NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
With no warning while driving on the Interstate at highway speed, the service light came on reading "Power Steering Drive with Care"/"Stabilitrak". Safety was very at risk, since we were driving down the interstate at regular speed and getting ready to go through a mountainous section. We have taken the truck to the dealership and they were unable to duplicate the fault. they did notice low voltage codes and replaced the battery and negative battery terminal. We didn't have the truck back for 24 hours and I needed to head to town and on my way home the service light appeared again with the same reading and all of a sudden again lost power steering in he middle of traffic. I have read where recalls have been issued on 2014 and 2015 Colorado Trucks for this same issue and think this recall should be extended to the 2016 year models. Thinking this had been resolved and driving normally, it was scary having this happen again and knowing that it could happen at any time we are driving.
Power steering shuts off while operating vehicle at random times.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the torque converter and other unknown transmission parts had previously been replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering function was independently reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a persistent failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,250.
The vehicles stabilitrack keeps coming on for no apparent reason.
Power steering failure occurred while driving. This makes the truck very hard to turn. A warning message appears in the info screen “power steering assist failure” when the power steering failure happens. The only fix is to stop the truck, turn off the truck, open the drivers door, close the drivers door, and then restart the truck. The first occurrence of this failure was in July 2024. It has happened many times since: at slow and high speed, wet and dry conditions, on bumpy roads and smooth pavement. There does not seem to be a specific condition which triggers this event. Today, the power steering went out right as I was turning right. This caused me to turn very wide and forced me into the opposing lane of traffic. Thankfully, this did not cause an accident, however, the potential for an accident due to this failure is very high. A similar issue has been identified in the 2015 model year of this truck and there is an open recall for that model year but not this one. I believe the included model year list should be extended to include the 2016 model year at minimum.
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
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while his brother was driving at an undisclosed speed, he became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The stability control system warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, neither VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The stability-track warning light was illuminated and the message "Be Careful - Loss of Power Steering" was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact researched and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was driven to a dealer. The contact was informed that the steering angle sensor and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the "Stability Control" and "Service Power Steering" warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to continue driving however, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact stated that the failure recurred at various speeds. The contact regained normal power steering functionality by stopping and turning off and restarting the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
I was driving my 2016 Colorado of the freeway going about 70 mph. Suddenly, a stabilitrak warning came up on the dashboard and the power steering immediately turned off making the truck difficult to control. I managed to drive 20 miles home, but turning was extremely difficult. I'm frightened to drive it now. Truck has 94,000 miles on it.
This is the secound occurance of this major safety issue occuring in my vehicle. Both times I was driving at highway speed and my steering lock up on me. The traction warning lights and message on my dash popped up, then my steering became very rigid. I can not remember exactly what the message said but it mentioned power steering, maybe it said "power steering" engaged...? This is a huge safety concern, I would not be able to make quick manuever or turn if necessary. I had to come to a complete stop on the side of the highway and turn vehicle on and off again, and it was fine the rest of the day. This is a known issue with other models of the Chevy Colorado, I am floored that it has not been recalled in this model. Does it take someone dying?
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER STEERING AND BECOMES UNSTEERABLE. THE SAME AS NHTSA RECALL# 21V213. SINCE GM WOULDN'T EVEN HAVE KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM WHEN 2016'S WERE BEING BUILT I THINK I'LL BE FIXING THE EXACT PROBLEM AND PARTTHAT GM FIXED IN THE RECALL ON THE 2015'S. THEY SHOULD AT LEAST NOTIFY 2016 OWNERS THAT THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE OF THIS HAPPENING.
Recently started having issues with Power Steering going out along with stability control. It will happen at different speeds and turning radius. No warning that it's about to happen. I will have to pull over turn off the truck. Most often I have to open the driver side door before the alert will reset and I gain access to power steering again. On several occasions I have to repeat this process multiple times. In one case I had to remove the negative battery cable for 30 minutes before I could once again gain access to power steering.
Power steering went out twice with stabiltrak two times so far. Had to stop and turn off vehicle to reset
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
While driving my truck there was a sudden loss of the power steering. This made it very difficult to control the vehicle and put me at risk of having an accident and put other people at risk by getting hit by my vehicle without any power steering. This has happened three times in the last 2 weeks to me. I was able to pull over put my car in park shut the ignition and restart it and each time the problem resolves itself. This has been documented through my research with many other 2016 Colorado's and you have recalled thousands of Colorado's 2015s with similar problems. Photos not necessary for this problem.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,150.
I was driving on a mountain road and a notification popped up on the dash board that indicated "power steering engaged". The steering then became very rigid, and it felt like the power steering was NOT engaged. I continued driving about ~2 miles until I came to a stop light. I was able to maintain control of the vechicle but Im not sure if I could initiate a turn. I turned the truck off and back on at the light and the steering was back to normal.
The power steering cut off and on intermittently and occasionally making it very difficult to steer. This is the same problem that was recalled on 2015 models. The 2016 Colorado has the same parts as the 2015 and yet they will not recall I have been told at this is a two to $3000 repair my truck has 29,000 miles on it, and this should not be happening.
On multiple occasions the warning to service Power Steering and Stabilitrak have popped up during driving causing a loss of power steering. Once I was taking a curve and it jerked the truck toward the right but I luckily had a good grip on the steering wheel to keep it on the road. Other occasions it occurs upon starting the vehicle in the morning or after sitting parked for several hours. When this occurs, it is very difficult to keep control of the vehicle when turning is concerned. I have brought it up with service technicians at the dealership but they cannot diagnose unless it is in the state of warning lights on and loss of power steering. The issue usually goes away when vehicle is turned off and restarted, though not always. This issue continues at haphazard intervals so it makes driving tense and unsafe as there is no telling when it will pop up. It is also causing an issue to get fixed because it cannot be replicated to get diagnosed properly. I have not been able to get any codes read for the issue as I am not near a facility when it occurs.
Key stays stuck in the ignition and won't let shut the truck off.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that from idle to up to 55 MPH, the steering seized, and the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle became difficult to steer causing the contact to drive into the grass on a slight decline on the side of the road. The contact backed out of the grass and waited a while to regain proper power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering had failed a second time. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed. The dealer replaced the wire from the battery to the alternator. The failure persisted and became more persistent. The failure occurred approximately 12 or more times within 3 days. The steering failure was self-corrected after being idling for a while however, the contact turned off the vehicle and then wait to restart it to regain proper power steering functionality at other times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
The vehicle beeped a warning and power steering stopped working. I cut the switch off and the vehicle reset and everything started working. This happened on August 9,2024. On August 18, 2024 the same thing happened again. I stopped the vehicle, turned it off , and it reset again. Both times the system warning said that stability control had stopped working. Thank you.
When driving my steering freezes up and I don’t have control over my vehicle. I get a stability track alert. I have to shut my vehicle off and restart it in order to regain control.
-Power steering warning light turned on while driving on a city road (35 mph) with a beep then, power steering immediately was lost. -Steering the vehicle was nearly impossible, fortunately I was close to a turnoff and was able to park safely. -There is a recall on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado for the same issue, but I was just told by GM customer service that this recall does not apply to the 2016 model which I have. The recall number for the 2015 model is NHTSA - 21V213, GM recall number N202325410. -I will be taking the car to the dealership for service on 8/20/24.
DTC C0460, C0545 Internal Fault in Steering Gear Power Steering failing intermittently...ESP light and No traction lights come on on dash...can usually reset by turning truck off and restarting but does create an increased risk of accident due to failure while driving, especially at highway speeds All routine maintenance/service has been performed on vehicle and an extended warranty was purchased but expired December 2024 Truck has 68,000 miles...I believe it is unreasonable/irresponsible of Chevy to believe that a $2800 repair is normal under 100,000 miles. I also believe it should be a recall due to the safety issue with inability to maneuver vehicle in hazardous conditions (snow/rain) thus increasing the likelihood of an accident. Upon researching, I found that the 2015 Colorado trucks have been recalled for this problem (electric power steering failure) and that Chevy uses the same faulty part in the 2016 models. Why have the 2016 Colorado trucks not been recalled as well?
When driving at 40mph a service Stabilitrak warning came up on the dashboard and the power steering immediately turned off making the truck difficult to control. The check engine light also turned on, but there was no prior warning that something was wrong. I was able to pull off the road safely, but would not have been able to execute anything more than a wide turn and if the road wasn't completely straight it could easily have caused an accident. I will take the truck to a dealer tomorrow to have the issue looked at and the truck inspected.
Lost power steering while driving a 2016 Chevy Colorado. 2015 Colorado's were recalled for same problem. Someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed. General Motors won't do anything about it.
I purchased the truck used on 7/9/2021 with 55,967 miles on it. As of today, the mileage is 65,889. No problems with the steering had occurred until August 8, 2024. As I was pulling into a parking lot, I lost the power steering all of a sudden and had to struggle with the steering to get my truck into a parking space. I was fortunate there were very few cars in the immediate vicinity, or I might have hit one of them. The same thing happened on August 19, 2024 as I was approaching an intersection. I was able to continue going straight and then pull over into a parking lot. In both cases, I didn't notice any warning lights on my dash and there was no indication I was about to loose the power steering. Also, in both cases, after I turned off the engine and restarted it, the power steering was back. I have not yet been to a dealer or service facility to have the problem diagnosed nor has anyone inspected the steering mechanism. After doing an online search, it is my understanding this problem is the same as the one affecting the 2015 Colorado and Canyon, which is covered by a safety recall and the parts in the 2016 Colorado steering assembly are the same as those in the 2015 model. Had these two problems occurred at higher speeds when negotiating a tight radius turn, it would have resulted in loss of control and possible impact with other vehicles or structures off the roadway.
In the past two months, my 2016 Colorado with 79,000 miles has intermittently been losing power steering. It happens sporadically, in various speed and turning situations. It becomes very difficult to steer without the power assist. It happened while heading into a turn recently and has become more concerning. Shutting the truck off and restarting usually clears the problem (though not always). It can happen multiple times in a day and then not happen for more than a week. A diagnostic scanner showed code C0545
Transmission shudder at low speeds
While driving, without warning, the power steering went out and the Stabilitrak light came on. There was no power steering in the car, which almost resulted in an accident as my [XXX] son was turning a corner at a very busy intersection. When speaking to the mechanic he said this is a known issue that needs to be addressed by Chevrolet immediately. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sudden Stabilitrak and power steering failure. It was very dangerous while driving. It caused me to Lose control but i luckily didn’t crash. It is a known issue with cars manufactured 6 months prior to my car manufacture date. This issue is extremely common and dangerous for 2016 Chevy Colorado's but there is no recalls. Only a recall on 2015 models. Someone is going to Die when their power steering goes out at high speed. Many people are posting about this issue.
The electric power steering is going out spontaneously while driving and also disengaging stablitrak and abs just like the already known recall for the 2015
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the "Stabili-trak Failure" message was displayed. The contact then stated that the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and restarted. The contact stated that on several occasions, the message and failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where DTC code: UO420-42: “Power Steering Control Module – Not Receiving Signal” was retrieved. The contact was informed that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the "Service Steering" warning light illuminated, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering assist functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure recurred one more time. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.
Driving down the road the power steering was lost. Received stabiltrak fault and steering loss light. Pulled off the road and shut off for a minute then restarted and it cleared and was fine. One time I had to do this twice to clear. This has happened 5 times in the past 4 years. Twice within the past 2 months. I understand GM is aware but no recall, however I have read of several complaints about this mainly on 2015’s but it’s the same part on the 2016.
My 2016 Colorado is experiencing power steering loss at random occurrences while driving. The date that I lost below was the last time this happened, but it has happened over 10 times in the 5 months I have owned this truck. I'm aware there was a recall on the 2015 with the same issue. I also have seen that there have been over 200 complaints about this problem happening. This is a major problem that affects mine and my families safety, and if something is not done about this and I get into an accident then I will be contacting my lawyer and pursuing legal action against GM.
My wife could have killed herself or somebody when the power steering went out on the highway this is a serious problem and a continues to happen daily
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
During operation, the power steering cuts off. I have to turn the car off and back on for the power steering to work again. It is very dangerous because the power steering went out while I was driving on an interstate. I am really worried that the power steering will fail when I am turning in an urban setting with pedestrians around. It appears that this is a known issue and is very common for 2016 Colorado trucks. GM recalled their 2015 trucks for this same issue, but they haven't recalled the 2016 Colorado. This is very dangerous and needs to be looked at!
My 2016 Colorado power steering went out today for the fourth time stabilitrak symbol came on the dash board and truck stalled I have a prior complaint number 11443171 same exact thing happened
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the Stabil Track warning light illuminated. The contact mention he pulled over to the right side of the road, turned the vehicle off, exited the vehicle lift the hood did not see anything got back into his vehicle turned the vehicle on and the vehicle responded as intended. A dealer was contacted. The contact mention that this failure has occurred on several different occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the Stabil Track needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to Technical Service Bulletin: PI0639C (Service Stabil Trak Message Displayed in DIC, Stabil i Trak Indicator Light On, DTC C0455 and/or C0710 Set); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified and offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 210,000.
Randomly over the past 2 years, the power steering fails while I’m driving the vehicle. This has happened at start up on occasion, in town, and at highway speeds. Power steering fails and I get a stabilitrak warning message. Turning the engine off and then back on again generally clears the issue, though it has persisted at times where I have to restart the car 5-6 times over the course of 10 minutes to regain the ability to steer the vehicle. It is the same issue as the 2015 model year had a recall issued for, confirmed by the dealership. Why is there no recall for 2016 when it’s the same problem, requiring the same fix, on the same model?
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.
Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Warning light went off on dash for steering assist and Stabilink traction control system. Truck is very hard to steer when this suddenly happens. This is the third time in a month. 2015 models have a recall for exact same problem but 2016 do not.