Recall 11V270 affects 128,911 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles for an improperly installed steering shaft bolt. Repair is free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer.
Chevrolet recalled 128,911 2011 Cruze vehicles because of an improperly installed bolt connecting the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft. If the shafts separate, the driver loses steering control, which increases crash risk. The Chevrolet dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The intermediate steering shaft in the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is the metal link between the steering column and the steering gear. When you turn the wheel, that shaft passes the motion down to the steering gear, which then moves the front wheels in the direction you choose.
On affected Cruze vehicles, the bolt that fastens the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft was not installed properly. That bolt is supposed to clamp the joint tight so the shaft stays locked to the steering gear. If the joint loosens, the steering wheel movement is not transferred through the system the way it should be.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not count on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel to appear before the connection stops doing its job.
Who's affected?
| 2011 Chevrolet Cruze | steering gear |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 128,911 |
Not every 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the intermediate shaft separates, the driver can lose steering control, which increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign listed before failure, so schedule the dealer inspection soon and keep steering concerns out of regular use. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is included in this recall.
- Watch for the Chevrolet recall notice, or contact Chevrolet customer service if you bought the Cruze used and never received it.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask about the free steering-shaft inspection and repair for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 11V270 when you call so the dealer can find the steering campaign.
- Avoid driving if the steering feels loose or changes suddenly. Ask the dealer about towing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician inspects the intermediate steering shaft and steering gear assembly. The service checks that the attaching bolt is fully seated and that the shaft is assembled correctly. If the inspection finds a problem, the technician repairs the intermediate shaft or steering gear assembly so the connection is properly secured. The recall service is free, and the record says the safety recall began on May 23, 2011.
Timeline
| May 6, 2011 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| May 23, 2011 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 11V270?
Recall 11V270 covers 128,911 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with an intermediate steering shaft bolt that was not properly installed. The shaft can separate from the steering gear input shaft and cause loss of steering. Chevrolet dealers inspect and repair the steering assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2011 Chevrolet Cruze is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Cruze is included in recall 11V270. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer to schedule the intermediate steering shaft inspection and repair. Reference recall number 11V270 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chevrolet's remedy says dealers will inspect and, if required, repair the intermediate shaft and steering gear assembly free of charge.
What is the safety risk on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze steering recall?
The safety risk is loss of steering if the intermediate steering shaft separates from the steering gear input shaft. Loss of steering control increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer inspection and repair before relying on the vehicle for regular driving.
What if I bought my Chevrolet Cruze used?
The free repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. If Chevrolet never mailed you a notice, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Cruze is included, then contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and reference recall number 11V270.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/11V270000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 11V270 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 11V270000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →