The computer system goes on and off at random, which causes malfunctions in other areas, particularly the power steering and security system. My power steering has gone out multiples times, causing near accidents. The security system also locked up due to the computer, and it took 15 minutes to get it started in the arizona heat. The power steering issue is incredibly dangerous.
2013 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems
severe 74 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
74
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
1fire
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 74 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze, 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
Owners have filed 74 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.
Among the 8 model years of Chevrolet Cruze in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Cruze has widespread steering and electrical issues that dealers struggle to fix—power steering loss, steering wheel lock-up, and complete electrical blackouts that disable critical systems all get reported repeatedly. Avoid this model; similar issues persist across the 2011–2015 range and GM has been reluctant to acknowledge the pattern or issue comprehensive recalls.
The 2013 Cruze steering system fails in multiple ways. Power steering cuts out without warning at both highway and city speeds—sometimes just a stiff wheel, sometimes total loss of assist. Owners describe the steering as notchy or locked-up, especially at speeds above 50 MPH, requiring excessive force to turn. The steering wheel can seize completely, leaving drivers unable to steer. Dealers consistently cannot replicate these problems on short test drives or identify the root cause.
Electrical failures trigger most of the dangerous events. Dashboard screens go black, radio cuts out, and warning lights flood the cluster—all while power steering and stability control simultaneously fail. Owners report losing power steering mid-turn, nearly crashing multiple times. Battery and alternator test fine, but the vehicle acts dead and needs jump-starting. These electrical collapses happen randomly or when braking and turning.
Engine stalling without warning is a recurring failure, sometimes happening within the first months of ownership. The vehicle loses power, coasts to a stop, and won't restart without multiple attempts. CV axles snap at low speeds, and suspension links break in half. A recall inspection (N140079) for axle damage missed failures that occurred just months later.
Owners cite numerous Chevrolet Cruze forum posts about identical problems, believe technical service bulletins exist, and report GM denying recalls or refusing warranty coverage. This is a safety-critical pattern across the 2011–2015 generation.
Same Chevrolet Cruze steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Power Steering Loss
Power steering assistance cuts out or becomes extremely difficult to operate, sometimes accompanied by warning lights on the instrument cluster. The loss can occur during turns, highway driving, or at low speeds. In some cases power returns after restart; in others the vehicle is nearly uncontrollable requiring significant force to steer.
When: Occurs at various speeds: some reports at highway speeds (45-75 MPH), others at low speeds (2-20 MPH) or during turns. Often happens sporadically after 100+ miles of driving or after approximately 15,000-50,000 miles of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly becomes unavailable or extremely stiff; Service Power Steering light illuminates on dash; Steering wheel becomes locked, notchy, or sticky; Excessive force required to turn wheel; Loss of power steering control during turns or lane changes
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering warning light, P0128 (cam shaft sensor, reported in one case), No diagnostic codes produced in many cases; dealers unable to replicate
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers unable to reproduce the problem or identify root cause in most cases. One owner mentioned a TSB for steering rack air intrusion issue in Chevrolet forums. Another owner received power steering repairs from independent mechanic without cost details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No widespread recall documented for this issue. Owners reference Chevrolet forums indicating multiple people experiencing same problem and belief a TSB exists but no confirmation of official recall or mandatory service bulletins.
Electrical System Malfunction with Cascading Failures
Dashboard, infotainment, and electrical systems experience intermittent blackouts or power fluctuations. When the touchscreen or instrument cluster goes blank, warning lights illuminate and critical systems (power steering, stability control, brakes) simultaneously malfunction. The infotainment screen goes black, radio cuts out, dash lights flicker, and the entire electrical system appears to reset.
When: Occurs randomly or triggered by specific actions like turning steering wheel, applying brakes, or rolling down windows. One owner reported it happening after about 6 weeks of ownership. Often recurs multiple times during a single drive or on different days without pattern.
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen/infotainment display goes completely black or loses power; Dashboard lights flicker or go out; Service Stabilitrak and Service Power Steering lights illuminate together; Radio cuts out or goes silent; Interior and exterior lights flicker simultaneously; Window operation causes electrical shutdown; Brake failure reported in conjunction with electrical loss
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Service Stabilitrak, Anti-theft system activation, Check Engine Light (various causes reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report negative battery cable issues (recall exists for 2011-2015 models but not all specific VINs covered). One owner had CV axle and sway bar link failure. Multiple owners report dealerships unable to diagnose or replicate the electrical problems. No confirmed repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N140079 mentioned for front axle inspection (half shaft). Negative battery cable recall exists for 2011-2015 Cruzes but not all affected vehicles covered depending on warranty status. Multiple owners report GM refusing liability or providing inadequate explanations.
Steering Rack Notchiness and Stiffness at Highway Speeds
Steering wheel develops a notchy, sticky, or locked-up feeling particularly at highway speeds above 50 MPH. Owners describe the steering as feeling like it moves in finite increments rather than smoothly, making lane corrections difficult and dangerous. The condition typically worsens or becomes more noticeable after extended highway driving (around 90+ miles) but improves after the vehicle sits.
When: Becomes apparent after approximately 5,000-15,000 miles. Most noticeable at highway speeds above 50 MPH. Worse when correcting to the left. Can improve temporarily after vehicle is stopped and cooled for a couple hours. Not weather-dependent but can be concerning on icy or snow-packed roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels notchy or moves in increments rather than smoothly; Steering feels locked up or sticky, requiring excessive force; Minor steering corrections become difficult or impossible; Vehicle drifts in traffic lane and requires constant correction; Feels similar to loose steering in older vehicles requiring both hands on wheel; Stabilizes temporarily after vehicle cools but recurs on next highway drive
Codes mentioned: Wrench warning indicator (reported in one case), No diagnostic codes in most reports
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealers unable to reproduce the problem on short test drives and unable to identify cause. One owner documented the issue with dealer. Multiple owners reference Chevrolet Cruze forums (CruzeTalk.com) with hundreds of similar reports. One owner mentioned a TSB may exist in Chevrolet's database related to air in the steering rack causing the notchy feeling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for steering rack notchiness. Owner references indicate a TSB is believed to exist but not confirmed. Issue documented online as design flaw allowing air inside steering rack causing the notchy sensation.
Vehicle Stalling or Shutting Off While Driving
Engine shuts off completely while vehicle is in motion without warning, causing loss of power steering and braking assist. Stalling typically occurs during acceleration from stops, when merging onto highways, or while driving at various speeds. The vehicle loses all power and becomes uncontrollable until restarted.
When: Starts occurring within first few months of ownership or at relatively low mileage (some as early as 3 miles, others at 40,000 miles). Recurring problem that can happen multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly while driving without warning lights beforehand; Complete loss of power; Loss of power steering when engine off; Loss of power braking; Vehicle coasts to stop, becomes uncontrollable; Engine will not restart initially; requires multiple attempts; White smoke from exhaust reported in one case
Codes mentioned: No warning light before stall in most cases, Faulty cam shaft sensor code reported in one case (replaced but stalling recurred)
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump failure identified as cause in at least two cases and replaced multiple times with recurring failure. One owner mentioned negative battery cable concerns. Dealers blamed low octane fuel (despite owner using premium Chevron only); owner refused this diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not recalled. One owner reports GM gave runaround when filing complaint. Another owner's vehicle was taken by dealer and remains unrepaired; owner is now in collections. No manufacturer acknowledgment of defect pattern.
Complete Electrical Shutdown and No-Start Condition
Vehicle experiences total loss of electrical power, rendering it unable to start. The key becomes stuck in the ignition, battery appears dead, and no dashboard lights illuminate. Condition is temporary and vehicle may restart after 15 minutes to hours, or may require jump-starting with external cables. Related to broader electrical system failure.
When: Occurs after vehicle has been driven, sometimes triggered by specific actions. One case reported after 30 days of known recall (bad axle) being ignored. Another case at approximately 130,000 miles with recurring failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of electrical power; Vehicle acts as if battery is dead; Key stuck in ignition; cannot remove; No dashboard lights illumination; Will not crank or turn over; Temporary condition that resolves after hours or with jump-start; Requires jump-starting by external cables to restart
Codes mentioned: Anti-theft system activation reported in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested and found in good working condition in multiple cases. One owner suspects negative battery cable crimp issue (recall exists for 2011-2015 Cruzes). Mechanics and dealers unable to diagnose while issue is present.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Negative battery cable recall exists for 2011-2015 Cruzes but not all vehicles covered. One owner reports dealership did not repair despite knowing of recall affecting certain model years.
Steering Wheel Seizure or Lock-Up
Steering wheel suddenly becomes immobilized or locked up, preventing normal turning. Can occur at various speeds from very low speed (2 MPH while parking) to highway speeds (65-75 MPH). Seizure is temporary in some cases, lasting seconds to minutes; in others it persists until vehicle is restarted.
When: Occurs without pattern at various mileages. One case at 12,000 miles, another at 55,000 miles. Can recur multiple times.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up and cannot be turned; Wrench warning light illuminates when steering seizes; Service Power Steering and Stabilitrak lights come on; Steering wheel becomes impossible to move without significant force; All warning lamps illuminate simultaneously in some cases; Recurs after restart
Codes mentioned: Wrench warning indicator light, Service Power Steering, Service Stabilitrak, Check Engine Light (in some cases)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or replicate the failure in multiple cases. One case identifies water pump housing crack and leaking water pump (replaced but housing crack not repaired). Electronic control unit module failure identified in one case but vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for steering wheel seizure. One owner mentions vehicle was taken to dealer under safety recall N140079 (electrical system related) when water pump issue was discovered but not the seizure issue.
Stability Control System Malfunction with Power Loss
Stability control warning light illuminates and system either malfunctions or causes the vehicle to lose power and decelerate. The vehicle slows dramatically (from 65 MPH to 40 MPH) and may also lose power steering and braking ability simultaneously. Described as a safety critical issue occurring at highway speeds.
When: Occurs at highway speeds (50-75 MPH) with recurring pattern. One owner reports it happening 5 times total, twice on freeway and three times on city streets. Can happen multiple times during a single drive or with pattern on weekly trips.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stabilitrak warning light illuminates and flashes; Vehicle loses power suddenly and decelerates; Power steering loss accompanies power loss; Vehicle speed reduces dramatically (65 MPH to 40 MPH reported); Loss of steering control; Radio cuts out or goes off and on simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported dealer said repair would cost over $400 and would not be covered due to expired warranty. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall. Dealer refused to cover under warranty after expiration.
CV Axle and Suspension Component Failure
Front CV axles snap or break, causing loss of motive power and stopping the vehicle. Sway bar links break in half. These components may be inspected under recall N140079 but techs miss the damage.
When: Failure occurs at low mileage in some cases. One owner reports initial recall inspection on June 28, 2014 cleared the axle, but it failed on October 20, 2014 at approximately 10 MPH. Another case reports vehicle drifted in intersection when recalled bad axle wasn't repaired for 30+ days.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops moving forward suddenly; Loss of motive power; Loud noises from under vehicle; Vehicle drifts through intersection without power; Complete loss of front wheel drive
Repairs/costs cited: CV axle replacement required. Sway bar link replacement required. Parts availability issues reported; one owner's vehicle held at dealer for 3 weeks awaiting parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N140079 for front axle inspection. Dealership that performed recall inspection in June 2014 admitted technician made a mistake missing the broken axle in October 2014. Dealership promised to call in other customers for re-inspection.
Dashboard and Infotainment Screen Flickering and Loss of Function
Touch screen and dashboard display flickers, goes completely black, or loses power intermittently. Occurs unpredictably and often triggers warning lights and steering/stability system malfunctions when it happens. The screen may be only cosmetic problem but the simultaneous system failures are dangerous.
When: Reported from early ownership (within 6 weeks in one case). Recurs randomly or when specific actions trigger it (turning, braking, window operation). One owner reports it happening after approximately 3 months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Touch screen goes completely black; Dashboard display flickers or loses power; Radio cuts out when screen goes black; All warning lights illuminate when screen blanks; Service lights turn on/off with screen blackout; Happens when brakes applied or window rolled down
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Service Stabilitrak
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Issue appears to be electrical/wiring related. One owner speculates possible leak or shield not properly protecting electronics and wiring.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall for this issue. Owners report seeing numerous forum posts indicating widespread problem but no manufacturer action.
Loose or Disconnected Steering Feel
Steering feels loose or disconnected from the road, as if there is no connection between steering input and wheel direction. Vehicle pulls left or right and requires constant manual correction. At highway speeds, steering feel becomes unstable with momentary losses of connection.
When: Present from early ownership in some cases. One case at 51,000 miles. Most noticeable at highway speeds above 60 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering feels loose or disconnected; Vehicle pulls left or right without driver input; Constant correction needed to keep in lane; Momentary loss of steering feel then returns; Vehicle drifts when pressure applied to correct drift; Steering feel similar to 1960s-era loose steering, requiring both hands firmly on wheel
Codes mentioned: Wrench warning indicator (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to identify cause or correct the problem. Technician unable to replicate on short test drive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not recalled. Not included in any service bulletins mentioned.
Synthesized from 74 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
At highway speeds >55 the steering wheel give resistance when turning the wheel to the right to make minor lane corrections. When you get past the resistance the steering over corrects which causes you to swerve. *tr
2013 Chevy cruze at highway speeds seems to have the steering lock or become "sticky". Problem is most noticeable at speeds above 50 MPH. It becomes difficult to make minor changes in direction when trying to keep the car in the lane of traffic. The "lock up" seems to be worse when correcting to the left compared to correcting to the right. This becomes a real concern when driving on icy or…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Chevrolet Cruze?
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 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 74 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 59 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 21,500 and 57,450 miles, with the median around 36,900. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,500; a quarter make it past 57,450. 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/Chevrolet/Cruze.
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.