Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA
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Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 457 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 457, in the owner's own words
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.
Hello, I am following up because I still have not received a response regarding my 2016 Chevy Colorado and why it was not included in the same recall that covered 2015 Chevy Colorados for this known power steering issue. I am extremely disappointed that I am now facing a repair bill of more than $2,000 for a problem that appears to be well known to GM and has been documented across multiple model years. My understanding is that GM was aware of this issue affecting Chevy Colorado models from 2015–2021, yet my 2016 model was not included in the recall. To make matters worse, my truck has now been in the shop for more than two weeks because GM no longer manufactures the Rack and Pinion assembly my vehicle requires. As a result, my mechanic has had to source a remanufactured replacement part. After the replacement Rack and Pinion was installed, the vehicle began throwing a variant code, C056E:45 – “Incorrect Variant Programming.” It appears that the replacement part may not be properly programmed for the exact trim configuration of my truck. My mechanic has made multiple attempts to contact the remanufacturer, TruGrade, regarding this issue, but has been unable to get a response. Because the replacement part was not manufactured by GM, GM representatives have indicated that they cannot assist with the programming issue. At this point, I feel as though I am caught in a frustrating cycle: GM no longer manufactures the part, the remanufactured part is creating additional problems, the remanufacturer is not responding, and GM will not assist because the replacement part was not manufactured by GM. This entire situation could potentially have been avoided had my 2016 Colorado been included in the recall for this known issue. I do not believe it is reasonable for me to bear the full financial burden of a failure that GM was aware of and that appears to affect multiple model years. I am asking GM to please review this matter and provide a reasonable resolution.
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 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.
Power steering rack needs replaced. Power steering quit working.
I am writing regarding an issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado that I believe warrants GM’s attention and consideration for assistance with the cost of repair. My vehicle recently began constantly dinging and displaying an error message on the dashboard stating “Power Steering Failure.” I took the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis, and the vehicle produced error code C0800, which references Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) #PIT5474D. After researching this issue, I understand that GM is aware of power steering-related failures affecting Chevrolet Colorado models from 2015 through 2021. What I am having difficulty understanding is why, if this was a known and recurring issue across multiple model years, the related recall appears to have only included the 2015 model year. My 2016 Colorado is now obviously beyond its original warranty period, and there is no recall covering my vehicle for this known issue. As a result, I am now facing an approximately $2,000 repair bill for a failure that GM appears to have been aware of for years. I understand that vehicles eventually fall outside of their warranty coverage. However, when a manufacturer is aware of a recurring safety-related problem and has issued a TSB addressing the issue, it is frustrating for owners of other affected model years to be left responsible for the full cost of repair simply because their vehicle was not included in the recall. I am respectfully asking GM to review my situation and consider providing goodwill assistance toward the cost of this repair. I have been a loyal GM customer and would appreciate GM standing behind its product when a known issue occurs outside of the warranty period. Please let me know what assistance GM can provide and what documentation you need from me to have this matter reviewed. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
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.
While driving 40-45 mph on a curvy mountain highway, the power steering suddenly stopped working. There was no warning message prior. Once the power steering ceased, a warning message displayed, "Service Stabilitrak". I was left in a situation which was challenging to steer the vehicle, and much more difficult to maneuver at slower speeds and turns. Soon after, I parked the vehicle and shut it off overnight. The next morning the vehicle started with the same warning message "Service Stabilitrak", but the power steering worked fine. I brought the vehicle into Chevrolet dealership service for inspection and diagnosis. Results are attached. The vehicle has not yet been repaired, and is available for inspection. Thank you.
**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.
Driving 65mph down highway and power steering lost power and Error message "Stabilitrak" "Power steering drive with care" This is a busy highway and I was scared I was going to crash into another vehicle or run off the road. I have taken this vehicle immediately to my Chevy dealer and was told it was my rack and pinion needed to be fully replaced. I checked the recall list and my vehicle was not listed , however GM recall N202325410 for the 2015 Colorado has the same components and parts was involved in a recall.
was driving my vehicle on heavily traveled road June 3rd , 2026 when suddenly TC light and "service power steering drive with care "came on . Steering wheel became very stiff and hard to turn. Luckily I was able to pull into a parking lot and avoided an accident. I then turned off the vehicle and steering wheel became free. This happened again later that day and the next day. Each time I shut off the vehicle and it reset the steering wheel. However, due to safety issue I have not driven the vehicle since Thursday June 4th. We are a two care family and down to one car now. I need my vehicle so I made an appointment for service on June 8th. I will forward a copy of the bill. I noticed there was a recall on the 2015 Chevy Colorado however not on the 2016 model. I wanted to bring this to your attention.
The power steering has failed 4 times. This is the same problem that the 2015 Colorado's had. There was recall on the 2015 models. There has not been a recall on the 2016 models. but the problem still exists.
Complete failure of power steering while driving vehicle. Luckily I was almost home, had just exited the highway and was on a side road at low speed. High likely hood i would have crashed on the highway or at speeds greater than I was travelling. Numerous (at least 436 on one site) reports exist of this happening in the 2016 model. A recall exists on the 2015 model for this problem, but did not include my VIN. The stabilitrak icon flashed and I received a Power steering failure message on the dash. Stopping the vehicle and restarting apparently rebooted the electronic steering system and I was able to park it. The repair cost over $3000 at an independent mechanic. He replaced the rack and pinion component and said the wiring harness showed no wear, damage, or issues. Why isn't a recall issued for this safety problem on this model year? Especially given the number of complaints on the carcomplaints.com webpage and others.
The power steering randomly turns off. This is a known Chevrolet recall from the prior year model (2015) and it was recalled. I have just over 100k miles on my truck and I cannot have family members drive it because they are not strong enough to turn the wheel. If it went out on a turn the truck would plow right into oncoming traffic. It is not safe! The repair parts are $1000 with a total cost of closer to $4000. A person will trade it in before that happens. It is frustrating because we have a truck to pull and move things as needed, and we have to think about what we are doing and work around the steering issue.
The power steering randomly goes out while driving then resumes working fine after turning off and back on. Sometimes minutes apart it reoccurs other times its days apart. Issue seems same as the recall for 2015 models.
For the past couple years, the electronic power steering system shuts off while driving. Turning off and on the car would usually reset it. These past couple months, that trick doesn't work anymore. Using an OBD two-way scanner, the codes popping up are PSCM not calibrated and it shuts off the braking system as well. This seems incredibly dangerous and am surprised it's not included in the recall. I am shocked the dealership is recommending the entire power steering assembly needs to be replaced at a cost of thousands of dollars. Reading the recall notice (RCSB-21V213-4201), the replacement solution is a $20 cover and repacking of an easily accessible component. This really needs to be escalated to include other model years as well.
The Power Steering and Stabilitrak went out on my vehicle. Within a 2 week period the service lights started coming on and then it finally went out. I could not steer the vehicle due to it being so hard to turn. Brought vehicle to dealer and they had the same issue with it. They had to replace the Steering Gear box. Cost me $2100.00. Noticed on line many people have had this same issue on many different year vehicles. 2015 vehicles were recalled, but other years had the exact same issue.
I was driving home and and out of no where my power steering went out, good thing I was driving slow and that no other cars was heading toward me, it was very difficult to keep my truck in my lane. I did get a warning light stating no power steering, I stop the truck when I got home and restarted it and the problem went away? (So did the warning light) I looked into this issue online and there was a recall for 2015 models, my truck is a 2016 which has the same issues. (And other consumers complaints) I'm making a appointment today to have it check out. I hope I can make there without any issues.
Driving down the road and had Stabiltrak disable and power steering go out, causing great difficulty to maintain control of steering the vehicle. My teenage son’s first vehicle and he was driving with myself and younger son as passengers. This could have been a very horrible situation. Apparently this is a pretty widely discussed and common issue with this vehicle make (a quick google search proves this), and actually was recalled in the previous year model for this exact issue (reference NHTSA #21V213). The issue was evidently not sufficiently corrected in the 2016 year models. This is obviously a safety issue that could lead to severe injury or death and should be taken seriously by the manufacturer.
My 2016 Colorado is experiencing the same loss of power steering issue that the 2015 models have which was recalled. The 2016 models need to be included. It started 2 years ago and will randomly cut in and out. I was unaware of the recall when it first occurred and I took it to the dealer and after inspection they said my battery was low and would fix it. It didn’t fix it. I also have a hard time believing they were unaware of this issue with other colorados.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, or while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked up, and excessive force was needed while steering the vehicle. The "Stabili-trak - Caution When Driving" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the failure started intermittently but became more frequent. Recently, upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was pulling to the left, making it increasingly difficult to operate the vehicle. The local dealer was contacted, and the contact left a voice message. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); but the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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