Chevrolet Cruze Steering Problems
Owners have filed 375 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Chevrolet Cruze across 8 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (103). The words owners use most often: “traction control” (7% of reports).
- 375steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 32mention a crash
- 17mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Traction control: mentioned in 27 of 375 complaints (7%)
- Service power steering: mentioned in 26 of 375 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 302 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 375 complaints, 32 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 17 an injury.
Chevrolet Cruze steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Cruze | 9 | 8% | 30,400 |
| 2017 Cruze | 6 | 3% | 51,250 |
| 2016 Cruze | 18 | 7% | 57,000 |
| 2015 Cruze | 24 | 10% | 35,048 |
| 2014 Cruze | 93 | 13% | 52,000 |
| 2013 Cruze | 74 | 13% | 36,855 |
| 2012 Cruze | 103 | 12% | 45,500 |
| 2011 Cruze | 48 | 7% | 55,215 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Steering
Model years: 2014, 2015
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.
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
Model years: 2011
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed.
Risk: This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.gmownercenter.com.
Steering:column
Model years: 2011
Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column.
Risk: Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on april 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
While driving, I went to make a right turn and the power steering went out making the turn very difficult using manual muscle to complete the turn. Fortunately, it was in a parking lot. After the ignition was turned off for about 45 minutes, I turned it back on and the steering functioned normally…
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
When I start my vehicle and go over a certain speed it show service abs system it also makes a grinding sound when breaking before that speed is hit it also has a wobbleing steering wheel when breaking at high speeds also when accelerating it will sometimes show engine power reduced after presing…
The steering wheel keeps locking up while driving fast/slow or turning. Everything shuts off, then back on and all codes flash. My car literally locks up, itâs really unsafe when I canât control the vehicle. Almost hit another car, due to steering wheel locking up. Only thing I was told at the…
The 3rd brake light is known to leak on Chevy cars, which I found out when searching up the issues, which allows water inside trunk without your knowledge and does water damage to the battery and other electrical components that are located in the trunk that controls the dashboard, a/c, radio…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Cruzes have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 375 owner complaints about steering for the Chevrolet Cruze. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Cruze steering?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Chevrolet Cruze?
The most frequent phrase is “traction control”, in 27 of 375 complaints, followed by “service power steering” (26).
Other Chevrolet Cruze problems
See all Chevrolet Cruze problems.