What 694 owners told NHTSA about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that he was able to continue driving by using physical strength to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle later that day, the power steering was functional and the warning lights had disappeared; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was not notified the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ODI 11570308

While I was driving on the highway all the sudden an error came up with Stabilitrac and Power Steering. The steering wheel became insanely stiff and hard to turn. I pulled over and powered off the car, turned it back on and the issue was gone. Intermittantly this has been on-going for awhile where the issue will not occur for a few days or weeks and then randomly pop up whenever it wants. Could be when you start the vehicle it will immeditely identify the issue but it other cases while driving which is the most serious issue I have with this. There is no controlling when or how it happens, its just random.

NHTSA ODI 11569552

I lost power steering! I was going up a hill with lots of turns, no place to pull over and the steering was worse than anything I have experienced in power steering loss! But my destination was not far away and I could barely turn into the parking lot! I shut off the truck and restarted and the steering came back. I had my truck in for repair for an unrelated problem but had mentioned what happened. While the technician was working on the unrelated problem, the truck lost steering for him! At a standstill he could not turn the wheel ( a very muscular guy). I hate to think what could have happened if my wife who doesn’t have the strength, would be driving if this happened! GM HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE 2015 model but claims it’s not on the 2026 model. ITIS TIME TO HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE BEFORE DEATH OCCURS IF IT HASNT ALREADY! The garage has done the things that GM calls for on this, but all that didn’t do anything! THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE STEERING RACK AND PINION, BUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IS GOING TO COVER IT! THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SHOULD NOT BE WHO HAS TO PAY FOR IT GM SHOULD!

NHTSA ODI 11568702

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The failure was intermittent. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure would recur soon afterwards. The contact found NHTSA ID Number: 10208045 (Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) as well as NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering) which were related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, and a recalibration was performed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the failure was related to the NHTSA ID Number and the recall however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage 85,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568482

Had transmission problems for over 2 years with the truck has always shifted hard and weird since I bought the truck repair torque converter mechanic has had to go back in twice still can't get it right everything on this truck has been very difficult to get fixed and repaired everything has to be done more than once it's getting annoying

NHTSA ODI 11568195

I have replaced a brake booster three times first time it went out on me I was coming off of the interstate onto an exit 65 mph almost took out four vehicles second time went out luckily I was on a road going slow and third time I felt it very unsafe the mechanic doesn't know what to do with it now they don't even want to fix it parts keep failing called manufacturer they give him the runaround and not good answers no warning lights at all when this happens just happens out of nowhere very scary luckily I haven't killed nobody yet in this vehicle

NHTSA ODI 11568179

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, prompting her to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The contact also stated that the "Power Steering and Traction Control Off" messages were displayed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering) but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

NHTSA ODI 11568003

Reference report #[XXX] The transmission in my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Quad Cab short bed is hard shifting, shuddering and pausing. The transmission has been serviced two times by the dealer and two times by me. Servicing means fluid and filter changes. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11567899

Power Steering and Stabilitrack failed. In the middle of a turn power steering failed which almost caused a collision. This problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or independent service center. It has not been inspected. There was no warning prior to it happening. I have seen that there are hundreds of reports of this happening to other 2016 colorado owners. There was a recall for the exact same thing on the exact same part number in 2015 Colorado. There should have been a recall for 2016 colorado models as well.

NHTSA ODI 11567550

Loss of power steering while driving, could cause loss of vehicle control. Issue occurred 3 hours after vehicle purchase and was accompanied by multiple warning lights on dash. Dealer stated they had performed some wiring repair before my purchase, but did not disclose that at time of purchase

NHTSA ODI 11567284

I was driving in a subdivision and with no warning my power steering and the stabilitrak stopped working. I was coming to a curve and fortunately only doing 20 miles an hour. I had a difficult time negotiating the curve and was able to stop. The stablititrak function also caused my truck to veer to the left. If there was another vehicle coming in the opposite direction, I likely would have hit it head on. I also tow a small boat and feel that if I had been towing it at the time on our local interstate (I-110) that I could have been in a major accident resulting in significant injury or even death as this was an abrupt failure. The warning lights came on after the failure. The problem also clears up when the vehicle is turned off and then restarted. I was able to drive the short distance back to my home. However, the problem reoccurs often when restarting the vehicle in the driveway. I plan to take my vehicle to a local Chevrolet dealer as soon as possible, which will be the 22nd or 23rd of January. So, at the current time it hasn’t been inspected by a Chevrolet dealer or the manufacturer. The warning lights now turn on in the driveway when I start the vehicle most of the time. I check online and there apparently is a recall for this problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicle. From what I read the exact same components are used in the 2016 model year.

NHTSA ODI 11566336

I STARTED UP MY CAR YESTERDAY AND THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING AT ALL ON THE VEHICLE, IT WAS COMPLETELY OUT. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ONLINE FOR 2016 COLORADOS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. AND THE 2015 COLORADO WAS RECALLED FOR THE SAME ISSUE THAT USES THE SAME PART FROM WHAT I HAVE READ. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IF IT OCCURS WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA ODI 11565676

Power steering will intermittently fail. This happens at various speeds and has happened multiple times. There was a recall for this exact problem for the 2015 model but not the 2016 model. This is a huge safety defect that will kill or seriously injure people.

NHTSA ODI 11564449

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at approximately 5 to 10 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message to “Drive Carefully” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11557841

The steering assist fails. I get a waring on the dash, "Stabilitak/Power Steering Fault. Very hard to steer. There has not been and other problems. This was apparently a problem in 2015 models. I told the deal ship service dept about it being a very common problem and they said they would have to see it happen. Their labor is $225.00 per hour. I feel this should have been recalled just as the 2015 truck were.

NHTSA ODI 11557562

I have asthma and it is controlled by medication when needed. Recently I have had a lot more incidents of breathing difficulty since I purchased my vehicle. It was during one of these episodes that my wife noticed an odor associated with antifreeze. However, there is no moisture in the vehicle and no visible leaks or puddles on the ground. I have detected the same odor when standing near the back of the truck near the tailpipe. Also, I have had to refill the radiator with exactly five gallons of Antifreeze in less than 3000 miles of driving. It was my wife who alerted me to the odor being inside the vehicle and only during times when the heater was running. Since that time I have driven the vehicle only when I can safely leave the heater off, because I cannot be sure it is safe. If I need the heater to defrost, I leave the vehicle. Also, I noticed that when the engine coolant is low, the engine never seems to overheat, and the heater no longer blows hot air. Is this an issue involving only my vehicles and what other health risks are there? The most I have had to add to restore heat is a gallon of coolant.

NHTSA ODI 11557207

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound and the contact became aware that the steering wheel intermittently became firm, causing the vehicle to be difficult to turn. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an appointment. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

NHTSA ODI 11556653

While driving my Chevy Colorado to work steering wheel suddenly jerked from my hands in a turn and forced me to drive straight. Luckily was able to make it into a median after nearly striking another vehicle. While completing a turn into a gas station to assess the problem steering was extremely difficult, even beyond what a vehicle without power steering feels like. Had to shut off the truck and wait for a complete power down, restart and the issue was corrected. I have no doubt that had my daughter been driving, as she sometimes uses the truck, she would have had zero chance of steering the vehicle. Reading other similar issues with the 2016 online, how was this not a recall along with the 2015s? Extremely unsafe!

NHTSA ODI 11556188

StabiliTrak Warning light comes on and the power steering cuts out at the same time. The vehicle becomes very difficult to drive after the malfunction. The vehicle must be pulled to the side of the road, powered off, and then restarted to get the power steering back. This happens on a completely random basis with no warning whatsoever and most definitely can cause a severe safety occurrence.

NHTSA ODI 11556082

Stabilitrack system alerts then will cut off power steering. Clicking on the shift module occured resulting the computer to go into limp mode making unsafe to drive when it happens spontaneously as I drive. Took it to a local mechanic and ecu codes came up however the dealership is scheduled this weekend. No warnings. The mechanic was able to see the codes pop as I drove

NHTSA ODI 11555092

Power Steering electrical assist shut off several times while driving and once while parked. Extremely difficult to turn steering wheel and incredibly dangerous and life threatening. Service Power Steering and Service Stabilitrak error show on dash screen. Digital Diagnostic shows ERROR U0420-42 INVALID DATA RECEIVED FROM POWER STEERING CONTROL MODULE-CALIBRATION NOT PROGRAMMED. This random continuous issue NEEDS to be fixed or truck recalled or someone will be seriously injured. Please push this information forward.

NHTSA ODI 11555162

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, upon reaching the top of an incline, the vehicle began to shudder before losing motive power. The contact pushed the vehicle to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed failures with the purge valve and mass air flow sensor. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was a possible failure with the vent valve canister. After a visual inspection of the engine compartment, the contact discovered water within the vent valve canister. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to Emission Recall: N202313200. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11554937

Once again the power steering and the stabilitrak went out WHILE I was driving on the dang freeway!

NHTSA ODI 11554549

The power steering and stabilitrak went out while i was driving on the freeway, again!

NHTSA ODI 11554551

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering and stabili-trak warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that it was very difficult to maneuver the vehicle, but he was able to drive the vehicle to a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,100.

NHTSA ODI 11554185