This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Colorado steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 5 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Colorado | 3 |
| 2012 Colorado (this page) | 5 |
| 2015 Colorado | 351 |
| 2016 Colorado | 446 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 5 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet colorado. The contact stated the steering wheel was extremely difficult to maneuver. The steering wheel would not return to the center after completing a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who replaced the rack and pinion shaft twice and the power steering pump once. The steering continued to fail. The manufacturer was notified who advised the contact…
Popping noise from the front end when turning left or right and applying brakes.come to find out the frame is cracked on both left and right frame rails at the factory welds. This truck has never been in an accident and I'm the original owner. The Chevy dealer condemned the truck for safety reasons and said the only repair is to replace the entire frame.
2012 Chevy colorado extended cab 2x4 i4 engine lt1. The problem is in the steering. The steering is extremely hard turning. The steering does not return to center at more than 30 degrease when after making a turn. When starting out, turn wheel 90 degrease and then proceed forward and the steering wheel will stay in this position and car will just drive in circles. Took to andrew Chevy had…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 72,183 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Chevrolet/Colorado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.