2016 Chevrolet Colorado Problems

The truck often loses power steering and traction control during trips rendering the vehicle with no power steering. Upon stopping and restarting the truck, the power steering can return to the vehicle or stay turned off. Taking it to multiple mechanics, they were unable to diagnose the problem. This is a concerning safety issue as the power steering can give out at any point during a trip.

Hello, This is my third or fourth attempt to contact NHTSA regarding the ongoing Power Steering Failure issue with my 2016 Chevy Colorado, and I am asking for assistance and a response. My truck has now been at the mechanic’s shop for three weeks: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] The shop has had to replace the rack and pinion three separate times in an attempt to correct the Power Steering Failure issue. Despite these efforts, this has become an extremely frustrating and costly situation. I rely on this vehicle for my work, and having it out of service for three weeks has put me significantly behind. As I have explained in my previous communications, GM issued a recall involving this same power steering problem on 2015 Chevy Colorados, yet there does not appear to be a corresponding recall for the 2016–2021 models, despite the fact that the same issue has been reported in those model years and GM has issued technical information regarding the problem. I am now facing more than $2,000 in repair costs, along with three weeks of lost work and the inconvenience of having my vehicle unavailable. I strongly believe that a known safety-related issue of this nature warrants further investigation and accountability from the manufacturer. At this point, I am asking NHTSA to please advise me on what steps I need to take to have this matter properly reviewed and investigated, and whether there is anything further I can provide to assist with documenting this issue. I would greatly appreciate a response. I have made multiple attempts to bring this matter to your attention, and I am hoping NHTSA can provide some direction toward a resolution. Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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.

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.

While driving the vehicle, the power steering all of sudden goes out and I am unable to steer the vehicle properly. I know there was a recall for 2015 vehicles and wanted to know if the repair could be fixed on my vehicle as well. This is not safe for me to be driving with my children and grandchildren in the vehicle as it happens out of the blue and without warning, no matter what speed I could be going. This has occurred on multiple dates over the last month or so.

While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.

While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to steer in the intended direction. In addition, the “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed, and the “Power Steering Failure” warning light was illuminated. The contact held the steering wheel tightly and pulled on the steering wheel, preventing the vehicle from crashing into a wall. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was driven very slowly, and the contact used added force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact referenced an unknown recall for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with a similar description of a failure; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated that an online forum advised the contact to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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.

Vacuum pump busted as shown in photos. Once that busted it sent metal shrapnel into the engine which broke a piece of the cam shaft into bits. There were metal fragments that had to be meticulously cleaned out of my engine block. The loss of vacuum seal caused me to lose brakes while driving in stop and go traffic on the highway.

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.

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.

2016 chevy colorado z71 v6. Sept.17,2026 took to mechanic because of bad gas smell in cab when window down and huge puddle of gas under truck. This could have exploaded very easily. Shop said high pressure line / fuel leaking severely and do not drive. There was no warning lights or any indication of a issue. I called the dealer due to a current GM recall ( number 18188 ) and they say my truck does not qualify but no one can explain why. I called GM and they said the same thing. This is clearly the same issue and online it just says 2015 to 2018 colorado trucks . No details on dates trucks made or anything. This needs to fixed and my truck and all other should be covered. I saw another guy on here dealing with same thing on the same year as mine. God help me if someone would have tbrow a cigarette out at the light when I had a foot wide puddle of gas under my truck. Also I have under 100k on this truck.

While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.

As I was driving in the icy weather feb 2022 going down a slight incline approx speed 10-15 mph on the road the power steering went out and the traction control lights came on and air bag light went off and I lost steering control wound up in a 6 ft drop off of a culvert may have lost consciousness briefly as I didn’t know I was facing up and down and man living near the culvert came up to the truck asked if I was ok and said your not going anywhere your tires are off the ground and I did not realize I was air bags did not deploy as the airbag light malfunction came on prior so they did not deploy. I had to higher a crane operator to lift the truck out of the culvert and a wrecker to take it home.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle would have a sudden loss of power steering. The failure occurred intermittently. The contact believed the check engine light, traction control, abs, and stability track warning lights and or messages become illuminated. The vehicle goes into limp mode causing the contact to have to turn the vehicle on and off several times. The contact stated that while their son was driving approximately 5 mph, on icy road conditions, the power steering suddenly failed to cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle. The vehicle ended up veering off the side of the road into a ditch about 6 feet deep. The air bags did not deploy. The driver had no injuries and no medical attention was needed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle had to be lifted out of the ditch and then towed. There was no damage. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 140,000.

Steering of the truck. No, it has not been reproduced by a dealer No has not been inspected Does not do it all the time, does in over period of times cannot specify any specific time you be driving and all sudden the wheels seem to lock and hard to steer and turning is very hard.

Power steering fails while driving Completely goes out. Shut car off and back on, it goes away. Then driving it will go out again, been to multiple places and nothing seems to fix it.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist deactivated, and the steering wheel became very difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the messages "Power Steering - Drive with Care" and "Service Stabili-track" were displayed, and the traction control warning light remained illuminated during the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

The vehicles stabilitrack keeps coming on for no apparent reason.

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

The body is defective in keeping water out of the cab. Water intrusion into cab causing moisture build-up and damaging interior and electrical components. My safety is at risk due to the electrical components in the cab that run the vehicle could cause electrocution or cause the vehicle to fail while in use. No they have not reproduced the problem. Yes, GM Collision center and service center (three separate times) have seen the vehicle and the video of the leak. I informed them of the TSB5396 of the known manufacturer defect issue. No warning, problem was first noticed in May 2023. I found my interior completely soaked one morning. I have waterproof marathon seat covers and they are soaked thru to the seats. Checked all windows to make sure they were up and the door seals were shut, everything was closed. Assumed that it was a fluke, followed up by checking the next morning and found the headliner dripping along with a soaked interior again. With the electrical seats and all the electronics in the dash I am concerned about that much water and moisture being in the cab might electrocute me or cause malfunction while driving. Besides the fact that moisture causes rust, mold and mildew that are dangerous to your health to breathe in.

I WAS DRIVING IN A HEAVY RAIN STORM, ON THE HIGHWAY, AND THE RIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPER JUST STOPPED. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE LEFT WIPER STOPPED WORKING. I WAS ABLE TO MOVE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SINCE I COULDN'T SEE TO DRIVE, AND I COULD HEAR THE MOTOR WORKING, BUT THE WIPERS WERE NOT MOVING.

THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM IS VISIBILITY OUT THE WINDSHIELD EITHER BECAUSE OF HOW THE WINDSHIELD IS SHAPED OR BECAUSE OF THE POSITION OF THE WEST VIRGINIA INSPECTION STICKER PLACEMENT IN THE LOWER RIGHT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. MY WIFE IS 5'3" AND I'M 5'8" TALL AND THE INSPECTION STICKER CLEARLY CREATES A VISUAL SAFETY ISSUE. I CONTACTED WV DMV ABOUT HIS SAFETY ISSUE AND THEY REFERRED ME TO THE WV STATE POLICE. THE STATE POLICE SAY THE STATE LAW REQUIRES THE INSPECTION STICKER BE PLACE IN THE LOWER LEFT OF THE WINDSHIELD. I CONTACTED OUR STATE SENATOR AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK. THE LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED. THE WAY CHEVROLET DESIGN AND MANUFACTURED THE WINDSHIELD DOES MAKE WHERE THE INSPECTION STICKER IS PLACE BECOME A SAFETY ISSUE. IF ANY STICKERS OF SUCH SIZE ARE PLACED ON THE LOWER LEFT SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD, THEY BECOME AN ISSUE. I DON'T KNOW THE BEST WAY TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE; HOWEVER, WILLFUL IGNORANCE OR NEGLECT IS WRONG. SAFETY MUST COME FIRST. I THINK THE WV STATE LAW IS OBSOLETE FOR NEW VEHICLES WITH WINDSHIELDS OF THIS SHAPE. THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO HELP US, PLEASE REFER US TO SOMEONE THAN CAN. THANKS

Third break light is out caused by corrosion of the wires. The corrosion is the result of a water leak that is caused by a defective body seal on the roof of the cab.

INSTRUMENT PANEL AND RADIO BLACKOUT

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

06/13/2023: Odometer: 86881 Transmission-2nd Shift: Flare, 3rd Shift: rough shift flare, 4th Shift: shutter. Excessive metal particles in the fluid. No transmission codes or engine light detected. Result was a new rebuilt transmission. 11/01/23: Odometer: 90239 Engine Code: P00b7 coolant flow restriction, stuck thermostat. Result was to replace thermostat and flush coolant system. 12/06/23: Odometer: 91701 No codes detected. Fluids noticed on pavement occasionally. Valve cover gasket, vacuum pump gasket were failing. Result was to replace all parts. 02/25/24: Odometer: 92885 Code-engine overheating, idle engine. Critical 260 upon cold start. Failing temperature sensor. Result was to replace front and rear temperature sensor. Driver seat has begun to unravel and separate at the stich line on the side closest to the door. No repairs have been made. Issue began years ago. Approximately 2018. The area was small and has slowly widened. Approximately 6 inches currently even with avoidance of stretching and being cautious of that area. I do have documentation of this events and repairs if they are needed.

Seat belt cable broke. In my opinion the square edge of the crimp has weakened and ultimately caused the cable to be cut

Seat belt cable broke between anchor on floor and first connection. Brought to chevrolet dealer and they said they haven't seen that before. Now I wonder if the other seat belts are defective. There was no previous warning

The Good Year tires that I purchased are making a high speed vibration. I feel that my safety is at high risk when I am driving on the highway. I did seek help from a independent service center. They rebalanced the tires, and one tire was replaced under warranty. I paid $65.00 out of my pocket. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacture, etc. There were no warning lamps or messages.

WAS AT SHOP RETURNING TRUCK TO INSTALL ORDERED ELECTRICAL PARTS ON 3/13/18, WHEN THE INSTALLER CALLED ME OVER TO SHOW ME AN EXTREMELY LARGE GASH IN TIRE TREAD, COMPLETE WIDTH OF MIDDLE TREAD AND ABOUT 7 INCHES IN LENGTH. (HAVE PHOTO)LEAVING THE MEMBRANE EXPOSED. I WAS THERE ON FRIDAY 3/9/18 WITH INITIAL REPAIRS & THIS WAS NOT NOTED! ( TIRES WERE BALANCE DUE TO OUTAGE OF WIRE FOR ABS) I DROVE BACK HOME 50 MILES ON FRIDAY, DID NOT MOVE THE TRUCK ALL WEEKEND, TILL MY RETURN ON TUESDAY (13TH). WHEN DISCOVERED . HE ADVISED ME TO GET THIS REPAIRED IMMEDIATELY! I DROVE CAUTIOUSLY APPROX. 4 MILES TO LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP (RELIABLE) IT WAS AROUND 4PM, I EXPLAINED THAT I DID NOT HAVE APPOINTMENT, AND NEEDED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION DUE TO DAMAGED TIRE READY TO BLOW OUT! I EXPLAIN THIS LOOKED LIKE MANUFACTURE DEFECT. NEEDLESS TO SAY NONE WAS COVERED BY INSURANCE, I PAID OUT OF POCKET $274.24. I AM SO THANKFUL I DID NOT HAVE A BLOW OUT DRIVING TO ALBUQUERQUE,NM THIS IS HIGHWAY MOST OF THE WAY, WITH SPEED LIMIT 70 MPH. AND MOST GRATEFUL MY 3 GRANDKIDS WERE NOT WITH ME,, AS I FREQUENTLY PICK THEM UP FROM SCHOOL. THIS COULD OF DEFINITELY BEEN DEVASTATING . THE SERVICE DEPT. ASSUMED I RAN OVER SOMETHING. THIS IS A NEWER TRUCK I ONLY HAVE 9688 MILES ON IT, AND CAREFUL TO WATCH WHAT IS ON THE ROADS. AS THIS WAS THE DRIVER REAR TIRE INVOLVED, THE FRONT WAS NOT AFFECTED AT ALL? IS THIS POSSIBLE IT IS A MANUFACTURED DEFECT ? I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN TO A TIRE ON MY VEHICLES BEFORE, AS I AM 65 YRS OLD. DO I HAVE TO WAIT FOR THIS TO HAPPEN TO ANOTHER TIRE ON THIS VEHICLE FROM THIS COMPANY WITH POSSIBLE TRAGIC RESULTS. I WILL DO MY DILIGENCE IN INSPECTING TIRES BEFORE I LEAVE, BUT THIS COULD OF HAPPEN AS I DRIVE TRAVELING ONCE AGAIN ON HIGHWAYS. *TR

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND WAITING FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES SHE COULD REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION. SHE ALSO STATED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER DRIVING FORWARD AND THEN BACKING UP SEVERAL TIMES THE KEY COULD BE REMOVED. ADDITIONALLY, THE GEAR SHIFTER INDICATOR LIGHT FAILED TO SHOW THE GEAR THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IN. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.