2016 Chevrolet Colorado Electrical 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

The power steering will intermittently go out. This occurs at random times and often at speeds of over 65 mph. This is not a maintenance issue as it is electronic power steering.

NHTSA ID

11763982

Incident

Sep 11, 2026

While sitting in idle the engine will just start to idle rough for no reason this happens all the time and clear out when accelerated. While driving the radio and Infotainment screen will go blank then come back on. I was driving on the freeway going straight and all of a sudden the power steering went out and I got this warning light on for the power steering being disabled along with this vehicle symbol and squiggly lines behind it on. I drove to a safe spot with the truck feeling really heavy. Turned it off and on then it cleared up. This power steering issue just happened.

NHTSA ID

11763341

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

For about two months my 2016 Chevy Colorado has been having a random power steering and stabilitrak issue message popping up. There’s no clear reason why this happens as I can drive my truck for days/weeks and it was suddenly lose power steering. When this happens it is a serious safety issue as I can be on the highway driving fine and my power steering will just suddenly stop working. Normally, I pull over and turn my truck off for 30 seconds to 1 minute and turn it back on and the issue will go away. I had two separate scans performed on the truck and both scans showed no “current” errors but pulled up past error codes of problems with ABS system and “low voltage.” I do not drive my truck roughly and most miles are simple roads or straight highways. No rough roads or heavy water/snow/mud. I have looked online and multiple threads from other drivers of GMC Canyons around 2015/2016 and trucks like mine who have had similar issues and the Canyon has recalls concerning this but I currently have none for the Chevy Colorado so I wanted to report this issue, especially for the safety reason. I believe if my wife was driving my truck on the highway and this happened she may not be strong enough to pull off and/or turn the truck if she had needed to since it is very difficult to turn the wheel when this error occurs.

NHTSA ID

11758817

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

**Vehicle Safety Complaint** I am experiencing a serious safety issue with my 2016 Chevrolet vehicle involving the power steering system. On a somewhat regular basis, I receive dashboard warnings including "StabiliTrak Not Working," and "Service Power Steering." Shortly after these warnings appear, the power steering fails while I am driving. When this occurs, I must use significant force to turn the steering wheel in order to maintain control of the vehicle and make turns. When I pull over, turn off engine and wait a few minutes, the restart the engine, it  appears to be resolved and works fine. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. I am concerned that I may not be able to turn quickly or forcefully enough to avoid an accident, potentially resulting in a collision, injury, or death. I am aware that certain 2015 model year vehicles were recalled for similar power steering issues. However, despite experiencing what appears to be the same defect in my 2016 vehicle, no recall has been issued. The issue remains uncorrected and continues to pose a significant safety risk. GM Customer Care (1-800-462-8782) states I am not eligible for any cost assistance because it is a 2016 model and not 2015. Given the serious safety implications of sudden power steering loss while driving, I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue and determine whether a recall is warranted for affected 2016 vehicles. The sudden loss of power steering while the vehicle is in motion presents a substantial safety hazard and should be addressed before it leads to serious accidents or injuries.

NHTSA ID

11744770

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

When driving normally on wet paved city roads (it had recently rained but not currently raining), my truck suddenly lost power steering and the warning messages came on to service power steering and stabilitrak systems. Traction control lights also came on. The next morning, I tried starting the truck again, and the power steering came back temporarily before losing it again and service messages came back on. I've read many others in online forums have had this same electrical connection issue, and it was a recall on the 2015 model year of this same truck.

NHTSA ID

11708637

Incident

Jan 3, 2026

The electric power steering system on my vehicle intermittently fails while I am driving. When the failure occurs, the steering suddenly becomes extremely heavy and difficult to control, creating an immediate safety risk to me and to others on the road. The loss of power steering has happened multiple times with no advance warning. Each time, the only way to temporarily restore normal steering is to pull over, turn the vehicle off, and restart it. The problem occurs randomly and without a pattern. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The issue has been evaluated by the dealer’s service center. They were not able to reproduce the failure during their inspection, but they did confirm that the vehicle had stored a diagnostic trouble code indicating a power steering failure. The service center reported that the code was too generic to determine the root cause, and no repair was performed. They acknowledged that the steering failure had occurred based on the stored code, but could not identify why it was happening. During the failures, the vehicle displays warning messages stating that both Stabilitrak and Power Steering have failed. These messages appear only at the moment of failure, with no prior warning lights or symptoms. This intermittent loss of power steering severely compromises safe operation of the vehicle, especially when turning at low speeds, entering or exiting parking lots, or navigating intersections. It puts me, my passengers, and the surrounding drivers and pedestrians at risk because the vehicle cannot be steered normally when the failure occurs.

NHTSA ID

11704062

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

When the truck is driven there are times at random that the steering wheel locks into place while driving at any speed on the road. This warrants me to slowly try and get the car off the road to shut it down and restart it and then the steering goes back to normal. This has happened multiple different times on different days. This has not happened on the highway yet, but if this occurs while driving on the highway this poses a huge risk for an accident to occur. Chevy has had this similar recall on previous 2015s and it seems that 2016 owners are complaining about this issue but it is yet to be a recall.

NHTSA ID

11696658

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

While driving, my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado experiences sudden voltage drops and intermittent loss of power steering assist — the same symptoms described in the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado recall (NHTSA #16V054000). When the failure occurs, the steering becomes extremely heavy and unsafe, especially during low-speed turns or lane changes. In September 2024, I brought my truck to an authorized Chevrolet dealership for sudden loss of power steering and electrical issues. A diagnostic was performed, and a fuse was replaced — they claimed that fixed the issue. Not even a month later, in October 2024, I brought my truck back to the dealership for the exact same issues. They confirmed a voltage drop but could not identify a specific cause. They verbally advised me they “cleaned the connectors,” which temporarily fixed the problem. Approximately one year later, in October 2025, the same issue returned — identical symptoms and voltage behavior. My truck was manufactured in August 2015, which is close to the recalled 2015 production window. Based on the symptoms and timing, I believe my truck may have been built using the same steering components or wiring harnesses as the recalled vehicles. This appears to be the same safety defect that caused the 2015 recall, only affecting a slightly newer VIN range. I request that NHTSA investigate whether additional 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles built in mid-to-late 2015 should be included in the recall for loss of steering assist. No service lights will be on and suddenly while driving I will get “service stabilitrak”, “no traction control”, and “service power steering”. Turning off my vehicle and restarting will temporarily fix the issue. Chevrolet Colorado, 2016, steering assist loss, voltage drop, power steering failure, recall 16V054000, safety defect, connector corrosion, torque sensor wiring harness, electrical failure, early production 2016

NHTSA ID

11691584

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

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 ID

11686104

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

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 ID

11684627

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11684043

Incident

Jul 16, 2025

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 ID

11676357

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

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 ID

11676356

Incident

Jul 21, 2025

My 2016 Colorado is having a power steering failure identical to the 2015 recall. Recall #16V054000 (issued February 2016) covered 2015 Colorados and Canyons with the same type of electric power steering (EPS) gear assembly prone to internal corrosion. Exact failure symptoms: Sudden stiff steering, steering wheel locks/stiffens “Service power steering” or “Stabilitrak” warnings DTC codes like U0073, U0101, C0545, etc. Defective part: Original gear assembly: GM part #23228020 Revised torque sensor cover kit (to prevent corrosion): GM part #84344239 The vehicle has been taken to the dealership in January when this failure first occured. The dealer claimed it was due to the corroded negative battery cable. I explained that this was a known issue and a recall had been issued for the same part on the 2015 model. They refused to investigate further. On 07/14/2025 the issue resumed and repeated after restarting the vehicle till it reset no more and remained without power steering. I dropped off the vehicle and one rep informed me that this issue was due to wear and tear and that my vehicle was not on the list of recalls. I spoke to a supervisor and he said they would look into it but it did not sound promising.

NHTSA ID

11673769

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

While going 70 on the freeway, I lost power assist on my steering. I immediately slowed and drove to a gas station. I read in the manual it was still safe to drive. I highly disagree. After turning it off and restarting the engine, the steering returned to normal. My mechanic told me it was the steering sensor based on the error message. He suggested I drive it to see if it repeats. I am afraid this could cause an accident and I understand it's a know problem that was only addressed in 2015 models. Same thing with my gym trainer. 2016 Colorado and it happened 4 months ago. He's waiting as well.

NHTSA ID

11666098

Incident

Jun 6, 2015

The contact stated the company they work for owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission would slip intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the transmission failed. The transmission was replaced. When attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start. They had to jump-start the battery to start the vehicle. The battery was replaced by O'Rileys, a battery specialty shop. Approximately a year later, while another employee was driving at approximately 65 MPH when smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle's hood. The driver pulled over and exited the vehicle. The fire department came and put the fire out. The fire department informed the contact that the cause of the fire was because the battery caught fire. The fire department filed a report. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The contact spoke with the dealer who informed them that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11659171

Incident

May 6, 2020

Mileage

88,000 mi

Wiring harness problem resulting in loss of power to a/c, and other electrical components such as radio scrolling without being called for, only small portion on left side of touch screen works. Problem previously reported under 11516530. Dealership that sold me the vehicle and other automotive shops want $75 or more just to look at the problem. Current mileage on this vehicle is just over 50,000 miles. [XXX] living in Florida and I have been without a/c since last summer. Prior to that the power steering & brakes would go out without warning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11658949

Incident

May 5, 2025

My 2016 Colorado has been having the infamous power steering and Stabilitrak issue that stems from a poor connection in the steering rack (to my understanding). While driving the power steering will randomly go out, making it extremely difficult to turn. It has nearly caused an accident while driving when it went out mid turn. Usually stopping, turning the truck off, then back on will temporarily resolve the issue but it reoccurs nearly every trip.

NHTSA ID

11654201

Incident

Mar 14, 2025

07-01-23 Vehicle died out, wouldn't start, got jumped, still wouldn't start. No indicator lights or warnings. Towed vehicle to the dealership, where it was for 11 1/2 months with the determination it was the ECM and Harness. Which it took that long to get. The vehicle was given back 06-14-24, even though it was in running condition, it was discovered parts were missing. Dealership put on order, received by end of July and installed. November 13, 2024, vehicle died out while driving on the freeway. Dashboard lit up everything, had to get the vehicle towed back to dealership. I have the Onstar diagnostics indicating the same components as the original reason the vehicle was held for an approximate year. Dealership now has vehicle and we have to wait for them to do a diagnostic.

NHTSA ID

11625518

Incident

Nov 13, 2024

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Water intrusion to the cab of the truck has structural failure in the roof causing it to leak inside the cab. Leak runs into dash and out of ignition causing electrical issues in the dash and ignition, along with pooling on the floorboards causing rusting; runs into the rear 3rd brake light and rear headliner causing electrical concerns to the rear brake light not alerting of braking and leaks into rear seats causing rusting under the seats where the seats can fall through the floorboards. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? rear brake light failure to alert surrounding drivers of braking. Possible electrocution in starting the vehicle with water in the ignition and dash; possible passenger/driver being dropped through the floorboards while driving. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? unknown Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? I have had it looked at by mechanics and told it was a body issue and needed to go to a body shop, not the dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No

NHTSA ID

11621340

Incident

Apr 6, 2023

While driving power steering stop working. Nearly hit the car. Was able to get the truck to the side of the road. I turned the truck off. Waited 2 minutes tried to start truck. Won’t start. The lost power steering light stability track and four-wheel-drive service light came on

NHTSA ID

11617785

Incident

Sep 24, 2024

The traction control light and stability turn on then the power steering turns off then the vehicle starts running oddly and wasting gas the seats went down on their own the rear view camera turned off multiple problems

NHTSA ID

11613087

Incident

Sep 6, 2024

The power steering quits with no warning. It is very difficult to drive as without power steering turning is very difficult. It takes agreat deal of strength. I am worried that I may not be able to make a turn if the steering goes out during a turn. Have to restart truck to get power steering back. Occurs randomly

NHTSA ID

11612733

Incident

Jul 3, 2024

Stabilitrak system forms off while driving and power steering is lost. This makes steering extremely difficult and unsafe to drive, especially at high speeds. This is a common issue I've read about and needs to be addressed by Chevrolet.

NHTSA ID

11612027

Incident

Sep 1, 2024