When traveling down the interstate on multiple occasions the steering column becomes 'stuck' or 'sticky' in the aspect that it requires extra exertion of force to move it in either directions. This results in the car swerving and on more than one occasion almost wrecking. *js
2014 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems
severe 93 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
93
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
10crashes
1fire
11injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 93 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze, 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
Owners have filed 93 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 #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Cruze has widespread, recurring steering and electrical problems that dealerships struggle to diagnose or fix permanently—power steering loss, steering lockups, and electrical dropouts that disable steering altogether. Buy elsewhere unless you accept multiple dealer visits, unresolved safety hazards, and potential out-of-pocket repair costs exceeding $1,700.
The 2014 Cruze shows a cluster of interconnected steering and electrical failures that repeat across 93 complaints. Most common is abrupt steering wheel lockup accompanied by simultaneous loss of dashboard power—lights black out, radio cuts off, and multiple warning messages appear (Stabilitrac, Service Power Steering, Service Traction Control) for 10–20 seconds, then power restores. This happens at any speed during turns or straight highway driving, sometimes multiple times in a short drive, creating total loss of steering control.
A second pattern involves power steering simply ceasing to work without full electrical shutdown—steering becomes manual and very stiff—at highway speeds. Owners report a "dead spot" or sticking sensation at 55–70 mph after the engine warms up, where minor steering corrections stick hard, then break free and overcorrect, making lane-keeping difficult and dangerous in traffic or poor conditions.
Electrical gremlins underpin many failures: transient power loss while driving (radio flickers, dash blacks out, power steering dies, key gets stuck in ignition), requiring wiggling battery cables to restore function. Battery tests normal even after these events.
Dealerships have tried replacing batteries, tightening battery cables, and in one case replacing the entire steering gear—fixes are temporary or ineffective. Repairs fail to prevent recurrence. NHTSA recall 15V442000 applies to some VINs but excludes many that match the exact symptoms and criteria. Owners consistently report finding hundreds of similar complaints online, yet service departments claim no technical bulletins exist.
Same Chevrolet Cruze steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel lockup with electrical event
Steering wheel abruptly locks or becomes immobilized during driving, often accompanied by simultaneous loss of electrical power to dashboard, warning lights, radio, and instrument panel. Incidents occur at varying speeds (20–80 mph) and trigger multiple warning messages including 'Stabilitrac,' 'Service Power Steering,' and 'Service Traction Control.' System typically restores function after 10–20 seconds or upon restart.
When: Occurs intermittently; some owners report it happens during turns (left turns noted more frequently), while others experience it on straight highway driving. One owner reported it after 3 months of ownership; another after a year. Multiple recurrences within short time spans reported (e.g., twice in 30 minutes, 9 times in one drive).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked or immobilized, requiring manual force to move; All dashboard and warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Radio cuts off, instrument cluster blacks out; Stabilitrac light and 'Service Power Steering' message appear; Vehicle pulls to one side uncontrollably; Loud engine noise or hesitation upon acceleration; Alarm sound or audible reset occurring shortly after power restoration
Codes mentioned: Stabilitrac system disabled, Service Power Steering, Service Traction Control, Service Stabilitrac, Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have attempted fixes including tightening loose wires, replacing battery, replacing battery cables, and tightening negative battery terminal. In one case, steering gear was replaced. Repairs are temporary or ineffective; failures recur shortly after repair. One owner reported $1,700 repair estimate for power steering failure. Another owner noted abnormal burning odor in cabin after steering gear replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 15V442000 (Steering) applies to some VINs; however, many owners report their VINs are excluded from recall eligibility despite matching all recall criteria (year, make, model, mileage, symptoms). GM issued Special Coverage Adjustment #14232A for 'power steering stick-slip' on 2011–2014 Cruze models but applies selectively by VIN. Some owners contacted manufacturer; responses included promises to call back (not followed through in some cases) or direction to take vehicle to dealer. One owner report references Injury Sciences LLC conducting ECU/Data Event Recorder analysis.
Intermittent loss of power steering without full electrical shutdown
Power steering assist suddenly ceases or becomes extremely difficult during normal driving, but vehicle continues running and electrical systems remain partially operational. Failure is typically intermittent and difficult for dealers to reproduce. Steering becomes stiff at low speeds or when stationary. Restart often restores function temporarily.
When: Occurs at speeds ranging 25–70 mph. Failures reported as unpredictable and intermittent; some owners note it happens more frequently during turning maneuvers. Mileage at occurrence varies widely (5,500 to 134,000 miles reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist loss without warning; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Requires excessive manual force to steer; May occur while turning or on straight highway; Vehicle continues running but steering becomes manual; Temporary recovery after restart in some cases
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering indicator, Power steering system messages
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced battery, tightened battery cables, replaced negative battery terminal, and replaced entire power steering system components. In one case, steering wheel angle sensor was identified as faulty. Repairs are often unsuccessful; failures recur. One owner encountered $1,700 repair estimate for power steering failure. Another owner noted dealer stated no technical bulletins exist for the issue despite widespread online complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage Adjustment #14232A addresses power steering stick-slip in 2011–2014 Cruze models, but manufacturer has denied coverage on multiple VINs that match all stated criteria. One owner stated GM engineer was consulted by dealer but no resolution provided. No TSBs or recalls formally acknowledged by manufacturer for this specific failure mode.
Steering sticking or 'dead spot' at highway speeds
Steering wheel exhibits a sticky or unresponsive dead zone during straight-line highway driving, particularly after vehicle reaches operating temperature and has warmed up for 30–60 minutes. Minor steering corrections required to maintain lane position cause the wheel to stick with increased resistance before suddenly breaking free and causing overcorrection. The phenomenon creates a 'ratchet-like notch' feeling. Issue is intermittent, occurs hundreds of times during long drives, and resolves at low speeds or when continuous steering input is required.
When: Occurs exclusively at highway speeds (typically 55–70 mph) once vehicle has warmed to operating temperature and been at that temperature for 30–60 minutes. Does not occur in low-speed driving, heavy traffic with constant steering, or cold vehicle operation. Multiple owners note the issue is frequent and recurring during single highway trips.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks or fails to respond to minor input; Notch or hitch sensation with increased resistance; Steering wheel overcorrects after breaking free, causing lane swerving; Dead spot or sloppy steering feel, similar to worn steering on high-mileage vehicle; Reduced steering feedback and vehicle control feel; Difficulty maintaining lane position; requires constant steering correction; In windy or poor road conditions (snow/ice), poses serious safety risk
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs successfully documented in narratives. Dealers report no technical bulletins or diagnostic procedures available. One owner had service appointment scheduled but was told by service representative no guidance exists for the issue. Owners report this issue is widespread online (hundreds of complaints found) yet remains unresolved at dealership level.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer recalls or TSBs formally documented in the complaint narratives for this specific symptom. Service bulletins reportedly do not exist per dealer statements. Owners note widespread online documentation of the issue on various forums and NHTSA complaints.
Electrical system instability with power loss while driving
Vehicle experiences transient loss of electrical power while in motion, causing radio, dashboard lights, and instrument cluster to cut off for a few seconds before automatic restoration. Power steering is disabled during these events, making steering very difficult. Events are unpredictable and have occurred while turning, exiting highways, idling at traffic lights, and driving straight. Steering remains functional but becomes manual (unpowered) during outages. In some cases, key becomes stuck in ignition after power loss.
When: Occurs intermittently and unpredictably during normal driving. Several owners report multiple occurrences within short drives (e.g., 3 times in 5 minutes). One owner reported events beginning within 27 days of purchasing the used vehicle. Mileage range at occurrence: 20,000 to 134,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: All dash and warning lights go black or flicker on/off; Radio turns off and restarts automatically; Interior and exterior lighting flickers or cuts out; Power steering lost during event; steering becomes manual; Vehicle remains running but unresponsive to controls; Key becomes stuck in ignition after power loss; Battery shows as fully charged when tested; Wiggling battery cables temporarily restores power/function
Codes mentioned: Battery charging system warning, Stabilitrac warning, Service Power Steering, Anti-theft system activation message, Roll driver window down and back up message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced battery (multiple times), replaced battery cables (multiple times), tightened negative battery terminal. Temporary workaround reported by owner: removing and reseating battery cable provides short-term restoration. Owner reports manual 'wiggling wires under hood' temporarily resolves issue. One owner noted clicking/reset sound in engine compartment several minutes after turning off engine. No permanent repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in some cases; responses included case numbers issued and promises of callback (not followed through in several cases). One owner mentioned dealer may have consulted with engineer but no resolution provided. NHTSA Campaign 15V442000 (Steering) applies to some VINs but many owners' VINs are excluded despite symptoms matching campaign description.
Steering lock occurring during ignition/startup with stuck key
Electric steering lock fails to disengage when inserting ignition key, leaving steering wheel mechanically locked. Vehicle will not start, electrical accessories are non-functional, and key becomes stuck in ignition. Event occurs after vehicle has been safely parked for short periods (under 1 hour). Lock disengages unexpectedly after extended manual attempts or time passage. Dealer advice to avoid angled wheel parking does not address root cause.
When: Occurs after vehicle is parked and locked. One owner reported lock occurred after approximately 1 hour of parking on a hillside with wheels angled per parking rules. Lock disengages after extended waiting period (45+ minutes reported) and additional key manipulation attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked in place, cannot be moved; Ignition key will not turn to unlock steering; All electrical accessories non-functional due to locked steering; Electric windows will not operate; Key stuck in ignition position; Battery tests fully charged but cannot start vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Dealer advised owner not to angle front wheels when parking, but this is a design flaw workaround, not a repair. OnStar service consulted but unable to diagnose issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narratives for this specific failure mode.
Synthesized from 93 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Water pump had to be replaced due to leak, computer reprogramed to fix steering wheel catch, battery terminal cable replaced for unknown reason. All this on a brand new 2014 cruze. Wtf? Not to mention initial drive shaft repairs. Thought this was an american made car with quality american parts, worst first new car buyer experience ever. Make it right gm. *tr
While driving at hwy speeds the steering will appear to stick or not respond. It feels as if there is no response from the minor input from the steering wheel. Then you put a little more input in the wheel and the car appears to catch up to the command giving it minor swerving feeling. It seems to be quite common with cruzes. I have found over 100 complaints on one forum about the same…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 93 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 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 22,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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/2014/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.