Owners report a cluster of steering issues, many tied to intermittent electrical system behavior affecting the power steering. The most serious complaints involve steering wheel lockup or sticking while driving, sometimes while turning or at highway speeds, with several incidents resulting in loss of vehicle control, crashes, and injuries. One owner's daughter nearly struck a sidewalk when the steering locked during a roundabout turn; another owner hit a telephone pole when the steering seized at 40 mph, causing a fire that injured multiple occupants.
Many narratives describe steering that catches, sticks, or requires forceful jerking to release, particularly after extended highway driving or upon initial startup. Owners also report a pattern of electrical disturbances—radio shutoffs, instrument cluster flickering, warning lights illuminating (Service StabilTrak, Service Power Steering, Check Engine)—often occurring simultaneously with steering problems. One owner documented this happening for 1–3 hours at a time. Multiple owners mention stiffness in the steering wheel when trying to correct vehicle drift, resulting in overcorrection or swerving. A steering angle sensor electrical failure was documented in one case. Dealers have struggled to diagnose or repair the issue; one owner took the vehicle in eight times without resolution, and another was told the dealer would not proceed because the problem did not reproduce during a short test drive.
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel lockup or seizure during driving
Steering wheel locks, seizes, or becomes immobilized while the vehicle is in motion, preventing the driver from turning and causing loss of control. Occurs at various speeds (low-speed turns, highway speeds) and sometimes in conjunction with electrical system faults.
When: During highway driving or turning maneuvers; sometimes after 1+ hour of highway operation; reported as early as 18,000 miles and recurrently at higher mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks or becomes immobilized; Loss of vehicle control; vehicle drifts or continues straight despite steering input; Vehicle may shut off after locking event; Service Power Steering warning light illuminates
Codes mentioned: C0710, C055C
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replacement advised by dealer in one case; undiagnosed in others. Multiple owner complaints of dealer inability to reproduce or identify cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM notified of failures in some cases; no recalls or TSBs mentioned by owners. One NHTSA representative reportedly indicated the symptom poses little safety risk, contradicting owner assessment.
Steering sticking or catching that requires forceful input to release
Steering wheel sticks, catches, or resists movement, then suddenly frees or jerks when released. Often occurs on highway driving after short duration or during low-speed turns. Drivers report having to tug or jerk the wheel forcefully to restore normal steering.
When: During highway driving at 45–75 mph; while coasting or turning; within 2 hours of purchase in one case; recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering catches and sticks in place, resisting turn input; Sudden jerk or pop when steering releases; Steering feels stiff or resists correction of vehicle drift; May be preceded by extended highway driving or high-speed operation
Repairs/costs cited: Independent shop told owner it is a computerized steering system issue requiring dealer repair; dealers unable or unwilling to repair due to failure not reproducing during short test drives.
Intermittent electrical system faults affecting power steering and instrument cluster
Multiple simultaneous electrical disturbances—radio shutoff, instrument cluster flickering, warning lights, and power steering shutdown—occurring together for minutes to hours. Often triggered or exacerbated by turning the steering wheel or extended highway driving.
When: Recurring multiple times daily; typically during or after 1+ hour of highway operation at highway speeds (65 mph); sometimes triggered by sharp turns
Symptoms owners cite: Radio shuts off or becomes unresponsive (sometimes for hours or overnight); Instrument cluster and interior lights flicker or blank; Warning lights flicker (Service StabilTrak, Traction Control, Service Power Steering, Check Engine, ABS, Cruise Control); Oil level gauge zeros out then reappears; RPM gauge erratic; speedometer blanks; Power steering completely shuts off mid-turn, steering wheel jerks; Steering wheel vibrates and becomes stiff; Fuel consumption spikes during episodes (2 gallons per 15 minutes); Check Engine light remains illuminated afterward
Repairs/costs cited: Battery and alternator tested normal in one case; PCV valve head replaced by dealer in another case without resolving the issue. Owners report repeated service visits without successful repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM sent letter to one owner regarding PCV valve; problem recurred 4 months after repair.
Steering angle sensor electrical failure
Steering angle sensor fails electrically, causing fishtailing and Service Steering Wheel warning. One owner's car was deemed unsafe to drive by dealer.
When: During low-speed maneuvers (backing out of driveway into Drive gear)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fishtails unexpectedly; Service Steering Wheel message appears on dash; Dealer deemed vehicle unsafe to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Steering angle sensor replaced by dealer (Simpson Chevrolet).
Vehicle stalling, surging, and loss of power while driving
Engine stalls, loses power, or surges unexpectedly during highway driving, sometimes accompanied by electrical warning lights. Occurs at cruising speeds and during acceleration.
When: During highway/interstate driving at 60–65 mph; after 1+ hour of operation; recurring episodes separated by periods of normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or dies while driving; Loss of acceleration or power surge; Traction Control or StabilTrak light illuminates; Door locks may activate on their own; May be preceded by hesitation or jerking
Repairs/costs cited: New battery, negative cable, and bolt installed in one case without resolving the issue. Cylinder head rebuilt in another case; problem recurred 4 months later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM notification letter regarding PCV valve received by one owner.
Overheating, coolant leaks, and cooling system failure
Engine overheating warnings, coolant leaks, and cooling system failures with antifreeze smell and smoke from engine. One case involved complete cylinder head rebuild.
When: Recurring throughout ownership; at least 4 months post-repair in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating warning light illuminates; Smell of antifreeze; Smoke from engine compartment; Coolant lines gurgling (heard after parking and key removal); Coolant leaks
Repairs/costs cited: One owner spent approximately $10,000 on repairs including fuel pump replacement, multiple coolant pipe and container replacements. Cylinder head was completely rebuilt.
Vehicle not starting or refusing to start
Engine fails to crank or start, sometimes with no lights or other electrical response. Multiple restart attempts often required; occasionally key locks in ignition.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; after engine stall events
Symptoms owners cite: No lights, no cranking response (dead electrical state); Slow or delayed start; Key locks in ignition for extended periods; Starts on second or subsequent attempt
Repairs/costs cited: Battery tested normal; alternator tested normal in one case.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.