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SteeringPart report

2012 Chevrolet Cruze Steering Problems

Complaints
103about this part
Share
12%of 865 total for the year
Median mileage
45,500miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 103 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 12% of the 865 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,500 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“My steering feels notched. At highway speed I feel like we are going to kill someone. You can not turn bc the wheel bc hard at center causing you to violently oversteer. Many people have complained about this issue over the years.”

NHTSA complaint #11396029, filed 2021-02, 86,000 miles

“This is my second complaint on this vehicle for the same problem. At low speeds the car makes a grinding noise that can be felt when taking off and turning. It has gotten worse and occasionally it can be felt when I am not even turning. This needs to be addressed before it turns into something serious.”

NHTSA complaint #10703749, filed 2015-04, 23,000 miles

“At low speeds, when turning, there is a grinding sensation in the steering wheel and can be felt in the floorboard. After taking this to the dealer twice, I was told it was the steering column. My extended warranty does not cover a noise and GM will not cover an issue if there is an extended warranty. I was told that changing out a $400+ part might not make a difference, and the noise could return again.”

NHTSA complaint #10701916, filed 2015-03, 44,600 miles

“After about 15 minutes on the interstate at a speed of about 60mph the steering seems to have a spot that it sticks in and does not seem safe. Have called dealership but they say they havent heard of this problem but I can have it checked. It does not seem to happen everytime so I havent taken it in.”

NHTSA complaint #10577957, filed 2014-04, 9,000 miles

“As I drive down the road my stability trak light comes on and my radio turns on and off. Now my power steering goes out and my car won't always start. I've taken it in 3 times to have these issues fixed and nobody can seem to figure out what is wrong. I've been left stranded with my 3 year old son because my car wont start. I've only had this car 2 months and it is by far the worst car I have ever had.”

NHTSA complaint #10583996, filed 2014-04, 43,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201898%
201763%
2016187%
2015249%
20149313%
20137413%
201210312%
2011487%

Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

Engine
268 complaints
Electrical system
196 complaints
Brakes
150 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
137 complaints
Electronic stability control
108 complaints
Other or unknown
86 complaints
Fuel system
52 complaints
Vehicle speed control
51 complaints
Engine cooling
44 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
43 complaints
Air bags
34 complaints
Body and structure
21 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology