2016 Chevrolet Colorado Brakes Problems

Intermittent total loss of power steering assistance while driving at speed, accompanied by the immediate illumination of the Traction Control and StabiliTrak warning indicators on the dashboard. The loss of power steering creates a sudden and severe handling hazard. This safety issue has occurred more than 15 times since this vehicle was purchase used in December of 2025. A diagnostic scan reveals specific diagnostic trouble codes: C0545-00 (Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Hardware Failure), C0460-5A (Steering Wheel Angle Sensor Plausibility), U0420-42 (Invalid Data Received from PSCM), and C0280-00. The power steering also intermittently returns to normal functionality after the vehicle sits completely powered off, indicating a thermal or electronic hardware failure within the internal torque sensor of the steering gear assembly. This specific failure occurred most recently at 76,143 miles on VIN 1GCGTCE38G1146466 (Manufacture Date: 10/1/2015; Original Sales Date: 4/1/2016). This is the exact component failure and safety hazard described in GM Recall #15595 (NHTSA Campaign #16V054) for the 2015 model year. Furthermore, despite this vehicle falling well within the mileage limits of GM Special Coverage N182182190, this specific VIN is excluded (per a VIH request to Mac Haik Chevrolet Service Desk with my VIN) from the coverage program for an identical hardware failure, posing an unresolved and dangerous safety risk on 2016 models.

NHTSA ID

11764177

Incident

Sep 9, 2026

Complete loss of electronic power steering capability while new teenage driver was traveling at high rate of speed. Loss of power steering and stabilitrak traction control warning indicators on dash. Issue that invoke a safety recall in previous year model vehicle (GM Recall #15595 & GM Special Coverage N182182190) but is being ignored by manufacturer for my 2016 model. ODB2 fault codes confirms U0420-42 and C0545 indicating exact same issues still occurring in 2016 vehicles despite recall due to this safety issue in 2015 models.

NHTSA ID

11758971

Incident

Aug 22, 2026

The contact called on behalf of a family member who owns 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but was stiff, requiring the driver to forcefully depressed the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the contact's auto repair shop, where it was diagnosed that the brake vacuum pump was fractured and damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was contacted and informed that there was no related recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not contacted. 180,203.

NHTSA ID

11742032

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

Mileage

180,203 mi

Happened twice now while driving, power steering suddenly lost and two messages on dash: Loss of Power Steering and Stabilitrak. Pulled over and turned off ignition. When restarted all errors automatically cleared and systems appear to be functioning correctly. Steering without power assist is very difficult and high safety concern at low speed driving.

NHTSA ID

11694152

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

-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 INFORMATIO

NHTSA ID

11687092

Incident

May 13, 2025

The vehicles stabilitrack keeps coming on for no apparent reason.

NHTSA ID

11617562

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The electric power steering is going out spontaneously while driving and also disengaging stablitrak and abs just like the already known recall for the 2015

NHTSA ID

11603430

Incident

Jul 19, 2024

Vacuum pump failed and developed a tear almost leading to an accident. Now part of the pump system broke into motor leading to potential engine failure.

NHTSA ID

11588763

Incident

Apr 30, 2024

The brake pedal suddenly became very stiff with no warning while driving at highway speeds. Braking was very difficult and required me to swerve into another lane to not impact a car and run a red light. I managed to stop afterwards. This was caused by the cam driven vacuum pump failing. No warning of any kind was given.

NHTSA ID

11588069

Incident

May 3, 2024

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584840

Incident

Jul 21, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584602

Incident

Aug 4, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584601

Incident

Aug 8, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584600

Incident

Aug 8, 2023

During a preventative maintenance inspection, the mechanic found oil coming from the vacuum pump. Due to the number of failed vacuum pumps the fleet has been experiencing, the mechanic decided to replace the pump in order to avoid a vacuum pump failure during operations.

NHTSA ID

11584148

Incident

Aug 9, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584147

Incident

Aug 8, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11584141

Incident

Dec 7, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11583768

Incident

Aug 4, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11583384

Incident

Aug 16, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11583382

Incident

Aug 4, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11583041

Incident

Aug 22, 2023

Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.

NHTSA ID

11582637

Incident

Apr 5, 2024

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 ID

11568179

Incident

Jan 25, 2024

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 ID

11555162

Incident

Nov 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that on several occasions, the engine, traction, and stabilitrak warning lights illuminated then the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test indicated that the powertrain system and cylinder #1 had failed. The contact stated while driving downhill, the RPM increased however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pipe, fuel rail and fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 and the power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would receive a loaner vehicle however, the manufacturer was contacted a second time where the contact was denied a loaner vehicle due to a warranty issue. The failure mileage was 138,000.

NHTSA ID

11481401

Incident

Jul 3, 2022

Mileage

138,000 mi

While driving the truck randomly loses power steering. The display screen states that the anti-lock brake system needs to be serviced. Once I turn the truck off and back on it seems to reset and work as normal. The dealer will not fix due to the truck not having any check engine lights on. This is very frustrating and a safety issue that Chevy needs to look at.

NHTSA ID

11476743

Incident

Jul 28, 2022