 Chevy Cruze's steering wheel will lock up for a few seconds while I am driving (at speeds up to 80MPH) - which is extremely dangerous. When this happens, several lights will then pop up on my dashboard and messages are shown saying "service power steering" "service traction control". The radio turns off, the lights inside the car turn off, and the back up camera stops working. The engine light has been on and will not go off. I have already replaced the transmission and the starter as well as the fuel pump. I was told by my mechanic to just get rid of the car as it has way too many issues to even attempt repairing. I once ran over a curb and popped a tire when the steering wheel locked up. Every time I start my car there is a message that say "roll down driver window and roll back up" which I do not understand. This seems to be happening to several people. …
My car often loses power unexpectedly in the middle of a turn in an intersection and once while exiting a busy road. Twice it has died upon arrival at destinations and yet the battery has indicated when tested as fully charged. The key indicator is the radio system turns off for a second or two and then automatically restarts and the car with it. When this occurs the car is unable to be driven as the wheel will not turn. I have informed the local Chevy dealership near me and test was done with no error codes reported. What I have had to do is remove the battery cable and replace it and it seems to make the car work for a little longer until it starts the process again with the radio. I had work done to repair the window motor and that is when I first notified Chevy (I will have to locate the date). …
When going from park or a complete stop, the vehicle violently slams into gear and catastrophic failure is only around the corner. It also shifts like this when going back and forth between 4th and 5th. Doing a full trans flush seems to make the issue slightly better but always comes back to being violent again. After speaking with multiple mechanics they all recommend driving it till the trans fails or buying a new car. My car has 213k highway miles on it and the issue has been there since 100k miles (about 3 years ago). Another odd thing about it is that if you shift into manual mode while coasting to a stop and then shifting back to automatic after you exit the complete stop, it avoids the hard slam. The vehicle also shifts fine in manual mode from 4th to 5th. After doing research in group forums ( www.cruzetalk.com ) there are a ton of threads with this EXACT issue.
My 2014 Chevy Cruze has been having some major safety issues as of late. The powertrain has been one of the major components in this system that has failed. The engine has overheated 3 times in the last 3 months causing many safety concerns to others on the road as well as myself due to having to randomly pull over on the side of the road on the busy highway. The car has jolted many times due to losing power and causing my neck to have a severe pinched nerve. These issues are related mainly to the fluid cooling/management systems and related hoses. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by independent service center. The engine light repeatedly goes on and off causing many issues to the car daily.
Well like everyone car has this nasty cloud of black grey smoke Turns out i have a faulty catalytic converter. Not to mention the constant over heating. The change of the water pump thermostat multiple times. This is a nightmare. I drive with one eye on the road and the other on my needle gauge. I drive with my 2 kids and my biggest fear is catching fire. We inhale the smoke as we drive. Unfortunately this life is taking a toll on me. The stress of this car and always needing something is terrible. Get a new car right. Yeah if life was simple we wouldnt be struggling daily breathing in all thise chemicals.
Related recalls
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014.
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014.
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Remedy: General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Transmission complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 97 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, 14% of the model year's 702 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2014 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-151 (axle shaft, Mar 31, 2014); NHTSA recall 14V-092 (automatic transmission, Feb 21, 2014); NHTSA recall 13V-452 (axle shaft, Sep 23, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2014 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.