This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Buick Verano steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 14 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Buick Verano, 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
Among the 6 model years of Buick Verano in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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 procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a pattern of steering problems that emerge between 25,000 and 55,000 miles. The most consistent complaint involves the steering wheel sticking or binding at highway speeds, typically after the wheel holds one position for several seconds. Drivers report needing abnormal force to turn, and the sticking releases suddenly—creating an over-steer hazard. City driving with frequent turns doesn't trigger it.
More serious are the power steering module failures. The warning "SERVICE POWER STEERING" appears on the dashboard, and the steering either locks solid or loses all assist, making the wheel extremely hard to turn. Several owners report this happened at 60 mph on freeways with children in the car, and one owner's wheel locked in a construction zone, leading to a collision. One owner spent $1,500–$1,800 replacing the rear control module, only to have the same issue return within a week.
A few owners also report the StabiliTrak light coming on with steering jerking unpredictably, while the dashboard console flashes on and off. One owner had this console issue for months before the steering failed.
Dealers have been inconsistent: some say they find nothing wrong despite repeated complaints; one diagnosed a bad front rotor and replaced it, but the locking recurred. Owners note GM acknowledged the issue exists but has not issued a recall.
Same Buick Verano steering reports on nearby years: 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Wheel Sticking/Binding at Highway Speeds
Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn after holding one position for several seconds, typically at speeds above 40 mph. Occurs intermittently and requires abnormal force to turn. Happens most on highways where wheels remain straight for extended periods; does not occur in city driving with frequent turns. One owner reports this happening after 30 minutes of highway driving, then freeing up suddenly, creating an over-steer risk.
When: 25,727–55,148 miles; typically after extended highway driving or prolonged periods in one steering position
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks and becomes stiff, especially at 40–80 mph; Requires excessive force to turn wheel; More pronounced after long-distance or frequent driving; Over-steer concern when steering suddenly releases; City driving with frequent turns does not trigger the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers visited multiple times; some stated no issue found despite owner reports
Power Steering Module Failure and Loss of Power Assist
Power steering module shuts down or loses assist while driving, forcing the driver to turn the wheel with no power assistance. Dashboard displays 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' message. Failures occur intermittently and can happen at any speed, including freeways. One owner reports the steering locked up completely while backing into a parking spot. Owners report this is a known issue that was acknowledged by GM but not recalled.
When: 55,148 miles; incidents occur without warning and intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist drops out while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn; Dashboard warning 'SERVICE POWER STEERING' appears; Steering wheel locks in straight position; Power assist cuts on and off repeatedly; Occurs on highways and city streets
Codes mentioned: Power steering module failure
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports $1,500–$1,800 repair for rear control module replacement; issue recurred within 7 days
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue was acknowledged by GM but not recalled; dealer diagnostics have identified power steering module and rear control module failures
Steering Wheel Lock and Loss of Control at Speed
Steering wheel locks completely while driving at highway speeds (around 60 mph), making it impossible to turn. Incidents occur suddenly and create immediate safety hazards. One owner reports steering locked in a construction zone, leading to collision with guardrails. Another reports the wheel seized intermittently; dealer replaced front rotors but the failure recurred.
When: 47,000 miles; occurs without warning during freeway or highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes and becomes immovable; Failure occurs at highway speeds (60 mph); Intermittent recurrence; Loss of control of vehicle; Creates immediate collision risk
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealer diagnosis of front rotor needing resurfacing; repair was completed but failure recurred
Steering Instability with Stability Control and Console Electrical Faults
Steering wheel jerks unpredictably while StabiliTrak light and wrench warning illuminate. Middle console flashes on and off, power steering cuts in and out with 4-second delays. Wheel acts as if hitting a wall, causing sudden jerking in unintended directions. One owner reports middle console had been intermittently flashing for months before steering failure occurred.
When: Middle console faults precede by months; steering failure occurs suddenly; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Middle console flashes on and off; StabiliTrak light comes on and flashes; Wrench warning light appears; Power steering turns on and off with delays; Steering wheel jerks in unintended directions; Wheel feels like it is hitting a wall
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak system fault
Rubbing or Grinding Sensation After Hard Turns
Subtle rubbing or grinding sensation felt just after making sharp (90-degree) turns at low speeds. Dealer discounted the complaint and said it is normal. Does not occur when making curves, only after hard turns.
When: Occurs at low speeds after hard turns; no mileage specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rubbing or grinding sensation after sharp turns; Occurs only after 90-degree turns; Does not occur during curves; Subtle but noticeable
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated this is normal operation
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I was driving through a construction zone when my steering wheel locked up. It surprised me and caused me panic somewhat. The lane was very narrow and started to turn, but my steering wheel did not respond the way it should. It took a lot of effort to turn the wheels. The car got too close to the cement guardrails and collided with them on the passenger side up by the front wheel. The car has…
Power steering an steering wheel locks, Once this happens the car becomes a safety hazard, first time it happened two children were in the car and seconds from an accident on the freeway. Exited the freeway and car steering wheel failed again this time stopped working completely putting my children’s life in danger.
The car power steering locked and stopped working while driving on the freeway, this incident put at risk myself and my children safety. After exiting the freeway the steering wheel stopped working again. this is a known issue as the car steering power was not recalled but the issue was acknowledged but GM. The car is a safety hazard for the person who drive it and the public.
Steering wheel locked into the straight position and would turn left. Dashboard blinked messages across the screen. " service power steering" and "service stability track". Unfortunately once you turn the car off and turn the car back on, it resets itself and all the alerts are no longer present.
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Buick Verano?
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 2013 Buick Verano?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 13,000 and 49,768 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 49,768. 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/2013/Buick/Verano.
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.