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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that on several occasions, a strange noise could be heard while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated while accelerating above 35 MPH, the Service Stabil Trak and powertrain control module (PCM) warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the powertrain control module (PCM) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.
Component or System Failed/Malfunctioned: The turbocharger has been identified by a GM service center as the component that failed or malfunctioned. It is available for inspection upon request at the service center where the diagnosis was made. Safety Risk: The safety of myself and others was compromised due to the vehicle stalling unexpectedly while driving. This resulted in potential rear-end collisions, as well as the inability to accelerate, posing a risk in traffic situations. Confirmation by Dealer or Independent Service Center: Yes, the issue has been confirmed by a GM service center where the turbocharger was diagnosed as the problem. They provided a repair estimate of $2,170 for the turbocharger replacement. …
My daughter was driving the car and she said that he check engine light came on and she pulled over and turned it off. She immediately called her dad and while on the phone with him the car started shaking and it over heated and all the fluids were underneath the car. I arrived about 15 mins later and saw all the over spill on the side of the road. Called a tow truck and had it towed to a dealership, which told us that GM is aware of the problem with the Chevy Cruze engine doing this. They said that there is no way for you to tell that the part is going bad til it happens and once it does the car gets so hot it crack the head gasket. It is a 3500.00 fix and it is all because of the thermostat at the bottom of the engine. …
PCM failure Almost had numerous accidents. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or service center. It has been reproduced by other people after explaining the issue. Also has been reproduced on another Gm product around the same year. Vehicle has been inspected by an independent shop, the only thing that was found was excessive brake wear in rear. Problem appeared when I first started driving the car. It is definitely a software issue. Software should be polling the wheel speed sensor while in engine off. There were no idiot lights. Recently, on a private road that had an inclination, I reproduce the problem. The vehicle obtained at least two miles an hour rolling backwards for about a minute. The speedometer did not register any speed. I did not want to test this any longer for fear of engine starting back up and damaging the transmission. …
Catalytic Converter , it is a 2016 , it absolutely should not be faulty/defective AT ALL . I checked with Dick Wolstrom Chevy Dealer , if this would be included in the Powertrain Warranty and they said it expired in December . I checked with the other Yearly Recalls for this problem, and it did show this exact same recall for the all the previous years of this make and model of car . It should be fixed , I never heard of a Catalytic Converter be defective like this especially in a newer year car . Can you please help me ? Also, I am having problem with the Fuel pressure Sensor , Air flow intake sensor, Knock sensor , all (3) this is crazy . This is the 2nd time the knock sensor has been replaced . My main concern is the Catalytic Converter , please advise , it should be covered in the powertrain warranty on this car , regardless . It is very expensive to be replaced .
My vehicle gives the message "shift to park" even when it placed in park, making it impossible to lock and possibly causing the battery to run down. Continuing to restart the vehicle and placing in park until the message goes away has been my only resolution. The issue has been reproduced by an independent service center. They were unable to ascertain what was causing the issue. I am aware a recall was issued for this problem in earlier model Chevy Cruzes. It seems my vehicle should have also been included in this recall. It is evident this has been a huge problems in GM vehicles and when it continues to affect later vehicles it should be addressed and corrected by the company.
Issue has been reported by other owners, code PIP5558C Around 60k miles, clutch pedal started sticking to the floor and not returning unless manually lifted. By 118k miles issue had worsened to the point that car was no longer driveable. Clutch master cylinder was damaged/degraded, as well as clutch slave. Brake system lifespan was likely shortened, and I luckily didn't have a complete brake failure as has happened with others.
Power train system (po299) A turbocharger harnesses the flow of exhaust gases that spins an internal turbine. This turbine then forces or packs air into the engine faster than normal .This action increases the horsepower of the engine. When it doesn't work!!!!A failed turbo charger will cause a decrease in engine performance which isn't for family . (Manufacturer recall number:A212338300 recall date 11/05/21
My car was brought to the dealership around December of 2021because every time I stop at a red light or stop sign the auto stop would cut the car completely off. The dealership said it was because the throttle body needed cleaning out. That is not the case because I can be driving and the car will cut off out of nowhere while driving. Also at times the car seems as if it doesn't want to crank.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and smoke began to come from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and placed the vehicle in park however, the vehicle began to reverse on its own. The contact removed themselves from the vehicle and noticed liquid coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle came to a rolling stop at which point the contact noticed smoke coming from the vehicle again. The contact opened the hood and noticed a fire coming from the transmission of the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and filed a report. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle had not received a diagnosing for the failure and was not repaired. The contact had not experienced any injuries. …
Transmission complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 12% of the model year's 250 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › internal › clutches/bands (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 48,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 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.