2017 Chevrolet Cruze Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Cruze years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
9/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Chevrolet Cruze year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 66 of its 201 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Engine misfire, rough running and stalling (42 complaints, median 55,000 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 201filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 27,750miles, 114 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4–5 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 32 mpgcombined, 1.4L 4-cyl FWD · 28 city / 39 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze most often write in about engine problems — misfires, rough running, stalling and, in a number of cases, damaged pistons or a failed turbo. Transmission/ clutch complaints are the next most common, particularly a clutch pedal that goes to the floor in manual-transmission cars. Electrical faults (water leaking into the trunk and damaging modules, gauge and radio dropouts, key-fob "no remote detected" messages) round out the picture, with many reports arriving between roughly 15,000 and 80,000 miles.
- Engine
Engine misfire, rough running and stalling
- 42 complaints (21%)
- median 55,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the check engine light coming on, often together with a Service Stabilitrak message, along with rough idling, shaking, hesitation on acceleration and occasional stalling at low speed or after auto-stop. Several owners say dealers replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, fuel injectors or sensors, and in some cases compression testing led to a diagnosis of a cracked or scored piston and an engine replacement. Some report the same fault returning after the first repair. Spread across the sample from about 4,000 to 130,000 miles, with many reports between 20,000 and 65,000 miles.
What to check: Ask for service records showing what has been done for misfire or check-engine codes, and whether a compression or leak-down test has been performed. Have a pre-purchase inspection listen for rough idle and check for stored codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When trying to accelerate instead of the car speeding up it will stall or slow down. My car had stopped on me in the middle of traffic before while driving. I had to turn my car off and try to restart which it struggled to restart but after trying a few times it started. The dealership stated it was an issue with the fuel injector. This has happened on a city street and also when turning or entering the highway”
NHTSA complaint #11308041, filed 2020-02, 75,000 miles“At around 57,000 miles service stabilitrack message displayed on dashboard. Next day cel came on. Rough idling. Took it to closest chevy dealer told it was a misfire in cylinder 1. New spark plugs and coil pack. Didn't fix. Ran compression test and low compression on that cylinder (110 vs 220 in other 3 cylinders). Took it to the dealership we purchased it from and for sure it's a piston. Replacing all 4 pistons n seals under our warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11376103, filed 2020-11, 57,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Clutch pedal sticks to the floor (manual transmission)
- 16 complaints (8%)
- median 28,741 mi at 3.7 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2019–2025
Owners of manual-transmission cars describe the clutch pedal losing resistance, dropping to the floor and staying there, so the car cannot be shifted in or out of gear. Some report dealers citing a bulletin about debris blocking a small orifice in the hydraulic line and quoting a repair cost outside the powertrain warranty, while others say nothing was found because the problem did not occur on the test drive. Reported from about 16,000 to 80,000 miles in the sample, often while driving or when setting off.
What to check: On a manual car, press the clutch repeatedly and confirm the pedal returns fully and firmly every time. Ask whether the clutch hydraulic line or release components have been serviced, and get any related repair paperwork.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The clutch pedal went to the floor without disengaging clutch. This happened in my driveway before starting the trip, and there was no collision or injury at this time. I read that this is a very common issue with these cars, and that it has caused hazardous situations in traffic for others, and that for a similar european model it is the subject of a safety recall in europe.”
NHTSA complaint #11406322, filed 2021-04, 20,500 miles“Clutch pedal became really soft. At one point, it had no resistance at all. I could not change gears when the car was on, but I could change gears when the car was off. The pedal was even stuck to the floor and would not come back at all. After being towed to the dealership, the clutch was back to normal, but nothing was done to the car. I believe something from the tow truck may have unstuck something. Now the clutch pedal has a weird feeling. Sometimes there is no resistance but when I press it a few times, I get some pressure back. …”
NHTSA complaint #11375825, filed 2020-11, 16,500 miles - Electrical system
Water leak into trunk from high-mount brake light
- 18 complaints (9%)
- median 37,414 mi at 3.6 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2025
Complaints describe cracks around the high-mount stop lamp housing that let rain water into the trunk, pooling around the spare tire and the battery compartment. Owners report musty smells and water damage to modules and the fuse block, sometimes with a check engine light as the result. Some say the dealer replaced washers or resealed the lamp; others say they paid for the repair themselves. Mostly reported between roughly 15,000 and 90,000 miles, after driving in ordinary rain.
What to check: Open the trunk and lift the liner around the spare tire and battery; look for water stains, rust or a musty smell, and inspect the brake light housing for cracks or a poor seal.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is a known issues with the 2016+ chevy Cruze models where the top mounted brake light cracks and water leaks into the trunk under the spare tire and into the battery compartment. The water also comes into contact with other electrical components that are between the rear seat and rear quarter panel. This causes a musty/mildew smell in the vehicle and can potentially cause electrical shorts and issues due to the components that are in the affected area. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329418, filed 2020-06, 75,000 miles“Opened trunk today after car was parked in a parking uncovered in a normal rain (not heavy or severe weather) and water was in trunk around the bottom gasket seal and dip where the trunk latch is. Upon further inspection the water has leaked into the bottom of the trunk where the spare tire and battery is and the trunk liner is soaked at the bottom where it comes in contact with the seal when closed. Unsure as to where the leak is happening as nothing else feels wet around the seals.”
NHTSA complaint #11363829, filed 2020-10, 46,588 miles - Electrical system
Instrument panel, radio and gauge dropouts
Mentioned in 6 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the gauges, radio, air conditioning, turn signals and hazard flashers cutting out, sometimes intermittently over months, with the dealer unable to identify a cause. Others report "no remote detected" messages despite repeated key-fob replacement, and one owner describes the battery dying and the car locking up. Reports range from near-new to about 120,000 miles, with several under 30,000 miles.
What to check: Check that all gauges, the radio, A/C and both turn signals work on the test drive, and ask whether any electrical modules or wiring have been replaced. Confirm both key fobs work reliably.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“No remote detected message or intermittent remote functionality. This has happened about 5 times now. I have been able to get it working by pressing the unlock button on the key fob and then it recognizes the key fob. The vehicle is parked and I get in to try and start car.”
NHTSA complaint #11278024, filed 2019-11, 20,435 miles“The radio/camera panel goes completely out.. No volume, no ability to turn on/off, no camera, no sound from on'star navigation, no sound from backup assist or lane assist. I'm brought this vehicle on october 1,2016. The first occurrence was one week later on october 8, 2016 while driving. The second incident happened on october 17,2016 after being parked overnight in my garage. The third time happen october 18, 2016 after being parked for 45 while I was at lunch. When it does comes back on only the radio comes on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10917524, filed 2016-10, 68 miles - Engine
Auto-stop does not restart the engine
- 11 complaints (5%)
- median 38,000 mi at 3.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2025
Owners describe the stop-start feature shutting the engine off at a stop and then failing to restart when the brake is released, requiring the car to be shifted into park and restarted by hand. Several say the engine cut out before the car came to a complete stop, and that dealers could not reproduce the problem during short test drives. Reported across the sample from very low mileage up to about 42,000 miles, often in stop-and-go or warm-weather driving.
What to check: During a test drive, stop several times with the engine warm and confirm the car restarts promptly from auto-stop each time. Ask whether any software update or repair has been done for the stop-start system.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When vehicle is sitting in auto-stop mode, releasing the brake and pressing the gas pedal will randomly cause vehicle to stall. I have taken it to different Chevrolet dealerships and no one can figure out the cause of it and they cannot replicate the issue. (the mechanics are not driving the vehicle long enough for it to happen.) this happens more often during summer months, but has happened over the 2020 winter. I have to put the vehicle in park, turn it off and back on to get the car moving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11412786, filed 2021-04, 40,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while at a stop light, the auto stop mode was activated and the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the instrument panel was dark. The contact stated that the failure recurred twice. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was informed that an advisor would contact the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11364479, filed 2020-10, 18,511 miles
Buying note. A 2017 Cruze can be a reasonable used buy if it has a documented service history, but it is worth having an independent inspection focus on engine compression and misfire codes, clutch pedal feel on manual cars, and water in the trunk. Ask specifically what has been done for check-engine, clutch and electrical complaints.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 201 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. 114 of the complaints include a mileage, and 69% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 27,750 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,234 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 7 Chevrolet Cruze model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 9 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine73 36%
- Electrical system33 16%
- Other or unknown31 15%
- Brakes19 9.4%
- Body and structure16 8.0%
- Fuel system15 7.5%
- Exterior lighting12 6.0%
- Vehicle speed control10 5.0%
- Air bags7 3.5%
Also reported: Electronic stability control (7), Steering (6), Seats (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (5), Engine cooling (4), Suspension (4), Wheels (4), Tires (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “I was driving the vehicle when the entire car started to shake. Immediately the check engine started to blink and a warning displayed service stabilitrak. I took it to the dealership and was told that there us a misfire of the first valve which cause the other valves to misfire. After diagnosing the problem, I was told that its the injector and spark plug causing the problem and this is mot covered under the warranty. The car is less than 3 years old with only 40k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11317053, filed 2020-03, 40,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “I was test driving a new 2017 chevy Cruze...while attempting to accelerate to merge into traffic from the on ramp of the interstate, the car just revs up for like 5 secs before finally accelerating into traffic....this is a *****major flaw***** I thought the car had slipped into neutral....the lag time for the motor and transmission to engage is a highly****deadly****design failure...”
NHTSA complaint #10959838, filed 2017-03, 15 milesElectrical system: “When this problem first occured in my car, none of the gauges on the car worked. All were inactive including speedometer, gas meter, car temp, and RPM meter. The air conditioning was not working and the radio was not working either. At this time the car was running, and I was on a highway. The engine was still running. I took it to the dealership immediately to have the problem fixed. A few days later my car was returned to me and less than 100 miles later the car malfunctioned again in the same manner. …”
NHTSA complaint #11097147, filed 2018-05, 16,800 milesOther or unknown: “The horn system is not loud enough for the road. It fells to alert other vehicles on the road. I almost got into an accident and the horn failed to alert the person who was about to hit me. The horn can not penetrate another vehicles interior until the vehicle is 1 foot away. This is not enough time for the other vehicle to react.”
NHTSA complaint #11144520, filed 2018-10, 26,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
69% of the 114 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 15,000 and 60,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze · sedan FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
| Cruze · hatchback FWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
| Cruze · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
| Cruze · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 10.7% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: 5 stars overall. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Chevrolet Cruze version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cruze FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 30 | 40 | 34 | $1,950 |
| Cruze FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Cruze Hatchback FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 29 | 38 | 32 | $2,100 |
| Cruze Hatchback FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Cruze Premier FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 29 | 39 | 33 | $2,050 |
| Cruze Premier Hatchback FWD | 1.4L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 28 | 37 | 31 | $2,150 |
| Cruze FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 9-speed automatic | 31 | 47 | 37 | $2,600 |
| Cruze FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed manual | 30 | 52 | 37 | $2,600 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V304000May 10, 2018Fuel system, gasolineCovers: Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2018
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Cruze LS vehicles, equipped with a gasoline engine and a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire. The vehicles may leak gasoline following a rear-impact crash and a rollover. As such, these…
- 17V057000Jan 26, 2017Seats › Front assembly › Head restraintCovers: Chevrolet Cruze 2016–2017
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. 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 result, in the event of a crash, the…
Recall details for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,234 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11025552Oct 4, 2025Electrical system, Engine. This service bulletin provides procedures to correct customer concerns of Poor Engine Performance in Extremely Cold Weather Conditions, Charge Air Cooler (CAC) Icing - Malfunction Indicator Lamp…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
Other model years of the Chevrolet Cruze
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 23 | 10,000 | 2 | 5 | 32 | — | Stable |
| 2018 | 109 | 24,500 | 3 | 5 | 32 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 201 | 27,750 | 2 | 4–5 | 32 | 9 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2016 | 250 | 56,639 | 4 | 4–5 | 30 | 27 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 252 | 55,000 | 4 | 5 | 30 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 703 | 53,000 | 10 | 5 | 30 | 76 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 587 | 51,000 | 5 | 5 | 30 | 65 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 865 | 54,351 | 7 | 5 | 30 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 732 | 55,000 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 86 · More | Falling |
All Chevrolet Cruze model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?
Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze most often write in about engine problems — misfires, rough running, stalling and, in a number of cases, damaged pistons or a failed turbo. The issues reported most often: Engine misfire, rough running and stalling; Clutch pedal sticks to the floor (manual transmission); Water leak into trunk from high-mount brake light.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have?
NHTSA recorded 201 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 73 complaints (36% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 39.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze (Cruze, 1.4L 4-cyl) at 32 mpg combined, 28 city and 39 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,100 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze reported?
Among the 114 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 27,750 miles and the middle half falls between 15,000 and 60,000 miles; 69% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.