NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Chevrolet Cruze Safety Ratings
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 19 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze achieved a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in our Strong band. While its NHTSA crash-test results are largely excellent, two active recall campaigns and a modest avoidance technology score prevent a higher overall assessment. This positions the Cruze competitively within the used compact market based on its safety standing.
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze ranks 42 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.7% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 19 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 42 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze achieved a Safety Index of 87 out of 100, driven by its 66 out of 70 crash-protection sub-score. This reflects 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact tests conducted by NHTSA. However, the vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 indicates a clear area for improvement, as both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional. This means many 2019 Cruze models on the used market may lack these safety features. The defect record, with a sub-score of 14.75 out of 20, includes two recall campaigns: one addressing the brake caliper system and another concerning the automatic transmission. While only 19 owner complaints were reported, including 3 alleged crashes and 3 alleged injuries, it is notable that the top complaint categories, Power Train and Engine, overlap with the subjects of the recalls.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze achieved a 4 out of 5-star rating in rollover resistance, marking a relative weakness against its otherwise strong crash-test performance. This 11-percent rollover risk was determined in part by a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test. All other categories for the 2019 Cruze earned a full 5-star rating from NHTSA, specifically overall, frontal, and side crash protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14021
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2019 Cruze. The first, issued in 2018, targets hydraulic disc brake calipers across a broad GM lineup including this vehicle. The second, issued in 2020, addresses the automatic transmission. Neither campaign has been flagged as a park-outside or do-not-drive order in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION20V668000
Risk: Missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could result in a transmission oil leak and may progress to a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the start-stop transmission accumulator and replace it if any bolts are missing, free of charge. The recall began December 15, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick Customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this reca
Reported 2020-10-29
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER18V576000
Risk: A reduction of braking performance can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the vehicle's brake system, free of charge. The recall began October 11, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18279.
Reported 2018-08-30
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
Nineteen unverified owner allegations have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2019 Cruze. Reported problem areas include Power Train (6 allegations), Engine (5), Electrical System (3), Air Bags (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2), and Service Brakes (2). These are unverified consumer claims, not established defects.
19 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
The 2019 Cruze received particular scrutiny for its braking system and automatic transmission, with two significant recalls issued during its production. One recall addressed the brake caliper, while another focused on the automatic transmission. Buyers of a used 2019 Cruze are advised to verify through the NHTSA recall lookup tool that remedies for both issues have been completed. Unresolved recalls transfer to the new owner, and verification of remedy completion is a crucial safety checkpoint.
- The 2019 Cruze carries two open-or-completed recall campaigns: one for hydraulic disc brake calipers and one for the automatic transmission. Buyers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on this model year. Many used examples will lack both features, which directly lowered the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10.
- NHTSA awarded 5 stars in overall, frontal, and side categories, but the rollover rating is 4 out of 5 with an 11-percent rollover risk. The dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result.
- Nineteen unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with Power Train and Engine drawing the most allegations. The most recent reported complaint was filed in April 2026, indicating ongoing owner activity for this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze places
The 2019 Chevrolet Cruze qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Chevrolet Cruze safety questions
Was the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 19 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Chevrolet Cruze. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14021), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Cruze 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 42 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.