2016 Chevrolet Cruze Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 12%of 250 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 12% of the 250 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My cars cam shaft was replaced six months ago, and it was still under warranty. Now I'm having a bunch of other issues some of the problems are because the chevy dealership, that replaced it my cam shaft wheel they had to to take parts off and back on to fix it now those parts they took off and now bad plus other bottoms up. It won't keep coolant. …”
NHTSA complaint #11385959, filed 2020-12, 40,000 miles“After repairing the coolant system car, I drove it around the block to ensure it was working properly. Upon doing so, all gauges stopped working. I also put the car in reverse to park it in the driveway and the transmission would not go into the selected gear. We had to put the car into neutral and push it into the driveway. Also, all notification lights were also lit at the time. When it finally shifted into drive the car jerked very hard.”
NHTSA complaint #11318168, filed 2020-03, 65,000 miles“When leaving a grocery store, roughly 2 miles, my husband said the gas peddle clicked. Moments later, the car started shifting weird. Would not get past first gear. Second gear made the car super shaky and then it shut off. When restarting, car would drive normal for a minute then act up again. We would put it in neural and coast it with no problems until it died again. When we got home about 30 minutes later, I pulled the code and it was pulling o2 bank 1 sensor 2. Car is at the dealership now. Waiting for a call on the diagnosis.”
NHTSA complaint #11193361, filed 2019-04, 53,825 miles“New 2016 Cruze limited, 2 years after the purchase of the car, water pump and thermostat housing replacement(covered by the drive-train warranty),2 years later, car overheats again, I am apparently losing water but not evident in the engine compartment, I take it back to the dealer, told them what I thought was happening again and they conducted an analysis for which I had to pay $96.00, (car has 72,000 miles, out of warranty) telling me the same thing I had already figured out, that I need a new water pump and thermostat housing. They tell me it will cost me about $870.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #11365853, filed 2020-10, 72,000 miles“Car would not go into park while stationary in a parking lot. The shifter would move between reverse, neutral, and drive but stopped at park. I had to push very hard on it to force it into park. Dangerous because it could roll. Plus you can't remove the key from the ignition so your car could get stolen. The entire shifter assembly had to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11267935, filed 2019-10, 32,400 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010651Oct 10, 2024This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
- 11009088Sep 16, 2024This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be…
- 11006421Jul 24, 2024GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or…
- 11005311Jul 9, 2024This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11001321May 16, 2024This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8 | 35% |
| 2018 | 23 | 21% |
| 2017 | 39 | 19% |
| 2016 | 31 | 12% |
| 2015 | 38 | 15% |
| 2014 | 98 | 14% |
| 2013 | 113 | 19% |
| 2012 | 137 | 16% |
| 2011 | 193 | 26% |
Other parts of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
102 complaintsElectrical system
59 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsFuel system
37 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsBrakes
19 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
16 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology