2017 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Cruze: Strong crash ratings, but significant engine/powertrain complaints and fire/seat recalls raise real-world safety concerns.

198Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
60/100Reliability Score
8Crash Reports
6Fire Reports
5Injuries
Most reported components: Engine (32)Power Train (23)Unknown Or Other (14)Electrical System (14)Service Brakes (9)Structure (7)Power Train,Engine (7)Exterior Lighting (7)Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (6)Electrical System,Engine (5)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze presents a mixed safety picture, with strong crash test performance but a notable number of complaints and two significant recalls. NHTSA awarded the vehicle an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal crash and 4 stars for side and rollover tests, indicating robust occupant protection in various collision scenarios. However, the vehicle has accumulated 198 total complaints, with 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 5 injuries reported, suggesting real-world safety concerns beyond controlled crash tests. Common complaint patterns revolve heavily around the ENGINE (32 complaints) and POWER TRAIN (23 complaints), with specific issues like turbocharger failure, cracked pistons leading to engine replacement, and transmission problems (including slave cylinder failure in manual transmissions) frequently cited. Several complaints describe sudden loss of power or stalling, which are critical safety hazards. The ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints) also features prominently, with issues like headlight failure and dashboard display malfunctions. The 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE' recall addresses a fire risk due to potential fuel leaks in certain LS models, directly correlating with the 6 reported fires. The 'SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT' recall highlights a risk of increased injury in a crash due to incorrectly welded seat-back recliner mechanisms, which is concerning given the 5 reported injuries. The recall history is particularly relevant. The fuel leak recall (affecting 2016-2018 Cruze LS with tire inflator kit) directly addresses a severe fire risk. The seat-back recall (affecting 2016-2017 Cruze) points to a structural integrity issue that could exacerbate injuries in a collision. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash tests, the high number of engine and powertrain complaints, coupled with the recalls, suggests potential reliability and component failure issues that could compromise safety during operation. Buyers should be aware of these specific mechanical vulnerabilities despite the strong crash ratings.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Failure (Cracked Pistons, Turbocharger)
Multiple reports of cracked pistons requiring engine replacement and turbocharger failures, often leading to loss of power or stalling.		 High Common 37000-85000 miles
Fuel Leaks
Recall for fuel leaks in certain models, and complaints of strong gasoline odor and leaks under the hood, posing a fire risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Manual Transmission Slave Cylinder Failure
Clutch pedal becoming spongy or stuck to the floor, leading to loss of control over drivetrain and potential accidents.		 High Occasional 125000 miles
Auto Stop/Start Malfunction
Engine stalls after auto stop engages, requiring manual restart in traffic, leading to rear-end collisions.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Headlight Failure
Headlights (low and high beams) ceasing to function, leaving only daytime running lights, impairing night visibility.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Third Brake Light Leak
Water leaking into the trunk from the third brake light, causing damage to electrical components and battery.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Seat-Back Recliner Mechanism Defect
Recall for incorrectly welded seat-back brackets, increasing risk of injury in a crash if the seat breaks.		 High Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze:

Engine 16% of complaints

Frequent reports of engine failure due to cracked pistons, turbocharger issues, and general loss of power or stalling.

Power Train 12% of complaints

Issues with transmissions (including slave cylinder failure in manual models) and general propulsion problems.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Problems with headlights, dashboard displays, and other electrical components.

Fuel System, Gasoline 3% of complaints

Fuel leaks and strong gasoline odors, linked to a recall for fire risk.

Service Brakes 5% of complaints

Reports of brake assist light coming on, loss of turbo power, and complete brake failure.

Structure 4% of complaints

Issues like paint bubbling/rusting, detached rear bumper, and water leaks into the trunk.

Seats 1% of complaints

Recall for incorrectly welded seat-back recliner mechanisms, increasing injury risk in a crash.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating, with 5 stars for frontal crash and 4 stars for side and rollover. However, it has 198 complaints, including 8 crashes, 6 fires, and 5 injuries, and two recalls addressing fuel leaks (fire risk) and seat-back integrity (injury risk). While crash tests are strong, real-world component failures, particularly engine and powertrain issues, pose safety concerns.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze are related to the ENGINE (32 complaints), including cracked pistons and turbocharger failures, and POWER TRAIN (23 complaints), such as transmission and slave cylinder problems. Other common issues involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14 complaints) like headlight malfunctions, and STRUCTURE (7 complaints) including paint and water leaks.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?

Yes, there are two recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. One recall addresses a potential fuel leak in certain LS models, which increases the risk of fire. The second recall concerns a defect in the front seat-back recliner mechanism, where an incorrectly welded bracket could increase the risk of injury in a crash.

What are the crash test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze?

The 2017 Chevrolet Cruze received a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. Specifically, it earned 5 stars for Frontal Crash, 4 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover safety.

Does the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze have engine problems?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze has a significant number of engine-related complaints (32 total), making it the top complaint component. Common issues include cracked pistons requiring engine replacement, turbocharger failures (often indicated by code P0299), and general loss of power or stalling while driving.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the significant engine and powertrain reliability concerns, and ensure all recalls (fuel system, seat-back) have been addressed due to their high safety implications.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Cruze

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze. The data includes 198 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 6 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chevrolet Cruze an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.