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 ↗2016 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Cruze have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 57,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Cruze | 103 |
| 2013 Cruze | 74 |
| 2014 Cruze | 93 |
| 2015 Cruze | 24 |
| 2016 Cruze (this page) | 18 |
| 2017 Cruze | 6 |
| 2018 Cruze | 9 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 18 steering complaints filed for the 2016 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 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 informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2016 Cruze describe two main steering hazards: sudden power steering loss and steering column lock-up. Power steering fails during turns, lane changes, or highway driving at various speeds, leaving the wheel stiff and requiring manual force to steer. Some owners report temporary loss that returns after turning the ignition off and back on; others face permanent failure. Steering column lock-up prevents any turning during normal maneuvers, creating immediate danger in traffic.
Electrical system cascades amplify the problem. Radio cuts out repeatedly, all electrical components shut down, and Service Stabilitrak warnings appear. These failures coincide with power steering loss and affect other safety systems—turn signals fail, stability control stops working, and the vehicle may lose power entirely on the highway.
One owner reported inner tie rod separation at 61,000 miles causing violent pulling. Another heard grinding noises from the steering column that persisted after dealer repair. Moisture intrusion into the steering box—confirmed in Recall N182201620 for packaging failure—caused documented power steering deactivation, yet at least one owner reports the dealer closed the recall without fixing it, and the failure occurred days later.
Dealerships have struggled to diagnose the root cause. Service technicians cannot reproduce failures during test drives, and replacements of steering gears and batteries have not resolved the underlying electrical or mechanical faults in many cases. Owners cite identical problems in 2011-2015 models that were recalled; the 2016 remains unsolved despite mounting complaints.
Same Chevrolet Cruze steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss / malfunction
Power steering cuts out or becomes extremely stiff during normal driving, often triggered by turns, lane changes, or specific speeds. The steering wheel becomes hard to turn and requires excessive manual force. Some owners report temporary loss that returns after ignition reset. Dashboard displays 'Power Steering Deactivated' or 'Service Power Steering' warnings.
When: Various speeds (10 mph to 70 mph); during turns and lane changes; some after extended highway driving; mileage ranging from 6,850 to 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel becomes extremely stiff or hard to turn; excessive force required to steer; loss of power assist entirely; dashboard warning 'Power Steering Deactivated' or 'Service Power Steering'; temporary loss followed by normal function after ignition cycle
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering, Service Stabilitrak
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced steering gear; some repairs temporary and issue recurred; GM refused coverage in some cases citing expired warranty despite recall involvement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N182201620 issued for steering system moisture ingress causing power steering deactivation; earlier 2011-2015 models recalled for negative battery cable corrosion (Campaign 15V442000) affecting steering; 2016 model not included despite similar complaints
Steering column lock-up
Steering column locks completely, preventing turning. Occurs while making turns, during normal maneuvers, or unexpectedly. In severe cases, prevents vehicle control entirely. Associated with electrical system faults and warning lights.
When: During turns and lane changes; mileage around 12,000 miles reported in one case; one case at 9/14/16
Symptoms owners cite: steering column locks completely; vehicle cannot be steered; all electrical system indicators illuminate; occurs during turns or lane changes; can be triggered while making sharp turns on freeway
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Service Power Steering
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replaced in at least one case but failure recurred; second dealer unable to diagnose
Inner tie rod separation
Inner tie rod separates from steering gear, causing the wheel to pull forcibly to one side and creating steering oversteer. Vehicle oversteered and unable to maintain straight line.
When: At 61,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: steering wheel pulls to left forcibly; vehicle oversteers; wheel causes vehicle to deviate from straight line
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed inner tie rod separation from steering gear; inner tie rods and tires needed replacement; repair not completed at time of report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Associated with NHTSA Campaign 15V442000 (Steering)
Rack and pinion noise and malfunction
Abnormal grinding or scrubbing noise from steering column or passenger side near tire, particularly during turns at low speeds. Symptoms persist after dealer repair and component replacement.
When: At 28,650 miles; also reported at 9,070 miles (grinding at 35 mph left turn)
Symptoms owners cite: abnormal grinding or scrubbing noise from steering column or passenger side; noise present during low-speed driving (10 mph reported); noise from passenger side tire area; noise during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed possible rack and pinion as cause; vehicle repaired but same symptoms returned; in second case, issue not diagnosed or repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated intent to launch investigation in at least one case
Electrical system failure cascade causing power steering loss
Electrical system intermittently shuts down or experiences voltage loss, triggering loss of power steering and multiple warning lights. Often manifests as radio cutting out, all electrical components shutting off, and Service Stabilitrak warnings. Frequently associated with negative battery cable corrosion or faulty battery connection.
When: Various mileages; complaints indicate problem ongoing throughout vehicle operation; some at low mileage after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: radio cuts out multiple times during drive; all electrical components shut off unexpectedly; power steering lost during electrical failure; Service Stabilitrak light displays; check engine light and traction control light illuminate; stability error message appears; OnStar system disconnects; turn signals fail to work; dashboard home screen becomes inoperable; reduced vehicle power warnings
Codes mentioned: Service Stabilitrak, Check Engine, Stability Error, Traction Control Error
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement did not resolve; negative battery cable replacement fixed issue in at least one case; dealer diagnostics inconclusive in most cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall campaigns on 2011-2015 models for negative battery cable corrosion (Campaign 15V442000); 2016 model denied coverage despite identical symptoms reported
Steering system moisture ingress
Moisture enters steering box through poor packaging or seal failure, causing power steering deactivation. Confirmed as defect via recall but some owners report recall issued then closed without repair or with insufficient remedy.
When: Approximately 3 years after purchase (2016 vehicle, issue noted 2019); moisture ingress leads to failure at later mileage
Symptoms owners cite: power steering deactivated; moisture present in steering box
Repairs/costs cited: Recall N182201620 issued for packaging failure; one owner reports recall closed after dealer inspection with no actual repair; subsequent failure occurred as predicted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall N182201620 (Steering box moisture ingress causing power steering deactivation); owner reports GM refused warranty repair despite matching recall description
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet cruze. While driving at any speed and attempting to make a turn, the steering column locked. The dealer repaired the steering gear. The failure recurred and all the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a different dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact…
2016 Chevy cruze ltz faulty battery negative cable causing battery corrosion, while driving car has power steering errors (loss of stable steering capabilities), traction system errors, reduced vehicle power, problems with cruise control (speeds up by itself). Contacted gm and informed them of this issue. They denied coverage, despite having identified the same safety issues with the 2011-2015…
While driving, the car radio has cut out multiple times while 'service stabilitrack' has been displayed on the dash. The battery was replaced and the issues continued. This is mainly seen while slowing down or stopping at a red light. The lack of power to the car threatens safety as my turn signals failed to work and I lost power steering on one occasion. I personally researched this issue…
Had steering trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Chevrolet Cruze?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,980 and 61,000 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,980; a quarter make it past 61,000. 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/2016/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.