Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Chevrolet Cruze owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving 55 mph, several unknown warning lights illuminated and the vehicle intermittently stalled. The contact also stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road; then drove the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not determine the cause of the failure since the unknown warning lights were no longer illuminated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnosis once the warning lights were again illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
I've had this car for less than 2 months I've already spent $3,500 I've had to replace the thermostat the resvoir tank most oxygen sensors lower stream and upper stream now has a blown head gasket and a possible fuel pump
Service Bulletin Number: 14311B, Date: June 2015, Service Bulletin: SB-10057574-8899 CONDITION On certain 2011-2015 model year Chevrolet Cruze vehicles, the negative battery cable terminal clamp may have an insufficient crimp at the battery negative terminal. Over time, the internal resistance increases and vehicle electrical systems do not receive adequate power. With this condition, the following effects are possible: the Radio/HVAC Display may turn off and on; the Antilock Brake System, Service Traction System, Service Stabilitrac and Steering vehicle messages may come on and off; the turn signal sound may not be heard; "Battery Saver Active" and "Service Steering" may display in the Driver Information Center (DIC); and the interior and exterior lighting may flicker. …
I purchased this vehicle almost three weeks ago...I'm assuming it's out of warranty...J am spending out of pocket expenses to have this car repaired....It has a faulty leakage in transmission that mechanics seem to can't fix....I need my car for transportation....ATP I'm assuming the car is a lemon
Since March 2015, I have been experiencing issues with and I have video evidence while in failure mode, of what I believe to be failures of the body computer(s) in this vehicle. The dashboard displays have been going on and off under a wide variety of driving situations, and while sitting at idle. They fault when the vehicle is simply driving down the highway. More often I notice it when utilizing turn signals, hazard lights, and breaking. During these faults, the center information display for the HVAC and entertainment will frequently turn off. This kills the radio. It at times kills the HVAC systems and the turn signals (at least the noise for the turn signal indicators). At times, the center display above the steering column will go black and then display a message about the stabilitrak having failed and requiring it to be checked or the ABS needing to be serviced. …
2012 Cruze lt. The third turbo was installed 2 days before extended warranty expired. It has 56668 miles now. I spent 4 hours putting glue putty in the cracks on the bottom intake manifold, to plenum junction corners of cylinders 2 and 4 because of the GM plastic [redacted], curing the low boost and lean mixture codes at idle, on easter. The first month I had the car the transmission would start in first skip second gear rev up then chirp the tires until it warmed up, and was fixed by a program change to a lesser version and now at the higher mileage it waits before it engages first at all. Another neat thing is to turn left at 5mph hard and feel the car do a jig to the right for an instant before continuing on with the turn. …
While driving in the city at night, the vehicle completely shut off, including the engine and all electrical systems without any warnings. This caused all lights to turn off, loss of power steering, power to brakes, and little to control to the vehicle. Luckily, the vehicle behind me noticed and tailed me to a stop with their warning lights. I then proceeded to open the engine with a flashlight to discover that the battery was still properly connected (6 months old) with no frays or corrosion to the connectors or wiring. After about 5 minutes attempting to find a tow truck company the vehicle electrical system came back on with no intervention. I turned the ignition switch and the vehicle started with no issues and no engine lights on. I drove it the rest of the way home with no issues. When I got home I checked all the fuses and all were operable. The OBD scanner found no codes. …
On my way to work February 22 I had notice a strong burning smell and just assumed it was from something outside. So I just ignored it and continued my drive. Once I got to work I noticed that there was some light smoke coming from under my hood so I lifted it and checked to see if anything looked strange but I didn't notice anything. So I continue to drive for a few more days becoming accustomed to the smell and smoke. Mind you I check all my fluids once a week because I do alot of long distance driving. After about 6-8 days of driving to my new job the smoke started getting thicker and more white and I started to notice that my oil level was dropping. So I bought some to keep in my car so I didn't run it dry. But I had to keep driving it to work because I needed to have a paycheck coming in. …
The stability track control and service traction control messages have both happened to me now a few times while driving down city/country roads and down the highway. The first time I had the service traction control was yesterday. (8/02/2016) it's scary because the radio resets and the power steering goes out. I have a [redacted] daughter and she's terrified as well. I wish they would figure this out already. I called the dealer once and like most people write online about this issue they didn't know what it could be and they didn't have a car I could use to go back and forth to work while they checked it out so I haven't taken to the dealer yet. The issue comes and goes. It could go away for months but always comes back. I keep checking online to see if they finally found a fix for this issue and I still haven't found anything. …
On the first occurrence the lights on the radio display began to flicker and then all electrical power to the dashboard. The electrical came back on and the dash display depicted the warning message check stabilitrak. I took it to the dealership where I purchased the car and they said that high voltage codes c0800, 07 and high voltage history showed up on the scope and there were no issues. The second time the lights on the radio display began to flicker and then all electrical power to the dashboard, airbags and the electrically assisted power steering went out, while on a very steep mountain road and I had no control over the vehicle. The electrical came back on and the dash display depicted the warning message check stabilitrak. …
Steering complaints in other Cruze years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze?
NHTSA has 103 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 12% of the model year's 865 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist › power steering fluid (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.