Recall 16V498 affects 32,913 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles for missing headlight aiming labels. Free labels and help are available at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet is recalling 32,913 2016 Cruze vehicles because the headlight assemblies lack the three-digit code technicians use to aim them correctly. Without that code, headlights can be aimed incorrectly during service, reducing nighttime visibility and raising crash risk; Chevrolet dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The headlight assembly on the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze holds the lamp, lens, reflectors, and adjustment points that let a technician aim the beam correctly. Proper aim matters because the headlights need to light the road without shining too high into oncoming traffic. These assemblies are required to carry a three-digit identifier code that tells a service technician how to aim them under the federal lighting standard.
On affected Cruze vehicles, that identifier was not etched onto the headlight lens. General Motors traced the problem to a programming error in the supplier's etching equipment, so the lens left the supplier without the required marking. The lamp itself is not described as broken, but the missing code means the headlight assembly does not give the required aiming information.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to notice this from the driver's seat unless a dealer or technician inspects the headlight marking.
Who's affected?
| 2016 Chevrolet Cruze | Headlights |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 32,913 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
A missing headlight identification code can lead to incorrect headlight aiming during service. If the headlights are aimed wrong, nighttime visibility is reduced and crash risk increases. Drive cautiously at night and have the label issue handled soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chevrolet dealer for the free headlight-label repair, which adds the aiming code needed during headlight service.
- Bring the recall notice if Chevrolet sent one. Reference recall number 16V498 when you call or visit.
- Use extra care during nighttime driving until the labels are installed and the headlight aim is checked.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician helps apply adhesive labels with the correct headlight aiming code to the headlight assemblies. Chevrolet also mailed owners instructions and the labels so the label can be installed before a dealer visit. The dealer assistance, parts, and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the existing warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the covered Cruze vehicles are under warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| June 29, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| June 29, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 1, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V498?
Recall 16V498 covers 32,913 2016 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with headlight assemblies missing the three-digit code used to aim the headlights during service. If the headlights are aimed wrong, nighttime visibility is reduced and crash risk increases.
What should I do if my 2016 Chevrolet Cruze is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cruze is included in recall 16V498. If it is, apply the adhesive label Chevrolet mailed with the owner instructions, or ask a franchised Chevrolet dealer to help apply the label for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to correct the defect at no cost. Chevrolet provides the correct headlight identifier label, and a franchised Chevrolet dealer will help apply the label free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2016 Chevrolet Cruze before the label is installed?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk in recall 16V498 comes during headlight service: without the code, the headlights can be aimed wrong, reducing nighttime visibility. Confirm your VIN, then complete the label step before or during headlight service.
Who can I call about Chevrolet recall 16V498?
Call the Chevrolet Customer Service Department at 1-800-222-1020 and reference recall number 50190. A franchised Chevrolet dealer can also confirm the recall and help apply the headlight identifier label at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V498000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-222-1020 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V498 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V498000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →