The 2017 Chevy Cruze has only a handful of recurring issues, and they’re infrequent. But some of them are pretty serious, like potential piston cracks, instrument clusters going out, and a recall of over 100,000 2016-2018 units for a potential fuel leak.
Key Points
- The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze‘s biggest issue has to do with pistons cracking inside the engine, a costly fix that’s difficult to spot early.
- While infrequent, some 2017 Cruzes struggle with worrying electrical hiccups, like the instrument cluster going out, the engine stalling, or the backup camera freezing.
- Over 100,000 Chevy Cruze’s between the model years 2016-2018 were recalled for a potential fuel leak, which could create a serious fire hazard.
- Overall the 2017 Cruze is a reliable used car with a low number of recalls and few registered complaints.
While Rare, Engine Pistons May Crack in Some 2017 Cruzes, a Hard-to-catch Problem with High Repairs Costs
The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze’s biggest problem is with the engine, but thankfully, it’s not that big a problem. The car has only generated two recalls and just over a hundred complaints with the NHTSA, with 35 of those complaints being for the engine and 22 for the powertrain. The strongest pattern we’re seeing here: cracked pistons.
The good news is that the problem isn’t that common, but the bad news is that it’s an expensive fix if your warranty has already run out. Worst-case scenario, a cracked piston means replacing the whole engine.
Best-case scenario, you’re at least going to have to pull the engine out of the car in order to make the repairs, and anytime they’re pulling the engine, that’s going to result in a lot of additional repair costs.
The frustrating thing about this issue: you can save the engine by catching it early, but it might be impossible to catch it early. More likely than not, you won’t know you have a cracked piston until you see smoke coming out of your car, or the car stalls out.
These incidents tend to happen at relatively low mileage, averaging well under 50k. So at the very least, if you find a used Chevy Cruze that’s already approaching six figures on the odometer, and it hasn’t been serviced for this issue before, you might be in the clear. But, if you can buy a 2017 Cruze that’s protected through Chevrolet’s CPO program, all the better.
2017 Cruze’s Electrical System’s Random Glitches Range from the Instrument Cluster Shutting Off, to the Engine Not Starting
After the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze’s piston problems, the next most common complaint points to electrical issues, with 20 reports on file with the NHTSA.
One driver reports losing radio, AC, emergency flashers, and instrument cluster power at around 12,000 miles, and then again at about 29,000 miles. Another owner mentions getting a “no remote detected” message when they try to start the car from park. Multiple drivers have also reported the engine shutting down when the car’s auto-start feature fails to engage on brake release.
As is often the case with electrical problems, it’s not just one thing, it’s a whole assortment of issues because the root problem is usually the onboard computer module.
With cars being more and more computer-controlled, electrical issues don’t just mean that your radio goes out. It can mean that the power steering fails, the engine won’t start, or the backup camera freezes up. It’s not just a matter of convenience, but of safety.
On the upside, these issues can usually be managed with a simple software update which you can get at the dealer for free.
Massive Recall was Issued for Potential Fuel Leak, Affecting Nearly 112,000 Cruze Models
The 2017 Cruze has only been recalled twice, but the most recent of these recalls is pretty concerning. In 111,966 Cruze LS models from 2016 to 2018, there is a potential for gas leakage in the event of a rear-impact crash and rollover.
That may sound like a pretty specific set of circumstances, but it happens. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of multiple car accidents, according to NHTSA data from 2015, making up just under a third of all crashes. And while rollovers only comprise about three percent of all accidents, they make up 30 percent of crash fatalities.
But no matter the odds of that happening, your chances aren’t zero, so better safe than sorry. Especially considering that recalls are free, and are valid for the lifetime of the vehicle.
The Cruze’s other recall was a simple welding issue. In just over 17,000 2016 and 2017 units, there are front seat brackets that may not be properly secured. Not as immediately concerning as a gas leak, sure, but again, recalls are free, so you might as well get it taken care of.
2017 Chevy Cruze’s Problems are Few and Far Between, Making it a Solid Used Car to Consider
With its low recall count and few registered complaints, the 2017 Chevy Cruze is a decent used car to have on your list. Be sure to keep an eye out for fuel leaking under the vehicle, or signs of a cracked piston, which includes reduced engine power, excessive oil consumption, or white or gray smoke coming from the exhaust.
Photos: Chevrolet
