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2014 Chevrolet Cruze

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2014 models.

Chevrolet Cruze
Pictured: 2017 Chevrolet Cruze LT in Arctic Blue Metallic, Front Left. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Midsize Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan Diesel, 4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/Eco
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo, 1.8L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
32 combined · 28 city / 44 hwy
Length
181.5 in
Curb weight
3,102–3,475 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 25% better than the average 2014 midsize car (25.7 MPG).
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints644 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 137 for similar models — most often about the engine.
  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2014 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 1.4L 4-cyl turbo and 1.8L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 106-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,475 lb (4dr Sedan Diesel).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (28 city / 44 highway), 25% better than the 2014 midsize car average of 25.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,100 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 644 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2014

  • New diesel version
  • Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall

Compared with 2013; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2013 Cruze →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan Diesel181.5 in70.9 in58.3 in105.5 in60.2 / 61 in3,475 lb61/39
4dr Sedan Ls/Lt/Ltz/Eco181.5 in70.9 in58.3 in105.5 in60.2 / 61 in3,102 lb61/39

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Cruze Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive27 / 44 / 32+25%$3,000314
Cruze Eco1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive28 / 40 / 32+25%$2,100273
Cruze Eco1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 37 / 30+17%$2,250295
Cruze1.4L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive26 / 36 / 30+17%$2,250300
Cruze1.4L 4-cyl turboManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 37 / 30+17%$2,250298
Cruze1.8L 4-cylManual 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive25 / 35 / 29+13%$2,300309
Cruze1.8L 4-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 34 / 26+1%$2,600336
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.7 MPG2014 Midsize Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2014 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2014 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 4★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★10.9%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2014 Chevrolet Cruze 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2014 midsize cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2014 Chevrolet Cruze (this car)32 MPG★★★★★10
2014 Toyota Corolla34 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Honda Civic44 MPG★★★★★2
2014 Honda Accord47 MPGNot rated5
2014 Toyota Camry40 MPG★★★★★3
2014 Nissan GT-R19 MPGNot rated0
2014 Toyota Prius50 MPG★★★★★4

Recalls (10)

Air Bags › Side/Window · Nov 6, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V764000 · 2,099 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
Risk
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 5, 2025. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252530830. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 23V674 and 23V870.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 21, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V870000 · 20,712 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators may rupture at the inflator weld joint. This recall is an expansion of Recall 23V-674.
Risk
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 22, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 and Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232425640.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Sep 20, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V674000 · 9,264 vehicles

Problem
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Buick Verano and Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. The left and/or right-side roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflators located on the roof rails above the headliner, may rupture at the inflator weld joint.
Risk
An inflator that ruptures may partially inflate the air bag and cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of an injury.
Fix
Dealers will replace the left and/or right-side RRAB modules, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 12, 2024. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N232408490.
Electrical System › Ignition · Jul 5, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V502000 · 8,367 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Buick Verano and 2016 Chevrolet Malibu as the electronic park lock lever may allow the ignition key to be removed without the transmission being in PARK. Also, certain 2013 Buick Encore, 2011 Buick Regal, 2013-2014 Buick Verano, 2011-2016 Chevrolet Cruze, 2010-2013 Chevrolet Equinox 2013-2015 Chevrolet Malibu, and 2011-2013 GMC Terrain vehicles may have been serviced with similar defective replacement electronic park lock levers. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If the key is removed without the transmission in PARK, the vehicle may rollaway as occupants are exiting, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the key cylinder lock housing, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick 1-800-521-7300, and GMC 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 50490 and 50491.
Steering · Jul 10, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V442000 · 10 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured November 8, 2013, to March 12, 2015, and 2015 Chevrolet Volt vehicles manufactured April 11, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the inner tie rod may not be tightened to specification allowing the tie rod to separate from the steering gear.
Risk
Separation of the tie rod from the steering gear could result in the loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear assembly, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 15386.
Equipment › Electrical · Jul 2, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V417000 · 2,990 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.
Risk
Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.
Air Bags · Jun 26, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V372000 · 29,019 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Mar 31, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V151000 · 174,046 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Feb 21, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V092000 · 355 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014 Buick Regal, LaCrosse, Verano, and Enclave, and Chevrolet Impala, Malibu, Cruze, and Traverse, and GMC Acadia vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. In the affected vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjuster may disengage from the transmission shift lever. As such, these vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect." They also fail to conform to FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
Risk
If a vehicle's shift cable disengages from the transmission shift lever, a driver may be unable to shift gear positions and the indicated shift position may not represent the gear position the vehicle is in. Should a disengagement occur while the vehicle is being driven, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, the driver may be able to shift the lever to the "PARK" position, but the vehicle transmission may not be in the "PARK" gear position. If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
General Motors will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace any affected transmission shift cable adjusters, free of charge. The recall began on April 10, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Buick owners at 1-800-521-7300, and GMC owners at 1-800-462-8782. General Motors' number associated with this recall is 14048.
Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft · Sep 23, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V452000 · 3,161 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2014 Chevrolet Cruze is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

644Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
64Involved a crash
16Involved a fire
51Injuries reported
57,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine212
Electrical System173
Unknown Or Other88
Steering79
Power Train79
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)68
Air Bags67
Fuel/Propulsion System59
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/05: 224/06: 424/07: 524/08: 224/09: 124/10: 224/11: 424/12: 125/01: 125/02: 425/03: 125/04: 325/05: 325/09: 225/10: 125/11: 325/12: 126/01: 126/02: 126/04: 226/05: 426/06: 226/08: 426/10: 124/0524/0824/1125/0225/0525/1126/0226/06max 5

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2014 Chevrolet Cruze buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 212 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Electrical System — 173 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Steering — 79 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 57,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Cruze years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2019 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★223
2018 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★3109
2017 Cruze37183.9 in★★★★★2201
2016 Cruze34183.9 in★★★★★4250
2015 Cruze32181.1 in★★★★★4252
2013 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated5450
2012 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated7581
2011 Cruze32181.5 inNot rated7424

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →