Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2015 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic sign, the vehicle stalled while depressing the accelerator pedal to proceed through the traffic sign. The contact stated that the vehicle was started and the contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated prior to the vehicle stalling. Additionally, the contact noticed that the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that the engine temperature gauge fluctuating between normal temperature and extremely high temperature. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,465.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact stated that coolant was leaking from the engine from a failure with the coolant lines causing the engine to overheat with multiple electric failures. The failure also occurred due to overheating including the main computer failure. The contact indicated that the vehicle was serviced several times for the same failure and the thermostat was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 55,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that her daughter saw no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle retained power steering and brakes and her daughter was able to restart the vehicle and drove back to the residence. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,950.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle started sputtering, lost motive power, and an abnormal sound was heard coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the turbo charger needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact's sister owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. After stopping, the driver noticed there was coolant leaking from the vehicle. The driver added additional coolant to the reservoir. The contact removed the water pump and noticed that the housing unit had crumbled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. Additionally, the engine was leaking fluid onto the ground. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine seals needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was leaking oil from the top of the engine onto the drive belts. The contact stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V288000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
My 2015 Chevy Cruze has had the Turbo replaced because it was blown. It has had every component that connects to turbo replaced, MAP sensor, wastegate, the intake system, the manifold gaskets, the coil pack, fuel injectors idle control valve, coolant bypass hose and engine coolant housing, oxygen sensors, oil pressure sensor switch, purge valve solenoid, and of course the oil pan gasket. Every hose has been changed in case of pin hole for air leak too. I run Iridium spark plugs, high test gas, do my oil changes on time with full synthetic oil but yet every time something gets fixed the check engine light comes back on. Living in the great (not) state of NY you cannot have check engine on for inspection, I financed this with Carvana and this car has been nothing but problems. I would think looking at all the reviews on here CHEVROLET WOULD DO A RECALL ON THESE CRUZE'S! …
My engine light has been randomly coming on then off leaving many history codes. It's normally a diesel particulate filter code and I have paid hundreds replacing each sensor or part. So this time, Carroll Buick of Venice Fla says the embedded code is saying I need an engine control module , same code. I'm still driving it they say it's safe to drive because the part $900.00, plus labor, is backorder. I'm a bit over 100,000 miles and I have a lifetime power train warranty but it won't cover any electrical parts only greased literal parts of engine or transmission. I'm not certain it's true anymore they replaced everything so far over 2 years but I'm at theor mercy. Zurich warranty is not covering this and I'm shocked it went just b4 100k miles and now I'm at 107k. I feel chevy should own this issue since I've been told to keep driving it with the engine light on. …
Engine complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 104 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, 41% of the model year's 252 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2015 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Cruze, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2015 Chevrolet Cruze engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 15% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.