Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2014 Chevrolet Cruze
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze has a substantial number of owner complaints and recalls, particularly involving the engine, electrical system, and air bags. It is crucial to conduct a meticulous inspection before purchase due to these issues. Ensure vital systems and potential recall areas are thoroughly checked.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze has 10 NHTSA recall campaigns and 703 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V764000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V870000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflators May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V674000 Roof Rail Air Bag Inflator May Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #16V502000 Key May Be Removed When Not In Park/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V442000 Steering Gear Not Tightened to Specification NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V417000 Engine Block Heater Power Cord Damage NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V372000 Driver's Front Air Bag Inflator Rupture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V151000 Front Right Half Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #14V092000 Broken Transmission Adjuster Cable/FMVSS 102/114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #13V452000 Front Right Half Shaft may Fracture NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 218 complaints
- Electrical System 187 complaints
- Power Train 98 complaints
- Steering 93 complaints
- Unknown or Other 89 complaints
- Air Bags 77 complaints
Of the 703 complaints on file, 70 report a crash and 17 a fire; across all 703 complaints, owners report 57 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
High complaint level
How to check: Look for any visible signs of engine leaks or irregular noises.
Frequent electrical problems
How to check: Test all electrical components, such as lights and windows.
RRAB inflators may rupture
How to check: Verify if the airbag recall work has been completed.
Tie rod may separate
How to check: Check for recalls related to steering.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for any unusual engine noises.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe the dashboard for warning lights.
Red flag: Check engine light stays on
- 03
Initial acceleration
What to check: Monitor for any transmission hesitation.
Red flag: Delayed or rough shifting
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test steering fluidity and precision.
Red flag: Steering feels loose or unresponsive
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Listen for whining or grinding from powertrain.
Red flag: Loud whine or grinding noises
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth and consistent braking force.
Red flag: Brakes feel spongy or vibrate
- 07
Parking
What to check: Check for any issues with gear selection.
Red flag: Difficulty shifting gears
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the car been involved in any accidents?
- Are all recall repairs completed?
- Have there been any major engine repairs?
- Has the transmission ever been serviced?
- Were there any electrical issues resolved?
- Are service records available?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle maintenance records
- Proof of completed recalls
- Accident history report
- Title status verification
- Warranty documents
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2014 Chevrolet Cruze? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.