This service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 45,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Equinox | 44 |
| 2009 Equinox | 5 |
| 2010 Equinox | 44 |
| 2011 Equinox | 43 |
| 2012 Equinox (this page) | 36 |
| 2013 Equinox | 19 |
| 2014 Equinox | 18 |
| 2015 Equinox | 14 |
| 2016 Equinox | 7 |
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
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 informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Equinox steering system is plagued by multiple failure modes that owners describe as hazardous. The most serious are abrupt power steering failures—the steering wheel loses all assist without warning, becoming dangerously stiff and impossible to turn, especially mid-turn in traffic. Owners also report intermittent stickiness and jerking in the steering that can last for days or weeks before disappearing, only to return later. In several cases, the steering wheel locks completely while driving, forcing owners to restart the vehicle or coast to safety.
GM issued Technical Bulletin 14232 for steering gear replacement on some vehicles, but owners who received this work have reported the exact same failure recurring after the replacement. Dealers consistently claim they cannot replicate these problems during test drives—because many failures are speed-dependent or occur unpredictably—and then refuse to repair them. Owners have also experienced electrical gremlins tied to steering action: turning the wheel causes the radio to cut out, power windows to fail, or the entire electrical system to collapse. Steering noise—loud growling or rubbing sounds during turns—is another persistent complaint dealers say they cannot fix. One owner's telescopic steering column refuses to lock properly despite dealer replacement of the entire column assembly.
Same Chevrolet Equinox steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering System Failure—Abrupt Loss of Assist
Power steering loses all assist suddenly during driving, making the wheel extremely stiff and difficult to turn. Owners report the steering wheel becomes 'strenuous' or 'dangerously resistant,' particularly during turns in traffic. The issue appears intermittent; some owners experience it once, others multiple times over 1,000+ miles.
When: Various mileages; reported as early as 2,177 miles and as late as 36K+ miles. Most incidents occur during turns or at low speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel loses all power assist without warning; Wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn; Service Power Steering light appears on dashboard; Loss of control felt by driver, especially in traffic or at intersections; Intermittent nature—may resolve on its own or persist
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message
Repairs/costs cited: Some owners were offered repairs at $400. One dealer replaced the steering gear per GM Bulletin 14232 in 2015, but failure recurred in 2016. Dealers often claim inability to replicate the problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued Bulletin 14232 advising steering gear replacement for some vehicles. After replacement, owners report the problem recurred. GM acknowledged this is a known issue via letters to some owners, but appears to take limited responsibility for repairs after initial warranty expires.
Steering Stickiness and Jerking Motion
Steering wheel exhibits sticky, jerky, or binding behavior during turns or while driving, particularly on highways. Owners describe the sensation as scary and concerning for loss of control. The issue is intermittent and may persist for days or weeks before stopping, then reappearing.
When: Reported starting at 36K miles and recurring after steering rack replacement at 72K miles. Also documented as early as purchase in some cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels sticky or jerky during turning; Sudden small jerking motions of the steering wheel while driving normally; Binding sensation that makes steering difficult; Occurs more often at higher speeds (65+ mph) but can happen at lower speeds; Intermittent—may disappear for extended periods, then return
Codes mentioned: Technical Bulletin reports for steering sticking/slipping
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had the steering rack replaced twice—once at 36K miles, and the problem recurred after another 36K miles on the replacement unit. Dealer replaced the steering rack under extended warranty per technical bulletin.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued technical bulletins addressing steering sticking/slipping. Some owners received notice letters from GM acknowledging the known problem and advising service. However, dealers have refused to perform repairs if they cannot replicate the issue during a test drive.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up During Driving
Steering wheel locks or becomes immobile while the vehicle is in motion, preventing the driver from turning. This is an acute safety hazard reported during normal driving conditions, often accompanied by electrical system anomalies.
When: Reported at various mileages; one incident at approximately 29K miles. Timing is unpredictable.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks and will not turn; Vehicle may stall simultaneously; Loss of electrical power (lights go out, radio cuts out); Wheel 'grabs' and driver momentarily loses steering control; Occurs without warning during turns or straight driving
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message, Service Stabilitrack message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to locate cause or reproduce the issue. One incident required restart of the vehicle to regain steering control. Repairs not documented in these narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledged to one owner (via letter) that 'the steering will lock in place' but stated there was nothing GM could do to assist. One owner noted a reference to NHTSA case #10689932 as a similar documented incident.
Steering Noise—Growling and Rubbing Sounds
Steering system emits loud growling, rubbing, or grinding noises, particularly during low-speed turns or when the wheel is being turned. These noises persist despite dealer attempts to fix them and do not resolve with power steering fluid additions.
When: Reported as early as 1,100 miles in one case; another case at low mileage (2K–3.2K miles). Issues tend to be present from early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud growling noise from steering wheel when turning at low speeds or while stopped; Super loud rubbing sound when turning steering wheel left or right; Noise occurs during both low-speed and normal driving turns; Often accompanied by abnormal vibration of the vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer added power steering fluid but the noise persisted. Dealers have been unable to repair the issue despite multiple visits. One dealer claimed the noise is 'a characteristic of the vehicle.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One manufacturer response claimed the steering noise is normal and characteristic of the 2012 Equinox. No formal recall or technical bulletin mentioned in these narratives.
Electrical Anomalies Triggered by Steering Action
Turning the steering wheel causes unrelated electrical systems to malfunction or cut out, including the radio, power windows, and instrument panel. This suggests an electrical grounding or power distribution issue linked to steering column activity.
When: Reported during normal driving when making turns. Can occur at any mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio cuts out when turning right or left; Power steering cuts out during turns; Power windows fail to operate after turns; Electrical systems restore function once the turn is complete; Vehicle may be slow to start after these incidents
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message, Check Engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in these narratives. One owner adjusted the steering wheel and messed with the gear shifter to restore function, suggesting a mechanical or contact issue.
Telescopic Steering Column Lock Failure
The adjustable telescopic steering wheel will not lock securely into the driver's desired position unless the wheel is moved repeatedly up, down, in, and out to find the right spot. One dealer replaced the steering column, but the problem persisted and the same issue was observed on a showroom model.
When: Present from ownership; no specific mileage noted.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not lock into adjusted position smoothly; Requires repeated adjustment motions to find a position where it locks; Same issue observed on multiple dealership vehicles, suggesting a design or manufacturing defect
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced the steering column, but the defect persisted. Dealer indicated the behavior may be normal for the Equinox model, suggesting it is a design characteristic rather than a repair-solvable issue.
Front-End Rubbing/Shudder During Low-Speed Turns
A rubbing or grinding sound emanates from the front end when making turns at low speeds. Dealers have diagnosed the issue as 'low speed shudder' and claim there is no permanent fix available.
When: Reported at low mileage (23K miles in one case).
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing or grinding sound from front end during low-speed turns; Occurs consistently when turning steering wheel; Causes owner discomfort and annoyance; Diagnosed as 'low speed shudder'
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated there is no repair that will last, effectively refusing to fix the issue.
Front-Wheel Lock-Up While Towing
The front wheels lock up suddenly while the vehicle is being towed 4-wheels-down behind a motorhome, typically when traversing uneven road surfaces or bridges. The lock-up causes violent shaking of the motorhome and forces emergency braking.
When: Reported during high-speed towing (64 mph on interstate and over bridge repairs). One incident repeated approximately 2 years after an initial occurrence.
Symptoms owners cite: Front wheels lock up without warning; Steering wheel whips back and forth violently; Violent shaking of towing vehicle (motorhome); Lock-up occurs over rough patches or uneven surfaces; Issue resolves when speed drops below 10 mph
Service Power Steering Warning Light with Refusal to Start
The Service Power Steering warning light appears on the dashboard, and subsequently the vehicle will not start or turn over. This electrical/software issue prevents vehicle operation entirely.
When: Reported at various mileages. Can occur suddenly without prior warning signs.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Power Steering light illuminates; Vehicle will not start or turn over; Other electrical systems remain functional (horn, lights, radio may work); Engine cranks but will not ignite; All dashboard warning lights may illuminate
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message, Check Engine light, Service Stabilitrack message
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Equinox?
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 Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 21,000 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 109,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/Equinox.
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.