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 Traverse steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse have filed 62 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 75,000 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
62
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Traverse | 231 |
| 2010 Traverse | 331 |
| 2011 Traverse | 165 |
| 2012 Traverse (this page) | 62 |
| 2013 Traverse | 18 |
| 2014 Traverse | 27 |
| 2015 Traverse | 27 |
| 2016 Traverse | 24 |
3crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 62 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 62 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.
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 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 Traverse steering system fails repeatedly and across multiple components. Power steering pumps lose pressure, leak fluid, and make loud whining noises under the hood; owners report replacing the same pump three to four times on a single vehicle, with costs per replacement running $1,300 to $2,700. The steering rack and pinion also fails—it leaks, seizes, and locks up at low speeds and during turns. One owner's steering locked mid-curve at 40–45 mph with no warning; the car left the road, hit a telephone pole, and traveled 40–50 feet down an embankment.
Failures happen without notice lights on the dashboard. Owners describe sudden total steering loss at highway speeds (65–75 mph), at intersections, and while turning into driveways. The steering wheel locks solid or becomes impossible to turn. Some vehicles trigger limp mode with traction control disabled, further cutting engine power. Multiple owners nearly collided with oncoming traffic when pulling out from stops or parked when steering froze.
The problem worsens in rain and wet conditions—several owners report steering loss or stiffening specifically when driving in moisture. Dealers have been unable to duplicate the problem in service bays, leaving owners unhelped. Dealers also told owners their VINs aren't covered by existing recalls despite having the exact same parts and symptoms as model years 2009–2011 and 2013, which were recalled for steering defects. GM representatives claim no knowledge of the issue, though owners have documented it across multiple online forums.
Same Chevrolet Traverse steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering pump failure
Power steering pump fails, leaks fluid, or loses pressure, leaving drivers unable to steer. Often accompanied by whining or squealing noise under the hood. Pump replaced multiple times on same vehicles (some owners report 3–4 replacements).
When: 35,000–127,000 miles; as early as 35k reported; multiple failures occurring 2+ years apart on same vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist at highway and low speeds; Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; High-pitched whining or squealing noise from under hood when turning; Power steering fluid leaking onto garage floor or under vehicle; Intermittent loss of steering on rainy days or wet conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement costs $1,300–$2,700 cited by owners; some replaced 3–4 times; dealer notes this a 'known issue' and mentions upgraded parts; owner reports GM stated 'they know about faulty pumps'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM claims no complaints on record despite widespread online reports; offered only 10% discount on one replacement; offered warranty extension on 'same faulty parts'; some owners told to ask for 'financial assistance' as known issue; Special Service #14329 referenced for some model years but not all VINs included
Steering rack and pinion failure
Steering gear/rack and pinion develops leaks, fails completely, or locks up. Often paired with pump failure. Multiple replacements required on same vehicles.
When: 34,000–92,000 miles; some failures within weeks of purchase; recurrence 1–2 years after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up completely or becomes very difficult to turn; Power steering fluid leaking from steering gear/valve; Difficulty steering at low speeds (parking, U-turns, intersections); Steering seized mid-turn on multiple occasions; Noise or grinding when making turns
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement $1,300–$2,600 cited; often requires alignment after repair; one owner paid $2,428 for pump, rack, gear, fluid, and alignment combined; repairs did not always resolve hard steering
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate complaint in service bays; offered to tow vehicles for assessment despite owner mechanic diagnosis; GM denied responsibility; one dealer noted 'we have seen reported incidents with the Traverse' but no further action; warranty expired on most vehicles
Complete loss of steering and braking in motion
Sudden total loss of power steering combined with power loss, reduced engine power, or limp mode while vehicle is moving at highway or intersection speeds. Steering wheel locked or became immobile; in one crash, steering stuck in right-turn position.
When: 40,000–92,000 miles; 2009–2013 model-year defect pattern noted in complaints
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks completely while driving; Loss of power steering without warning at 20–75 mph; Traction Control Disabled message displayed; Limp mode engaged (reduced engine power); Service StabiliTrak light, ABS light, Check Engine light, Traction Control Off light illuminated; Violent shaking at highway speeds; Brakes difficult to depress or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced transmission for $3,400 due to slipping gears and rev-hang during limp-mode incident; crash with police report and injuries; one crash into bus terminal wall; another vehicle went off road into telephone pole 40–50 feet down embankment after steering locked mid-curve
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued for 2012 model year despite 2009–2011 and 2013 recalls for timing chain and steering; GM representatives denied responsibility; owners encouraged to report to NHTSA; one case filed with GM opened but no resolution
Steering stiffness and seizure at low speeds
Steering wheel becomes stiff, difficult to turn, or locks up temporarily at low speeds (parking, U-turns, low-speed turns). Often intermittent; restarting vehicle sometimes restores steering temporarily.
When: 34,000–90,000 miles; happens after maintenance service or spontaneously
Symptoms owners cite: Steering very hard to turn at low speeds (under 20 mph); Steering wheel seizes or locks when turning; Requires putting car in Park and restarting to regain steering; Difficulty maneuvering into parking spaces; Near-collision incidents while attempting U-turns; Grinding or rubbing noise from wheel well when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Owners quote repair estimates of $2,550–$3,200 for full steering system replacement; some unable to afford repairs; quotes included pump, rack, and alignment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers suggest waiting for problem to happen 'with more regularity' before investigating; some owners told vehicle doesn't have recalls based on VIN despite same parts and symptoms as recalled years
Steering system failure during wet weather
Power steering stops working or steering becomes dangerously stiff specifically when driving in rain or wet conditions. Issue intermittent and tied to moisture exposure.
When: No specific mileage cited; recurring pattern in rain/wet weather
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering loss in rain or wet conditions; Steering loss when car senses rain approaching (before actual rain starts); Near-collision with curb and tree during wet-weather power steering loss; Steering locks up when raining; normal in dry conditions; Vehicle sways left to right in wet weather
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported issue under dealer investigation but no repair completed; another had steering replaced but issue persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer investigating; no recalls; one owner noted 2009–2013 GM crossovers have same issue without recalls
Synthesized from 62 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
On 24 dec 2014 at around 11:45am, I was pulling off a main road (with my young daughter) into the parking lot of my doctor's business, when my steering wheel locked completely while I was still in motion. After braking, I was able to jiggle the steering wheel free and pulled the car into a parking space. I contacted my dealership immediately to report the incident. As it was christmas eve,…
Power steering is hard to turn after driving. Go to pull in a parking spot and the steering is hard.in motion while turning into parking space almost ran into parked car. *tr
Power steering does not work at low speeds 90% of the time, my wife can't drive the car ( very dangerous situation ). Parking has no power steering at all, at 10 MPH steering control comes back.
This car has a very common problem with the steering. The steering rack is leaking which will lead to an inability to steer the car effectively. Chevrolet has an special service #14329 that covers this for a number of model years including 2012 but for some reason the VIN for my car was not included but it exhibits the identical problem. I need gm to expand it's special service to include all…
Had steering trouble with your 2012 Chevrolet Traverse?
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 Traverse?
It's a meaningful issue. 62 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 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 56,500 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 56,500; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/Traverse.
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.