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J300 / J400 · Sedan

2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Common problems & what to know before you buy

Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze.

Common problems

What to watch for on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

caution·1.4L turbo (LUV)

PCV Valve and Valve Cover Failure

The PCV valve is built into the plastic valve cover.

Typical repair cost
$250 – $600
caution·1.4L turbo (LUV)

Turbo Coolant and Oil Line Leaks

The coolant and oil lines feeding the turbo are known to seep.

Typical repair cost
$300 – $900

2 more known problems on the 2016 Cruze

Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.

Safety record

Recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze

Recall·18V304000

Fuel system

The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover.

Recall·17V057000

Seats: head restraint

A bracket used in the driver or front passenger seat-back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat-back frame, as a…

Recall·16V498000

Exterior lighting: headlights

The headlight assemblies are not marked with a three-digit identifier code used to properly aim the headlights.

1 more in the guide, with whether each one was done on the car you're looking at.

Source: NHTSA

Owner complaints

What 250 owners reported

Engine49
Electrical system47
Power train31
Air bags19

Source: NHTSA

Specifications

2016 Chevrolet Cruze at a glance

Trims
EcoLLSLTLTZPremier
Engine
1.4L 4-Cylinder Turbo, 1.8L 4-Cylinder
Transmission
Manual 6-spd, Automatic 6-spd
Drivetrain
FWD
Fuel
Gasoline
Body style
Sedan
Browse

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Owners have filed 250 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze with NHTSA, most often about the engine. There are 4 recall campaigns covering this model year. Known problems on its engines include pcv valve and valve cover failure, turbo coolant and oil line leaks and water pump and thermostat housing leaks. Squeezed's free research-backed buyer guide cross-references these against documented failure patterns and mileage-stage risks, sorted by severity, in about a minute.

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze reliable?

Reliability depends heavily on the specific configuration and how the car was maintained. Start with the 4 open recall campaigns on this model year and confirm the work was completed. Generate a Squeezed buyer guide for this exact vehicle to see a reliability snapshot, repair-cost exposure, and the questions to ask the seller before you buy.

Should I still get a pre-purchase inspection on a 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?

Always. A Squeezed buyer guide is the triage step before the inspection: it shows you the documented failure patterns and what to check so you can decide which 2016 Chevrolet Cruze listings are even worth a mechanic's time, then walk into the PPI knowing exactly what to look for.

Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.