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 ↗2017 Chevrolet Trax steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Trax have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 42,000 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
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Trax | 13 |
| 2016 Trax | 14 |
| 2017 Trax (this page) | 19 |
| 2018 Trax | 9 |
| 2019 Trax | 15 |
| 2020 Trax | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Chevrolet Trax, 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
Of the 8 model years of Chevrolet Trax we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 19.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 service bulletin provides a procedure to flush and bleed power steering system to correct a power steering noise or fluid leak concern that is caused during extremely low temperatures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2017 Trax owners report a pattern of steering system and electrical control failures. The most common complaint involves sudden loss of power steering assist, with the 'Service Power Steering' warning light illuminating while driving or at startup—some owners say the wheel becomes nearly impossible to turn. One owner paid $1,235 out-of-pocket for a steering column replacement after the module failed; others report dealers cannot locate replacement parts in stock, leaving vehicles unrepaired for weeks.
A separate but related issue involves multiple systems failing simultaneously: power steering, acceleration, transmission, and stability control all drop out at highway speeds (45–55 mph), accompanied by speedometer failure and warning lights across the dashboard. These episodes last an hour or two, then resolve when the vehicle is shut down and restarted. Diagnostic code U0073 (CAN bus communication fault) appeared in at least one case, pointing to an underlying electrical module problem rather than a single mechanical part.
Lower control arm defects and suspension noise are also reported, though many owners note a recall (#A192261870) was issued for this issue—yet some vehicles experiencing identical symptoms were not included in the recall. One owner had control arms replaced twice and was later told the steering gear assembly needed additional expensive repair work.
Dealers frequently cannot replicate these failures during diagnostic visits, leaving owners stranded with warnings but no fixes.
Same Chevrolet Trax steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering System Electrical Failure / Module Malfunction
Intermittent or complete power steering loss, often accompanied by 'Service Power Steering' warning light. Owners report sudden inability to steer, extreme difficulty turning the wheel, and loss of power assist while driving or at startup. Some dealers diagnosed internal errors in the power steering module requiring replacement of the module or entire steering column assembly.
When: Low mileage (3,000 miles) to mid-range (44,200 miles); incidents occurring at highway speeds (45-55 mph) and during startup; both cold and warm weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; 'Service Power Steering' warning light illumination; Steering wheel extremely difficult to turn; Power steering intermittent (goes in and out); 'Service Power Steering, Drive With Care' message
Codes mentioned: U0073 (Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off), Power steering module fault codes (unspecified in narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ($1,235 out-of-pocket reported in one case); power steering module replacement; owners report parts unavailable/difficult to source at dealerships
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall #A192261870 mentioned (control arms-related); extended warranty covered some ECM replacement; some warranty coverage for module/column uncertain
Steering Gearbox Mechanical Resistance
Steering gear becomes difficult to turn, particularly when making left or right turns. Owners report the steering wheel feeling stuck and requiring hard pulling to complete turns. In some cases, steering wheel does not automatically return after turning. Dealer diagnosis indicated need for steering gearbox replacement.
When: Low mileage (~3,000-25,600 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel difficult to turn during turns; Steering wheel feels stuck when turning left or right; Steering wheel does not auto-return to center; Abnormal noise heard during failure (reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gearbox replacement needed; repairs pending in reported cases, not completed
Lower Control Arm / Ball Joint / Suspension Defect
Owners report vibration, shaking, and handling issues attributed to lower control arms, ball joints, or suspension components. Recall #A192261870 addressed control arm issues. Some owners had control arms replaced but continued experiencing problems or were told additional suspension work was needed. One owner reported a tear in suspension arm caused by defective ball bearing; another reported rust in steering gear assembly after control arm recall work.
When: Low to high mileage (35,000+ miles); in one case issues emerged post-shop repair work; continuous occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle vibration and shaking; Severe vibration above 45 mph; Handling problems; Poor stability
Repairs/costs cited: Lower control arms replaced (twice in one case); ball joints suspected; one owner cited rust developing in steering gear assembly post-recall; alignment work frequent
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM recall #A192261870 for control arm replacement; owners report insufficient fix or continued issues post-recall work
Instrument Cluster / Dashboard Electronic Malfunction
Speedometer, RPM gauge, and digital odometer displays malfunction intermittently, showing 0 or erratic readings. Associated with 'Service Stabilitrak' and 'Service Power Steering' messages. Issues self-resolve after vehicle is powered down and restarted. One owner noted a '.' character appearing in place of 'P' on the odometer display.
When: Low to moderate mileage; incidents lasting 1-2 hours before self-resolving
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer and RPM gauge jump to 0 then random values; Digital odometer display malfunction (showing '.' instead of 'P'); 'Service Stabilitrak' message display; 'Service Power Steering' message display; Check engine light illumination
Codes mentioned: U0073 (Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer initially suspected grounding problem; repairs status unclear in narratives
Multiple System Loss (Power Steering, Acceleration, Transmission, Stabilitrak) — Intermittent Control Module Faults
Simultaneous failure of multiple vehicle systems (power steering, acceleration, transmission, stability control) occurring intermittently at highway speeds. Owners report warning lights for power steering, stabilitrak, and check engine, along with loss of acceleration and transmission jerking. Issues self-resolve after vehicle is shut down and restarted. Diagnostic code U0073 (CAN bus communication failure) identified in one case, suggesting broader electrical/module communication issue rather than isolated component failure.
When: Mid-range to higher mileage; occurring at 45-55 mph highway speeds and during various driving conditions; in one case triggered by attempted startup
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of acceleration; Power steering failure; Transmission jerking and inability to accelerate properly; Stabilitrak malfunction; Speedometer/tach failure; Warning lights: power steering, stabilitrak, check engine; Vehicle stalls without warning at highway speed; Engine revving inappropriately
Codes mentioned: U0073 (Control Module Communication Bus 'A' Off)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer referenced grounding problem; one ECM replaced under extended warranty; most cases unresolved or pending diagnostics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued service notices regarding recall #A192261870; ECM coverage varied by warranty status
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet trax. While attempting to start the vehicle, the steering became difficult to maneuver. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to grey Chevrolet (4949 sw hovde rd, port orchard, wa 98367, (360) 329-2916) where no diagnostic failure codes were found. The failure could not be duplicated. The dealer stated that the steering column…
2017 Chevrolet Trax mileage 35,703 November 20, 2022 ( second incident)while driving 50 mph on a highway, I lost power steering, acceleration, and dashboard instruments( speedometer & tach) failed. Dashboard message advised of loss of power steering. I was able to drive about one mile before I could safely pull to the side of the road and after stopping the issue resolved itself but check engine…
I've received two notices from gm, once that has an actual recall. Both notices were received after my 2017 trax had been taken to the dealership for check-ups/repairs because of presenting symptoms of both issues of the notices/recall. The first being an evaporaive emissions purge valve that may not fully close, causing the engine to run cold, hesitate or stall at idle speeds. I experienced…
Vehicle was at highway speed when systems began to fail and vehicle abruptly lost acceleration. Warning lights and messages began to appear abruptly without warning. RPM, and MPH digital dial/ number jumped to 0 and back up to a random speed and then back down to 0. Accelerator pedal did not have any bearing on speed control. Uncontrolled stalling at highway speed without any warning. Vehicle…
When the car was in motion and I was trying to turn it would go. All the lights came on the dash board and this is not the first time it did this. This is unsafe and help is needed!
Had steering trouble with your 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
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 2017 Chevrolet Trax?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 16,200 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,200; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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/2017/Chevrolet/Trax.
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.