2015 Chevrolet Equinox steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Buyers should know that 2015 Equinoxes present documented steering safety hazards—complete power steering loss, wheel lockup, unpredictable steering response, and related electrical failures—often occurring early in ownership with limited dealer success in diagnosis or repair. The frequency of complaints and dealer inability to isolate root causes should be a major red flag.
Owners of 2015 Chevrolet Equinoxes describe steering failures ranging from complete loss of power steering to unpredictable steering response, sometimes with dangerous consequences. The most serious complaints involve sudden steering lockup while driving—wheels become immobile or steering loses all assist without warning, forcing some owners to restart the vehicle to regain control. One owner lost power steering and engine power simultaneously on a freeway; a dealer service manager disclosed this was the third identical complaint in one week.
Steering stiffness and drift are also common. Owners report the wheel sticks then suddenly breaks loose with excessive turning, or drifts left and right on its own, forcing constant correction at all speeds including highway driving.
Electrical issues appear intertwined with steering failures. One owner experienced total shutdown—engine, lights, radio, power steering all lost at once. Another had all warning lights illuminate simultaneously before the engine stalled.
Clicking or clacking noises during turns appear in several complaints, typically during left turns, starting several months after purchase.
Many owners took vehicles to dealers, where technicians replaced power steering pumps, racks, inlet hoses, and control modules. One service manager advised buying out a lease to dump the vehicle rather than fixing it. Dealerships often cannot reproduce problems during diagnostic test drives, leaving repairs incomplete or unverified.
Same Chevrolet Equinox steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power steering loss / steering lockup
Power steering system fails completely or steering wheel locks up during driving, often intermittent. Vehicle can be restarted to restore function temporarily. Occurs at various speeds from low-speed turning to highway speeds.
When: 2,600 to 40,320 miles; some within first few months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes impossible to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Requires vehicle restart to restore function; Occurs without warning; Intermittent behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced power steering pump, rack, inlet hose, and reprogrammed power steering control module. One owner reports re-programming did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety bulletin issued for loss of power steering. GM authorized replacement of torque converter on one vehicle. Dealerships unable to duplicate problem on some vehicles despite multiple attempts.
Steering stiffness and unpredictable steering response
Steering becomes hard to turn, sticks intermittently, then breaks loose with excessive turning response. Steering also drifts left and right on its own requiring constant correction. Occurs during braking and non-braking conditions, on highways and city streets.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; one complaint at 29,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard steering requiring excessive effort to turn; Steering sticks and then breaks loose suddenly; Steering drifts left and right without driver input; Overcorrection required to maintain lane position; Occurs at all speeds
Clicking noise during left turns
Clicking or clacking noise occurs when turning left, more noticeable during right turns or from outside the vehicle. Develops after several months of ownership. Does not prevent vehicle operation.
When: After 4 months of ownership; noted at 29,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking or clacking noise during left turns; Noise audible from outside vehicle; Progressive; becomes more noticeable over time
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls identified by owner; manufacturer has not been notified
Electrical system faults linked to steering failure
Vehicle experiences total electrical shutdown including loss of power steering, lights, and radio while driving at low mileage. Related failures include body control module and power steering control module faults, all warning lights illuminating, vehicle stalling, and 'Service All Wheel Drive' warnings.
When: 2,600 miles; 38,929 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete vehicle shutdown while driving with loss of all electrical systems; All instrument panel warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle stalls without warning; Service All Wheel Drive warning light; Dealer unable to replicate problem on test drives
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced body control module and power steering control module
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service manager suggested buying out lease and selling vehicle; no recall issued
Steering control loss during driving - violent shaking and veering
Vehicle experiences violent shaking and uncontrolled veering at highway speed resulting in loss of vehicle control and collision. Related electrical instability symptoms also present.
When: 13,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking and veering left and right; Loss of vehicle control; Occurred at 50 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not notified; VIN invalid in complaint
StabiliTrak and power steering warning lights intermittent
Service light for power steering and StabiliTrak illuminate repeatedly during driving, then go out. Electronic panel also fails intermittently. Owner suspects manufacturing defect.
When: Within one year of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering service light comes on at startup and during driving; StabiliTrak service light comes on and goes out intermittently; Electronic panel goes out intermittently; Described as extremely dangerous
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Equinox?
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 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,500 and 38,929 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,500; a quarter make it past 38,929. 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.