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 Chevrolet Cruze steering problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
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.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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.