There are 25 stored owner reports matching the brakes leading-label group for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado in our NHTSA-sourced dataset. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
This group counts stored reports whose component label starts with one of this site's matching prefixes, ignoring case. Each matching report counts once within the group. Components mentioned later in the label or only in the narrative are not searched. How component counts work
Loaded 25 of 25 matching reports. The list controls page through the loaded reports only.
Open the full vehicle complaint log (all categories)-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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VEHICLE STALLED DUE TO BRAKING DURING STOPPING HAS BRAKE ASSIST SERVICE LIGHT ON STILL DOES THE SAME THING OTHER VEHICLES HAVE RECALLS
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while backing out of a parking space at a very slow speed, the braking system suddenly malfunctioned and erroneously released causing the vehicle to surge backward and crash into a second parked vehicle. During the incident, no injuries were reported and a police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the rear driver side brake caliper and brake hose were faulty and needed to be replaced. The caliper and hose were replaced and the failure was remedied. The manufacturer was also contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000.
In September 2020 the brakes failed suddenly. The brake booster was was replaced. Approximately 6 months later they failed again in heavy traffic with no warning. The brake booster was replaced by a different shop, failed and then replaced again at the same visit.
Showing 1-20 of 25 loaded complaints
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
NHTSA source checks for this vehicle year
Checks are recorded separately for each dataset, not for the whole page. Dates use UTC. A missing check date does not mean no records exist.
Vehicle import recorded: Apr 28, 2026. This is the stored import date, not confirmation that every source was successfully refreshed.