P0571 Code: Chevrolet Cruze (2016-2019) - Causes, Symptoms & Fixes

Diagnostic guide for OBD-II code P0571 on 2016-2019 Chevrolet Cruze

Important data note

• Based on the provided NHTSA data: No owner complaints found for this exact make/model/year/issue combination, and No recalls found in NHTSA database.
• The guide below uses the meaning of P0571 as a general cruise-control input circuit fault and combines general GM/Cruze system knowledge with typical repair practices. If your Cruze shows additional codes, follow those first and treat P0571 as a secondary indication of a cruise-control input issue.
• Prices listed are approximate 2025 ranges and can vary by region, shop, and vehicle condition. Always get a written estimate before major repairs.

CODE MEANING AND SEVERITY

• Code: P0571
• Full name: Cruise Control Input Circuit Malfunction (Cruise Control Input Circuit Range/Performance may also appear depending on the exact wording in the scan tool or GM software set)
• What it means: The cruise control system is seeing an abnormal or out-of-range signal from one of the input circuits that tell the system when to engage, maintain, or disengage. In GM Cruze applications, this input is typically linked to the brake switch, steering wheel/cruise switch, and related wiring. When the input circuit is out of spec, the cruise control is often disabled to prevent unintended acceleration or uncontrolled engagement.
• Severity and driving impact:
  • Typically moderate. Cruise control may not engage, or may disengage when you press the brake. It may also illuminate the check engine light (or service soon) in some vehicles.
  • Not usually dangerous to drive without cruise control, but be aware of possible intermittent disengagement if the fault is intermittent.
  • If the code is accompanied by other DTCs (for example P0570, or a CAN/wiring fault), the root cause may be broader (electrical harness, BCM/PCM communication, or power/ground problems) and should be addressed promptly.

COMMON CAUSES ON CHEVROLET CRUZE (2016–2019)

• Faulty or misadjusted brake pedal / brake light switch
  • Most P0571 cases originate from the brake switch signaling the brake pedal position. A misadjusted, failing, or corroded switch can send incorrect brake-on/off signals to the cruise control system.
• Faulty cruise control switch or wiring
  • The steering wheel cruise control stalk/buttons can develop bad contacts or wiring faults that confuse the input signal.
• Wiring harness damage or poor connections
  • Worn, pinched, corroded, or moisture-affected connectors between the brake switch, cruise control module, and PCM/ BCM can trigger P0571.
• Faulty cruise control module/servo or actuator
  • In some Cruze configurations, the module or servo that interprets input and controls the servo can fail.
• Electrical system issues
  • Low or unstable battery voltage, weak alternator output, poor grounding, or parasitic drains can create spurious sensor readings that trigger a P0571.
• CAN/bus communication faults
  • If the cruise control input is monitored via BCM/PCM over a CAN bus, any intermittent bus fault can cause the P0571 signal to read as out of spec.
• Related accessory or software issues
  • In some cases, a software glitch in the cruise control control logic or an updated calibration can resolve or unmask P0571 alongside other cruise-control related codes.

SYMPTOMS YOU MIGHT NOTICE

• Cruise control won’t engage or engages inconsistently
• Cruise indicator light on the dash may flash or stay on/off
• Cruise control disengages when you press the brake pedal
• Intermittent or no effect when pressing the cruise control set button
• In some cases, the check engine light illuminates or a related DTC appears
• No obvious driveability issues outside of cruise control behavior

DIAGNOSTIC STEPS (step-by-step, practical approach)

Always start with the simplest, least invasive checks and verify there are no other related DTCs that could point to a broader electrical problem.

• Step A: Confirm the DTC context
  • Use a good OBD-II scan tool to read all stored and pending codes, freeze frame data, and live data for P0571 and any related codes (notably P0570 if present). Check for any CAN bus or BCM/PCM-related codes.
• Step B: Visual and functional inspection of the brake switch
  • Inspect the brake pedal switch for proper mounting, damage, or wear.
  • Confirm brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed (a faulty brake light switch often correlates with cruise control faults).
  • Check for bent linkage, misadjustment, or binding that could cause incorrect signaling.
  • Look for corrosion or moisture in the switch connector; reseat or clean connectors as needed.
• Step C: Inspect the cruise control input devices and wiring
  • Check the steering wheel cruise control switch for corrosion, wear, or loose connectors.
  • Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors between the brake switch, steering wheel control, and the cruise control module for damage, battery acid exposure, or moisture. Pay special attention to grounds and shielded signal paths.
• Step D: Inspect power, grounding, and the electrical system
  • Test battery voltage with the engine off (12.6V or higher is ideal) and with the engine running (13.8–14.8V if the alternator is charging).
  • Check for parasitic drains and ensure grounds are clean and secure.
• Step E: Scan data in live mode (functional checks)
  • While the vehicle is on, watch the brake switch input status and the cruise control input signal in the scan tool:
    • When you press the brake, the brake switch input to the BCM/PCM should switch reliably from “not pressed” to “pressed.”
    • The cruise control switch signal should register correctly when you press the Set/On buttons.
  • If the signals are erratic, test the individual wires for continuity and verify proper wiring resistance. Look for shorts to power or ground.
• Step F: Rule out related components
  • If the brake switch and wiring check out, verify the cruise control module/servo (if accessible) and its connectors for corrosion or damage.
  • In some cases, a software/ECU calibration update from the dealership or a GM-approved service may resolve input circuit interpretation issues.
• Step G: Consider broader electrical/software update
  • If no hardware fault is found, evaluate whether a software update (ECU/TCU/BCM) is available for your vehicle year/model from the dealer. This is a common fix for input-related cruise control issues.
• Step H: Test drive after repairs
  • Clear the codes, perform a short test drive at multiple speeds, and re-check for P0571 and any related codes to confirm the issue is resolved.

RELATED CODES

• P0570 – Cruise Control Input Circuit Malfunction (the preceding/fundamental input code in the same family; often found together or sequentially with P0571)
• Other cruise-control family codes may appear if there are bus/communication or component faults in the cruise control system (monitor for CAN/bus related DTCs or BCM/PCM codes that could be connected to the issue)
• Note: In the provided data, there are no specific Cruze-published recalls or complaints for P0571, but listed codes in the same family are commonly observed together on many vehicles when there is a cruise-control input issue.

REPAIR OPTIONS AND COSTS (2025 prices)

Prices are rough estimates; actual costs vary by region and shop. Labor times assume typical dealership or independent shop rates.

• Brake pedal switch replacement/adjustment

  • Parts: $10–$60
  • Labor: 0.3–1.0 hours
  • Estimated total: $60–$150
  • Notes: Most Cruze owners see quick, low-cost fixes here; ensure proper adjustment and test lights/brake function.

• Brake switch connector, harness repair or connector cleaning

  • Parts: $0–$20 (if just cleaning/seat) or $20–$60 (if replacement)
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $60–$180

• Cruise control switch/button replacement (steering wheel control)

  • Parts: $40–$180
  • Labor: 0.5–1.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $100–$320

• Cruise control module/servo or actuator replacement

  • Parts: $300–$900
  • Labor: 1.5–3.5 hours
  • Estimated total: $450–$1,800

• Wiring harness repair or loom replacement

  • Parts: $20–$150 (harness/repair kit)
  • Labor: 1.0–3.0 hours
  • Estimated total: $120–$450

• Battery or charging system service (if low voltage is suspected)

  • Battery replacement (if needed): $100–$220 (parts only, depending on capacity)
  • Labor: $0–$50
  • Alternator checks/repairs (if needed): $150–$500 (labor plus parts, depending on the issue)
  • Estimated total: $100–$700

• Software update / ECU reflash (via dealer or GM-certified shop)

  • Parts: $0–$50 (software license is often included in service)
  • Labor: $100–$150
  • Estimated total: $100–$200
  • Notes: If an update is available, it can resolve input-circuit interpretation issues without hardware replacement.

• Comprehensive diagnostic service

  • If you’re paying a shop for a full diagnostic to isolate P0571 with confidence, expect 0.8–2.5 hours of labor depending on complexity.
  • Estimated total: $100–$350 for initial diagnosis (labor only, before parts)

DIY VS PROFESSIONAL

• DIY options if you’re comfortable with basic automotive electrical work:
  • Inspect and adjust the brake pedal switch.
  • Check brake lights for proper operation as a quick health check of the brake switch signal path.
  • Inspect visible wiring and connectors for damage; reseat connectors.
  • Use a multimeter to verify brake switch signal and basic wiring continuity.
  • Clear codes after repairs and test drive to confirm resolution.
• When to call a professional:
  • If the fault persists after brake switch inspection and wiring checks.
  • If you are not comfortable testing electrical circuits, CAN bus signals, or performing ECU/software updates.
  • If the issue requires module replacement, extensive harness work, or a dealer software update, which typically benefits from specialized tools and knowledge.
• Safety note: Cruise control is an electrical system involved with vehicle speed signaling and input circuits. Work carefully around the airbag/steering area and always disconnect the battery if you’re removing any steering-column components.

PREVENTION

• Regularly inspect and, if applicable, adjust the brake pedal switch to ensure reliable brake-off signal.
• Keep electrical connections clean; protect connectors from moisture and corrosion; reseat any corroded connectors.
• Maintain the battery and charging system; low voltage can cause sporadic sensor readings and false codes.
• Avoid rough brake application and excessive moisture that could infiltrate harnesses near the firewall or under the dash wiring.
• If you perform software updates, ensure the vehicle has a stable power supply during the update (stable battery or external power source) to avoid bricking modules.
• Schedule periodic software/ECU calibration checks as part of routine maintenance if GM issues service updates for cruise-control input reliability.

Data limitations and transparency

• The provided data indicates no complaints and no recalls for P0571 on the 2016–2019 Cruze in the NHTSA database. This means:
  • There isn’t a known model-wide recall or widely reported crash/defect pattern tied to P0571 for this exact model/year in the supplied dataset.
  • The diagnostic guidance here combines general OBD-II code meaning with common GM/Cruze-specific input-circuit concepts and typical repair practices.
• If you see P0571 and additional codes, or if the vehicle behavior is erratic beyond cruise control (e.g., speed sensor issues, BCM/PCM communication faults), treat those codes as potentially more impactful and address them first.

Bottom line

• P0571 on a 2016–2019 Cruze generally points to an input-signal problem in the cruise-control circuit—most commonly the brake switch, its wiring, or the cruise control switch itself. Start with brake switch inspection/adjustment, verify proper brake-light operation, and inspect wiring. If the fault persists, expand diagnosis to the cruise-control module, connectors, and possible CAN-bus issues, and be prepared for software updates or module replacement if needed. With the no-recall data, approach should be diagnostic and repair-focused rather than software recall-driven.