Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?

Yes. NHTSA recall 11V270000 covers a bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear that may not be properly secured, and recall 11V221000 covers a steering wheel that could detach due to improper fastening during manufacturing.

How common are steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze?

NHTSA lists 48 steering complaints for the 2011 Cruze, which is 7% of the 732 total complaints filed for that model year.

Has the steering problem caused crashes or injuries?

Yes. NHTSA records 6 crashes and 6 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze.

At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze is 55,215 miles, though some owners reported issues within the first few thousand miles.

How does the 2011 Cruze compare to other model years for steering complaints?

The 2011 Cruze had 48 steering complaints (7% share). Later years like 2012, 2013, and 2014 had higher counts (103, 74, and 93 complaints, with 12-13% shares), while 2017 and 2019 had far fewer.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 48 steering complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze, 7% of that year's 732 total complaints, with 6 crashes and 6 injuries reported. Two steering recalls (11V270000 and 11V221000) cover a loose intermediate shaft bolt and a steering wheel that could detach. Median mileage at failure was 55,215.

Steering complaints: 48; 7% of 732
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 6
Median mileage: 55,215 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering wheel detached or fell off in the driver's hands while underway, matching recall 11V221000 for an improperly fastened steering wheel.
Power steering cut out suddenly and intermittently, sometimes at highway speed, then returned to normal after the vehicle was stopped and restarted.
Power steering assist failed entirely shortly after startup, with the power steering warning light illuminated.
Steering felt notchy or resistant, giving a sensation of losing control, recurring daily over a period before subsiding.
Vehicle steered independently of driver input at highway speed, resulting in a crash and reported injuries.
Steering wheel unexpectedly shifted side to side by a small amount in connection with erratic speedometer and radio behavior.

When 2011 Chevrolet Cruze steering complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 20, 2011, latest Nov 3, 2025.

48 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2011 to Nov 2025; peak Nov 2014 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

NHTSA 11V270000May 6, 2011Steering128,911 vehicles
Steering:gear box:shaft sector
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet cruze vehicles manufactured from october 2, 2009, through april 21, 2011. The bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft may not have been properly installed.
Risk: This could allow the shafts to separate, resulting in the loss of steering. Loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and if required, repair the intermediate shaft/steering gear assembly to assure the bolt is fully seated and the shaft properly assembled. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 23, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or www.gmownercenter.com.
NHTSA 11V221000Apr 6, 2011Steering2,100 vehicles
Steering:column
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet cruze vehicles. During manufacturing the steering wheel could have been improperly fastened and may detach from the steering column.
Risk: Should the steering wheel detach from the steering column while driving, the driver could lose the ability to steer the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. This service will be performed for you free of charge. The safety recall began on april 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Steering complaints by Cruze model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20100 (0%)
201148 (7%)
2012103 (12%)
201374 (13%)
201493 (13%)
201524 (10%)
201618 (7%)
20176 (3%)
20189 (8%)
20190 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze?: Yes. NHTSA recall 11V270000 covers a bolt attaching the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear that may not be properly secured, and recall 11V221000 covers a steering wheel that could detach due to improper fastening during manufacturing.
How common are steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze?: NHTSA lists 48 steering complaints for the 2011 Cruze, which is 7% of the 732 total complaints filed for that model year.
Has the steering problem caused crashes or injuries?: Yes. NHTSA records 6 crashes and 6 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze.
At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Cruze is 55,215 miles, though some owners reported issues within the first few thousand miles.
How does the 2011 Cruze compare to other model years for steering complaints?: The 2011 Cruze had 48 steering complaints (7% share). Later years like 2012, 2013, and 2014 had higher counts (103, 74, and 93 complaints, with 12-13% shares), while 2017 and 2019 had far fewer.