The effects of CeO2 addition on the macro-morphology, surface cracks, microstructure, precipitated phases and wear property of laser cladding Ni-based coatings on 35CrMoV steel were investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and friction and wear tester, respectively. The results indicated that the microstructure could be remarkably refined with the addition of CeO2. The width of eutectic structure is reduced from 1.74 mu m to 237.5 nm with the amount of CeO2 increases from 0 to 4.0 wt.%. Meanwhile, CeO2 significantly decreases the number of the oxides and it can be obtained the minimal number of cracks when the CeO2 addition reaches 4.0 wt.%. The main phase composition of Ni60 cladding layer is Ni3Fe, Ni3V, Cr23C6 and Fe5C2. The distortional zone was observed around the eutectic of the coating. The average friction coefficient (0.438) and the wear resistance are the best when the addition of CeO2 is 4.0 wt.%.