Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA
Data refreshed
Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
74
Latest Nov 9, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
13%
of 585 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
5
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2
What this page shows
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 74 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Owner reports naming steering
The 25 most recent of 74, in the owner's own words
When I accelerate my rpm goes up but car dosent move as speed says and takes for me to let off the gas to speed up , and my steering when I turn it pulls away n it keep popping up service traction and going off
NHTSA ID
11698432
Incident
Oct 28, 2025
EngineSteering
Filed Jun 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle also lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic control unit module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,212. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA ID
11666837
Incident
Jun 13, 2025
Mileage
103,212 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed May 12, 2024
Fire reported
Car caught on fire under hood
NHTSA ID
11588307
Incident
May 10, 2024
BrakesExterior lightingSteering
Filed Jan 31, 2024
The cars first started telling me randomly that it needed service to the stabilitrak and the. Would disappear, the next component was the anti theft activated and after turning car off..next time I tried to turn on, it acted as if battery was dead and locked my key in ignition. Fixed itself a couple hours later. Next time it gave me issues all of these components started to come on at same time while also causing power steering to come on and go out in the middle of driving which could have caused a horrible wreck (didn’t thank god) and also started flickering lights inside and outside of car, and the radio turned on and off as well…the car now will not turn on and acts as if battery is dead unless I use cables and have someone jump start my car…it definitely seems to be shorting out like the wiring isn’t working the way it should…I have now taken it to auto one and they tested battery and altinater and said both were in great condition, so I researched and have seen that my car make and model years from 2011-2015 have a recall on the negative battery cable not being crimped right enough but my car specifically isn’t included because it is past its warranty…which I’m sorry is ridiculous in every way no matter any warranty this was a mistake made by the manufacturer and it should be corrected on every car that is included in the years they specifically stated themselves they failed to do correctly when made…my car behaving this way and putting me and my family in danger is nothing that is our fault but the manufacturers and it should 100% be covered…I’m currently waiting to have it looked at by mechanic to reconfirm what I already know, and will know shortly that it is indeed the negative battery cable..I need this covered and corrected by dealer near me
NHTSA ID
11568925
Incident
Jan 3, 2024
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Dec 5, 2023
Traction control warning pops up and steering stops, even while driving. Motor shuts down and smells like fuel in water res.
NHTSA ID
11558464
Incident
Nov 28, 2023
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Sep 11, 2023
The contact owns a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated restarted the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the water pump failed again and was replaced; however, recently the water pump failed again. Additionally, the contact stated that there were electrical failures with the vehicle and the doors failed to lock as needed. The contact also stated that the steering wheel had locked up on several occasions. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
NHTSA ID
11543816
Incident
Sep 11, 2021
Mileage
130,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Mar 31, 2023
I purchased 2013 chevy cruze in 2021. Starting with steering going out, all electrical power is affected. Radio comes on and off. Light comes on to check stab trak. Engine started while key in ignition but I wasn't in car. I can't afford to get a different car now a days. I'm disabled and need this car to get to my Dr appts But I'm afraid the vehicle will kill me, someone or worse. This vehicle needs a very very serious recall to fix this before someone is killed. That won't work!! FIX IT PLEASE I BEG YOU!!!
NHTSA ID
11514714
Incident
Mar 10, 2023
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Sep 20, 2022
When i turn left or right stereo shuts off all my warning lights come on and steering gos out.and sometimes it shuts down.Almost got hit a cause it did this .This is a serious safety issue.Nobody can pin point the problem.then a code says open and close drivers window.If i get killed cause this car does this .and getting worse .chevy will be sued .can you get chevy to repair this possible faulty .problem.may a recall in electric system.
NHTSA ID
11485570
Incident
Sep 20, 2022
ElectricalExterior lightingSteering
Filed Apr 5, 2021
AT RANDOM TIMES, MY STEREO WILL GO BLANK, NO SOUND, NO BLINKER SOUNDS, NOTHING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SERVICE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE STABITRAX WILL START FLASHING ON AND OFF. MY POWER STEERING WILL CUT OFF AS WELL. THIS WILL HAPPEN A FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING THEN IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. THEN RANDOMLY ON A DIFFERENT DAY, IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA ID
11406478
Incident
Apr 4, 2021
Mileage
55 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Mar 28, 2021
IT'S BEEN SITTING FOR AWHILE NOW. I'VE REPLACED THE ENGINE, THE BATTERY, THE ALTERNATOR, THE STARTER, THE THERMOSTAT AND THE TENSIONER BELT. ALL BRAND NEW AND IT'S STILL NOT STARTING UP . IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO START OVER BUT DOESN'T, EVEN WITHOUT THE KEYS IN IGNITION, IF I HOOK UP SPARK PLUGS IT ACTS LIKE IT WANTS TO START EVEN WITHOUT THE KEYS IN IGNITION
NHTSA ID
11405268
Incident
Jun 24, 2020
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Mar 10, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported
THE STABLIC TRACT, THE ENGINE, THE ENGINE SLOWS DOWN, THE POWER STEERING, THE ENGINE MODULE HAS BLOWED I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR DAY 1, I BOUGHT FROM JDA AUTOMOTIVE ON GARNERS FERRY ROAD. I HAVE BEEN TAKING CAR TO CHEVROLET IN COLUMBIA,SC HARBISON . THEY REPAIRED RECALLS BUT SOON AS REPAIR THEY SEND A SIGNAL TO CAR TO TEAR UP .THE CAR COME TO COMPLETE STOP CAUSING ME TO NEED NECK BRACE IT ALSO IS TEARING UP THE THREAD ON TIRES. AND PEOPLE ARE BLOWING HORN AND ALSO HITTING ME IN BACK EVERYWHERE I GO I HAVE TO USE EMERGENCY BLINKING LIGHTS.
NHTSA ID
11317420
Incident
Mar 1, 2020
Mileage
995,861 mi
BrakesEngineSteering
Filed Dec 5, 2019
WHILE DRIVING AND IN MOTION THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF. AFTER SHUTTING OFF THE ABS MALFUNCTIONS AND THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONS. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW, BOTH ON CITY STREETS. ONCE DISABLED THE VEHICLE WILL NOT RESTART ON IT'S OWN; IT DOESN'T EVEN TURN OVER. THE VEHICLE WILL, HOWEVER, RESTART IF JUMP STARTED. THE FIRST OCCURRENCE PRESENTED WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT CODED AS A FAULTY CAM SHAFT SENSOR. THIS WAS REPLACED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT AWAY. THE SECOND OCCURRENCE PRESENTED WITH NO LIGHTS OR WARNINGS. BOTH THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE TESTED AND ARE FUNCTIONING.
NHTSA ID
11287025
Incident
Dec 4, 2019
Mileage
88,500 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Jun 15, 2019
THE CAR WOULD BECOME HARD TO STEER AND CONTROL. ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL IN STABILITY CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING. THIS HAPPENS WITHOUT WARNING CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED HIGHWAY ORE CITY. THE TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. (THIS IS A TSB I LATER FOUND BUT THE COULD EASILY CAUSED A CRASH ON ACCIDENT)
NHTSA ID
11220346
Incident
May 7, 2018
Mileage
52,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 3, 2019
2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER STEERING GOING OUT. *LD *JS
NHTSA ID
11204617
Incident
May 3, 2019
Steering
Filed Mar 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPAIRED THE POWER STEERING. THE DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. .*BF*JB
NHTSA ID
11190975
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Mileage
39,000 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 7, 2019
FOR SOME REASON WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR IT STARTS SHAKING SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS WHEN I START DRIVING OR WHEN I BRAKE I TRIED TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND IT LOOKS THAT IT IS THE DRIVE SHAFT. I THOUGH THAT IT IS SOMETHING THAT ONLY HAPPENED TO ME BUT I FOUND OUT THAT THERE ARE MORE CARS INVOLVED IN THAT BUT MY CHEVY CRUZE 2013 LOOKS LIKE IT IS NOT NOT ONE OF THOSE. WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT ?
NHTSA ID
11164984
Incident
Dec 20, 2018
Mileage
61,500 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 15, 2018
WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURN IN CITY, CAR JERKED, ALMOST LOST CONTROL AND "SERVICE POWER STEERING" LIGHT CAME ON, THEN CAR RECOVERED AND WAS DRIVEN HOME
NHTSA ID
11151690
Incident
Nov 10, 2018
Mileage
45,900 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Oct 29, 2018
VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING LOSING COMPLETE POWER AND STEERING! SO DANGEROUS AND DEADLY! TAKING THE CAR IN TODAY, CAR ALSO RIDING ROUGH AND MISFIRING. ALL MAINTENANCE DONE EVERY 3,000 MILES. THIS CAR HAS HAD ONE PROBLEM AFTER ANOTHER AND THIS LAST ONE COULD HAVE KILLED MY TEENAGER DAUGHTER! IT STOPPED ON HER 5 TIMES ON THE FREEWAY!
NHTSA ID
11143855
Incident
Oct 27, 2018
Mileage
65,000 mi
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 1, 2018
I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED AND THE RADIO TURNED OFF, I BARELY MADE IT BEFORE GETTING HIT. THE STEERING WHEEL UNLOCKED AND I TURNED INTO THE FIRST PLACE I COULD. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TRIED TO START IT BUT THE BRAKE WAS LOCKED AND NOTHING WAS TURNING ON WHEN I PUSHED THE BUTTON. TRIED A FEW TIMES AND NOTHING. WHILE SITTING THERE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES THE WHOLE DASH CAME ON AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR. THE RADIO HAD BEEN TURNING ON AND OFF A FEW TIMES ON THIS DRIVE BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. BUT THE RADIO HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR SOME TIME .
NHTSA ID
11132799
Incident
Oct 1, 2018
Mileage
86,500 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 26, 2018
STEERING RANDOMLY COMPLETELY LOCKED IN MOTION. SEEMINGLY RANDOM ELECTRICAL PROBLEM REMEDIED ON ITS OWN AND REQUIRED SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO CHECK IT OUT TO ASSES SAFETY. CANT BE SURE OF THE SAFETY OF MY VEHICLE NOW.
NHTSA ID
11131818
Incident
Sep 26, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Jul 27, 2018
CAR WOULDN'T START. GOT A "SERVICE STEERING COLUMN LOCK" ON THE DASH. WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME. BUT ENGINE START AND STOP STILL SOUNDS BAD.
NHTSA ID
11114075
Incident
Jul 27, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi
Driver assistanceElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 10, 2018
CAR SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY.AFTER 10 MINUTES WILL RESTART.STEERING LOCKS UP WHILE DRIVNG.STABLI CONTROL COMES ON.LOSS OF ALMOST AL L POWER.HAPPEN IN DRIVEWAY.WHILE DRIVING TURNING .LOSS OF POWER SO THAT CAR WONT MOVE.
NHTSA ID
11084414
Incident
Apr 8, 2018
Mileage
45,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET CRUZE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR STARTED TO FLASH AND THE POWER STEERING ABILITY DID NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT REGAINED CONTROL AFTER APPROXIMATELY FIVE SECONDS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY TEN OTHER TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,158.
NHTSA ID
11079737
Incident
Mar 15, 2018
Mileage
79,158 mi
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Feb 5, 2018
POWER STEERING WENT OUT WHILE MAKING A TURN IN A PARKING LOT AND BOTH POWER STEERING LIGHT, AND STABILI TRAK LIGHT CAME ON. I COULD BARELY CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. LATER THAT DAY CAR WAS BACK TO NORMAL.
NHTSA ID
11066926
Incident
Feb 2, 2018
Mileage
68,712 mi
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Jan 28, 2018
THE DEALER SAYS THAT THE RIGHT CV JOINT IS LEAKING. ALSO MY STEERING WHEEL HAS A SMALL CATCH IN IT WHEN WE ARE DRIVING, WONDERING IF THESE ARE RELATED?
NHTSA ID
11065552
Incident
Jan 27, 2018
Mileage
47,795 mi
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Other components reported on this vehicle
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own