2021 Chevrolet Colorado Steering Problems

I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created a serious risk of crash. The vehicle later shut down completely and has remained inoperable. The failure appears electrical and affected multiple critical systems at once, suggesting a cascading system malfunction. Since the incident, the vehicle has not restarted or operated normally. I have replaced the battery, alternator, starter, ignition switch, brake vacuum pump, ECM, spark plugs, fuses, and relays, but the issue persists. The vehicle still shows charging system faults and severe battery drain, indicating an unresolved underlying electrical defect. I have found numerous reports from other 2021 Chevrolet owners describing nearly identical failures, including sudden loss of power steering assist, ESC warnings, charging system failures, battery drain, and complete vehicle shutdowns. This suggests a possible widespread defect affecting this model year. Given the loss of steering assist, braking irregularities, and full vehicle shutdown while driving, I request NHTSA investigate this issue for a potential safety-related defect and determine whether a recall or manufacturer action is necessary.

NHTSA ID

11740930

Incident

Apr 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn from a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact depressed the brake pedal the vehicle started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11710659

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

Mileage

45,000 mi

Starting my 2021 Chevy Colorado Zr2 in the morning and noticed the "service power steering, drive with care message. 40,000 miles. No power steering. This would clear after leaving vehicle sit and restarting. After reading many articles and found the recall notice for 2015 colorados. Based off of postings I didn't drive it due to the possibility of losing power steering while on the highway, which had happened to several people after restarting and clearing the error. I think GM never corrected the issue and is present in newer models. I took my vehicle in for the repair of the power steering gear and it was very costly. I feel GM should issue another recall, specifically with the possibility of losing power steering on a crowded highway is a major safety concern.

NHTSA ID

11699539

Incident

Nov 7, 2025

The key does not release when in park! I have to adjust the steering wheel and gear shift multiple times to get it to release. This has been going on for a while and the truck only has 27,000 miles. I've called multiple chevy dealers (including the one I bought it from) they all want a 250 diagnostic fee! This should be under warranty. This problem is dangerous. I have seen I am not the only one having this issue. This issue needs to be investigated and recalled!

NHTSA ID

11685970

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel briefly vibrated, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the lower steering shaft, and the transmission 4x4 climbing gear. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 53,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11622900

Incident

Oct 31, 2024

Mileage

53,000 mi

Power steering completely failed on 6/28/2024. Truck was purchased new in March 2021, and has less than 36,000 miles. Local Chevy dealer said entire power steering assist assembly must be replaced at $2,000+ but the wire harness is on backorder. Recall #21V213000 was for similar problem in 2015 models but the problem still persists, at least through June 2021. Obviously, GM dealer's must be replacing a lot of power steering assists if they can't keep the parts in stock.

NHTSA ID

11600408

Incident

Jun 28, 2024

The power steering went out while driving. How can this not be a safety issue? What if someone was executing a turn when this happened? A warning lamp did briefly appear, however, steering never restored. GM obviously knows about this as there is a TSB for this very issue. Why are they not being made to correct this instead of charging the Customer $600+? Seems like just a matter of time till there's a serious incident if there hasn't already been one.

NHTSA ID

11592810

Incident

Jun 2, 2024

Steering becomes extremely stiff after 20 min at highway speeds. The problem only happens during highway speeds. Steering will "stick" and when wanting to change lanes or avoid a rough spot or hazard. You have to jerk the steering wheel to break it loose. Often, the effort required causes overcorrection, and you need to re-correct the wheel back suddenly. Even passengers notice the over steering required to change lanes. It doesn't feel very safe and my warranty ran out on time 2/11/24, not mileage. Researching the issue it appears there are many owners of the Chevrolet Colorado experiencing the same steering issue. The vehicle is a 2021 Chevy Colorado with 30,250 miles and very well maintained. I do have an extended warranty but they do not cover the repair/issue due to the power steering is electronic.

NHTSA ID

11589852

Incident

May 18, 2023

Power steering failed. Indicator on instrument cluster said to repair power steering. Steering wheel is locked. Truck has 49,000 miles. Never been driven off road.

NHTSA ID

11530761

Incident

Jul 6, 2023

When I stop and try to turn key off it does not turn to off. Have to turn back on and try shifting neutral and back to park. Then try straightened wheel and eventually key will go to off position and take out key. Started few days ago intermittently and now more often. Mileage is 36317 so warranty if expired. I will not pay dealer for analysis since it should be covered under engine. Also have seen 100s of complaints with this online for 2016 thru 2019.

NHTSA ID

11518967

Incident

Apr 10, 2023