This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chevrolet Sonic steering problems
critical Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 40,758 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Sonic (this page) | 14 |
| 2013 Sonic | 13 |
| 2014 Sonic | 13 |
| 2015 Sonic | 6 |
2crashes
1injury
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 14 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Sonic, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Chevrolet Sonic we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 14.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report the 2012 Sonic's electronic power steering system fails in multiple ways. Most common is intermittent lockup where the steering wheel hunts (shakes side to side) or freezes solid, even while parked. Two owners experienced complete power steering loss while driving; one had steering column replaced at 150k miles for $1,300. A dealer reprogrammed the brake control module after a sensor-learning fault code (C0710), but the hunting returned within 100 miles.
At highway speeds (55+ mph), multiple owners report excessive lane drift and difficulty keeping the car centered, sometimes forcing corrective swerves. A pre-January 2012 build issue required belly pan removal, which helped slightly but didn't fully resolve the problem.
Wheel alignment is severely compromised early in ownership. One owner at 26k miles had two flat tires from bald outer edges and was told by the dealer that alignment was needed every 6,500 miles—an unusual frequency that corporate dismissed as wear and tear.
Steering column won't lock when parked. Key sticks in the ignition, requiring multiple start attempts to remove. Grinding and popping noises come from the steering wheel during turns. One owner experienced complete engine shutdown while driving downhill, losing both power steering and brakes simultaneously—dangerous enough that another owner parked the car after a steering failure and switched brands after 36 years with GM.
Same Chevrolet Sonic steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering System Failure/Lockup
Complete loss or intermittent failure of power steering assistance; steering wheel locks up or resists input. Failures occur both during driving and at rest. One owner reported steering column replacement needed at 150k miles; another experienced steering lockup during a left turn in a parking lot causing loss of control and curb collision.
When: Intermittent; reported at various mileages including 85,560 and high mileage (150k+); some incidents during driveway operation
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up completely; Steering wheel hunts (shakes left and right); Steering wheel resistant to input; Complete power steering failure requiring manual steering effort; Intermittent lockup during turns
Codes mentioned: C0710 SYMPTOM 4B SENSOR NOT LEARNED
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ($1,300); electronic brake control module reprogrammed with SPS 155 WT40; problem recurred after repair in one case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned for this specific failure; dealer unable to diagnose in some cases
Lane Drift and Steering Instability at Highway Speeds
Vehicle drifts excessively and is difficult to keep centered in lane at highway speeds (55+ mph). Owners report radical swerving and forced lane changes. One vehicle had belly pan removed per TSB (cars built before January 2012) with minimal improvement. Steering instability persists across multiple dealer visits without resolution.
When: At highway/interstate speeds (55+ mph); one occurrence at 50 mph downhill
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive drifting at highway speeds; Difficult to keep vehicle in lane; Radical swerving requiring corrective action; Worse on concrete roads with ground finish; Wobbling sensation on bypass speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Belly pan removal (TSB for pre-January 2012 build); new tires then larger wheels and tires installed; multiple dealer visits with no full resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Belly pan TSB issued for vehicles built before January 2012; dealers initially attributed to electronic steering system characteristics
Wheel Alignment and Premature Tire Wear
Severe misalignment causing rapid, uneven tire wear at very low mileage. Tires wear bald on outer edges. Excessive tire replacements needed (2-3 tires by 26k miles). Dealer claims owner must perform alignment every 6,500–7,500 miles; corporate refused warranty coverage citing wear and tear.
When: Apparent at 26,000 miles; ongoing issue from early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Tires wear bald on outer edges; Shaking at all speeds; Severe alignment issues
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire replacements; alignment performed; dealer required realignment every 6,500–7,500 miles per their diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Corporate refused warranty coverage, citing wear and tear despite low mileage
Steering Wheel Column Physical Malfunction
Steering wheel column refuses to lock in park position or returns to locked state inconsistently. Prevents normal vehicle security when unoccupied. Owner notes this appears common on forums for this model.
When: Observed after purchase (used vehicle); timing relative to mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel will not lock when vehicle is unoccupied; Steering wheel does not return to normal/centered position
Ignition Switch and Key Stuck in Ignition
Key becomes stuck in ignition cylinder, unable to remove without multiple start attempts. Gear shift knob also sticks, preventing key removal. Intermittent condition that may occur after each parking event or sporadically.
When: Intermittent; occurred 6 times within first month of ownership for one used buyer
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not come out of ignition; Requires multiple start attempts to free key; Gear shift knob sticks in place; Shift button gets stuck
Grinding Noise During Turns
Grinding or popping noise audible from steering column/wheel area when turning the vehicle. Dealer suspected defective suspension; manufacturer offered lubrication kit as remedy. Vehicle was not repaired in reported case.
When: At 12,000 miles and at 11,000 miles (popping from steering wheel)
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when turning; Popping noise from steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer offered lubrication kit; one case included steering column replacement as part of multi-component repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered lubrication kit for grinding noise issue
Complete Vehicle Shutdown with Steering and Brake Failure
Vehicle engine shut off without warning while driving downhill, resulting in simultaneous loss of power steering and power brakes. Only emergency brake remained functional. One incident involved loss of vehicle control in inclement weather with traction control activation and subsequent tree collision.
When: At 50 mph downhill on grade; one incident at 85,560 miles in snow/rain transition
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Steering locks up during shutdown; Brakes fail completely; Emergency brake only remaining control; In one case: vehicle fishtailing, traction control activation, loss of vehicle control
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle in one case towed to independent facility; one vehicle destroyed after fatal crash
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in these narratives; one case indicated manufacturer was not notified
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My 2012 Chevrolet sonic has gotten its second flat tire from alignment issues, and is about to need a third tire replaced. The car has 26000 miles with a clean bill of health, other then major steering issues. The tires completely run bald on the outer edge of the tire, and a shaking is experienced at all speeds while driving the car. I had taken it to the dealership about this issue, but was…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Sonic?
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 Sonic?
It's a serious issue. 14 complaints have been filed, including 2 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 12,000 and 81,000 miles, with the median around 40,758. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,000; a quarter make it past 81,000. 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/Sonic.
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.