What 694 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado

I was driving down the road and the power steering completely stopped working. This could have easily caused a wreck. No warning lights or indicators were prior to failure. I pulled the truck over to avoid causing a collision and turned the truck off. After shutting down for several minutes the warning lights that appeared while I had been previously driving went away and power steering returned. I brought it to a shop but they said without the lights being active they couldn't diagnose the problem. This is super dangerous and I see many others with this model have the same problem.

NHTSA ODI 11688205

-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2016 Chevrolet Colorado VIN: [XXX] Engine: 2.5L I4 (camshaft-driven brake system assist vacuum pump failure). GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 (Nov 2021) confirms that if vacuum pump drive lugs are broken, replacement of both the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft is required which was the case. Parts kept by repair facility that performed service. Autonation Chevrolet South Clearwater FL 33764. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? May, 2025 the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking (hard/stiff brake pedal). This is a safety-critical failure. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes by shop stated above. Diagnosis showed a seized engine brake system vacuum pump (driven by the exhaust camshaft) that had sheared drive lugs and produced metal debris which damaged the exhaust camshaft and associated components. The repair required replacement of the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft; my total repair cost was over $4,000. The camshaft was not readily available and I required a rental car for over 30 days while waiting for parts. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? System and parts inspected by shop above. GM Special Coverage N182202780 (Apr 2019) addresses vacuum-pump related decreased brake assist for certain 2014–2017 GM trucks/SUVs, but Colorado is not listed in that bulletin’s model list. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check Engine came on at time of brake loss (Brake Vacuum Pump Failure). Immediate system failure. I request NHTSA send me a copy of any investigation number or record created for this complaint, and I request guidance on whether I may be eligible for reimbursement under any GM program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11687092

My power steering went out while driving at 70mph on my way to work. This was accompanied by a dashboard warning lights "Service Power Steering" along with "Service Stabilitrack". I nearly collided with another vehicle being unable to lane change quickly. I took the vehicle to a local Chevrolet dealership, Napleton of Beaver Dam, WI 53916. They diagnosed it as "Electric Power Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Shorted". This required the replacement of the Steering Rack and Pinion Assembly at a very inconvenient cost of $2542.25 parts and labor. After doing a bit of research I found that this has been a problem with the 2015 and 2016 Colorado.

NHTSA ODI 11686920

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the power steering and traction control warning lights remained illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11686276

The power steering will suddenly go out while a “Stabilitrak” warning comes up on the display. There are many reports of this problem documented online in this year and model, and the 2015 had a recall for this known issue that was evidently not resolved OR recalled for the 2016 model. Suddenly losing power steering when traveling at highway speed or making a turn is a tremendous crash risk as it is very difficult to turn the wheel and the responsiveness and ability to turn quickly is greatly diminished. I and my wife have both almost crashed when this has happened. Most of the time turning the vehicle off and then on again will reset and reactivate power steering, other times it does not. I have called two Chevy dealerships who acknowledged an awareness of this problem, but difficult to replicate the problem on demand, and not always the same repair but almost always related to the steering rack and cable bundle. As I understand it, replacing the entire rack is about a $2000+ repair that based on anecdotal information online seems to resolve the problem. I am shocked Chevy/GMC is willing to assume this liability and not issue a recall or at least offer some kind of reimbursement option for doing the right thing and getting the repair done rather than place others at risk on the roads. This problem has been going on and off for the past year.

NHTSA ODI 11686104

I am submitting a safety concern with my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado truck. This vehicle is experiencing intermittent loss of power steering assist, which poses a significant safety risk. This issue mirrors the defect described in the GM Recall 15595A, which affected 2015 Chevrolet Canyon and GMC Canyon models. The root cause appears to be a poor electrical connection in the torque sensor harness connector. However my vehicle hasn't been included in the recall despite exhibiting identical symptoms. I urge the NHSTA to investigate and consider expanding the scope of Recall 15595A to include affected 2016 models. I am also requesting guidance on how to proceed with repair assistance or reimbursement.

NHTSA ODI 11684852

Power steering failure identical to Recall #16V054000 (issued February 2016) on 2015 Colorado. Vehicle will unexpectedly lose power steering udden stiff steering and both “Service power steering” and “Service Stabilitrak” warnings appear on dashboard. Defective parts appear to be gear assembly (GM part #23228020) and revised torque sensor cover kit (GM part #84344239)

NHTSA ODI 11684627

After purchasing my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 (approx. 113,000 miles) from Avalon Honda in New Jersey, steering began to exhibit an intermittent, jerky, “cog‑like” feel—almost as if slipping or catching. It’s unpredictable but recurrent, raising serious concern for sudden loss of control and potential collision. A repair shop replaced the front passenger‑side control arm, but the issue persists. It comes and goes, making it difficult to diagnose. I believe this may be a hidden steering defect that needs formal investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11684343

FPCM code P069E. Engine stalls when slowing down. Local dealer says to check wires around water pump area if rubbing and unsecured.

NHTSA ODI 11684043

Power Steering fails during driving.

NHTSA ODI 11682871

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the stabili-trak failure message was displayed, and the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was frightening. The contact was able to continue driving at a slower speed. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11682484

have to have the rack and pinion system replaced due to a torque steering sensor. There was a stabilitrak and power steering warning and the power steering went out on the interstate.

NHTSA ODI 11681620

Power steering went out while driving on the highway. Extremely dangerous situation.

NHTSA ODI 11681303

1. Power steering shutdown and went into manual mode, on 3 occasions in the past 6 months. Stopped the vehicle, turned off, restarted and power steering was engaged. The vehicle is available for inspection. 2. It was very difficult to maneuver/steer the vehicle, putting myself and others at risk. 3. The problem was not reproduced for the dealer. The dealer reset the codes the first time and replace the battery the second time. The incident reoccurred after the battery replacement. The vehicle has not been returned to the dealer since the incident happened today. 4. The only inspection conducted was by the dealership service department. 5. There were messages for each occurrence, stating service power steering and stability control.

NHTSA ODI 11681429

constant power steering tighten and wheel lock. From reviewing this has been an issue for this year make and model for a long time. Should be on a recall with the 2015 model

NHTSA ODI 11680959

This is the fourth incident, the following week. I already made an appointment for diagnostic without lights on dash for 10am due to a morning doctor's appt. So I could drop it then. Approaching Dr's lot it happens again! I call the dealer to report it after I almost took the curb cuz steering went hard. Found an open area to park. I explained same reason I'm coming in has just happened. Now it won't did it for them for sure. I received a text late saying have guy looking g at it maybe know more tomorrow. I call now 2:00pm next day for an update. He's with a customer, wait for call back. Just I thought! I'm being charged according to what he said and I signed, 199.00 for him to say, he put in dielectric grease for better contact and they drove it saying not happening to them so they can't put in a claim to AllY to fix it. And my warranty goes by miles as well so charge me and drive my warranty. He said if it happens again could be steering rack replacement. I believe it the steering module. He says it's all in one..but I have to pay 199.00 and do this again, even after other employees said take a picture and I did. T/C stabilizer tracking lights and dash shows stabilizer service power steering drive with care. Steering is cut off or so hard you have to muscle it. I have the warranty so fix it! The pictures aren't enough even a moving picture? Why if this happens is it not a recall for 2016 but was for 2015? This is to much nervous to drive but my only working vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11680164

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to strike a tree. The stabili-trac warning light was illuminated. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.

NHTSA ODI 11679857

While turning into neighborhood making a left at approximately 15 m.p.h., the steering became stiff and stuck. Was not able to turn steering to complete turn. A loud whining noise was also noticeable. Stopped vehicle and turned steering wheel in opposite direction and steering became normal again. 1st time this happened. No lights on dash were observed. This is very unsafe. Unbelievably unsafe. Fortunate no other vehicles around when steering failed.

NHTSA ODI 11679222

Stability Trac Failure... Loss of power steering. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. Seems to be the exact part on the exact model that the 2015 has a recall on. Why not the 2016?

NHTSA ODI 11678858

I posted on 4/14 incident happened on 4/9. The same has happened on now on 7/29. I am glad just leaving my home on side street. Here in ludlow ma, I received same codes and steering has seized up again. I shut truck off and turned on. Codes reset and I can drive. Only vehicle at this time. I had a death and couldn't bring to dealer anyway cuz can't drive unless I reset by shutting down vehicle to regain steering. Same codes t/c straction and steering drive with care which means no power steering. This is past 90 days and second time since purchased under a month the first it happened. I could not take it to dealer under nor did I call but I took a moving picture.

NHTSA ODI 11678627

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The stabili-trak warning light was illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ODI 11678200

Stabilitrak light came on said to service power steering. Pulled over turned off and turned back on it turned off, randomly comes on

NHTSA ODI 11677380

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Service Steering" warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering assist functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure recurred one more time. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676940

Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same issues with no response from the manufacturer. The 2015 model had a recall for the exact same issue with the exact same part number, however they will not address the issue in the 2016 model. This is a public safety issue as accidents and even death can occur if one loses steering while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11676356

Power Steering and stabilitrak warnings were displayed while I was driving and I immediately lost power steering while trying to execute a turn off the highway. This almost resulted in an accident. Warnings have been displayed twice now without prior incidents, and no warning that I will lose power steering.I have not taken my vehicle in yet, but other owners of 2016’s have reported the same issues with no response from the manufacturer. The 2015 model had a recall for the exact same issue with the exact same part number, however they will not address the issue in the 2016 model. This is a public safety issue as accidents and even death can occur if one loses steering while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11676357