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
I was traveling on hwy 8 at 65 mph when power steering without warning quit working. I was on a curve and in the other lane before i could get back control of the PU. I took the PU to the repair shop but didn't even make it home before it did it again. Pick up is back in the shop now. If there had been other traffic at the time it could have been deadly.
While driving on a 2 lane road, a service power steering warning light came on and there was an immediate loss of power steering assist. This happened during a turn and the steering without the electric power assist is extremely difficult. I was able to complete the turn by using both hands on the steering wheel. I was able to pull over, turn off the vehicle and turn it back one which reset the issue. This has now happened at least 3 other times while driving and while parked. Took the vehicle to the dealer and they noted that there was an error code in the system relating to lost communication/invalid data to the DTC (code U0101). Dealer reset code and "checked" connections. Could not reproduce the issue. However the issues if intermittent. There was a code indicating that an issue occurred but no action taken by dealer. This is the same issue that the 2015 Colorado/Canyon trucks experienced for which a recall was issued.
I’ve previously looked into the steering recall for the 2015 Colorado and my 2016 vehicle is doing the exact same thing AGAIN. My power steering/stabilitrak has gone out multiple times while driving on the road. This is a major safety concern as it will cause an accident, due to not being able to steer properly. I love my truck so far but this issue must be handled like it was for the 2015 models asap.
My power steering has quit working and the stabilitrak and t/c light both came on. This has happened a few times. I’ve had it to the dealership and looked at and I was told it needed a battery. $ 240 later, it did it again about a mile and a half from the dealership, so I took it back. If I turn the truck off and restart it, it goes back to normal. I’ve seen this same issue on forums on 2015 models.
The Stabiltrak light comes on and I immediately lose power steering WHILE DRIVING. This is an extremely dangerous situation. Took vehicle to dealer and they are not 100% certain of the problem to fix. But they would start to try steering parts and sensors but no guarantee those would work.
Lost power steering after stabilizer and power steering warning came on dash. If happens very Radom and cause a big concern especial since driving mostly interstate. There is only a warning and power steering is gone. This has happened at least 20 times in a couple of weeks.
Stabilitrak issue again. Power steering went out in the middle of driving.
A known wire chaffing problem for this make/model caused vehicle to loose all transmission power. Doors unlocked and locked on their own while moving the vehicle. Had two young children with me in 100+ degree weather. Truck finally moved in first gear at 20 mph max to get home on the road with other traffic.
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.
Stabilitrak and power steering failure at random. Will happen in the middle of driving the vehicle. This is a continuous issue.
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 while driving 40 MPH uphill on a curvy road, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and jerked to the right towards a ditch that was in front of a cliff. The contact used physical strength to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The message "Power Steering Failure" was displayed and the traction control, the Stabili-trak and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact drove downhill and pulled to the side of the roadway, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed; however, the failure recurred while driving in the mountains. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where diagnostic code: C0545 was retrieved, and the mechanic informed the contact that the failure was related to the power steering system. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for repairs. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
Intermittent loss of power steering. Indications from other owners stating a defect in the multi pin electrical connectors
Steering is locking up when taking turns at slow or fast speeds. It appears very similar to reports I’ve read on the recall for 2015 Chevy Colorados for the steering torque sensor. My vehicle is not safe to drive at this point.
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.
I was driving to work on the freeway at about 65 mph and all of a sudden my power steering went out at the same time the warning flashed. Luckily, I had some space between me and the car in front of me. If I would have had to make an evasive maneuver, I would have certainly crashed. I know this is a known issue of 2015 models and there was a recall, but apparently not for 2016 models. I dont feel the car is safe to drive. I have an appt set for Friday this week, but likely wont be able to drive until then.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The failure was intermittent. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure would recur soon afterwards. The contact found NHTSA ID Number: 10208045 (Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) as well as NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering) which were related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, and a recalibration was performed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and it was confirmed that the failure was related to the NHTSA ID Number and the recall however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage 85,000.
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’ve looked into the steering recall for the 2015 Colorado and my 2016 vehicle is doing the exact same thing. I’ve owned this vehicle for only 3 weeks now and my power steering/stabilitrak has gone out twice. One of those incidents, which was today, was while I was merging onto the highway. This is a major safety concern as it will cause an accident, due to not being able to steer properly. I love my truck so far but this issue should be handled like it was for the 2015 models.
Stabilitrak failure message followed by the power steering shutting off. It has occurred numerous times which requires pulling over and shutting off the vehicle and restarting the vehicle. Sometimes it immediately occurs again. Depending how fast you are driving it can result in an accident. I discovered that the 2015 Colorado's had the same issue and were recalled by Chevy. I was told the repair is going to cost about $1800.00
It's a known issue that these vehicles have wiring harness chaffing issues in multiple areas. In 2016, a TSB was issued under PIP5416 to address this in 2016 models. It has since been subsequently updated to cover all years through 2021 models under TSB PIP5416B, C, and D because GM failed to acknowledge fix this potentially dangerous and expensive issue. Byers Chevrolet had to repair 6 wires that were damaged from rubbing in and area addressed by this TSB. Upon researching, there are countless reports on internet user forums and Facebook groups of this issue occuring. Being a Fleet Manager, I see all kinds of recalls addressing the smallest issues like tailgate handles, but silence when it comes to an issue as serious as this.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, she slowed down to make a right turn and the power steering assist failed. The contact stated that the "Steering Assist Reduced Drive with Care" message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact used excessive force to complete the turn and was able to drive to her destination. The power steering assist returned after several engine restarts. The contact was informed by the dealer that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
The Power Steering keeps failing and this is dangerous once the vehicle is in motion. The most recent incident was July 4th 2023. We have taken the truck to Lawley Chevrolet Sierra Vista AZ (Mando Flores-Service Advisor)several times within the last year and they claim they can't find anything wrong. We can't drive it until the steering is properly fixed. It's impossible to drive. We have to constantly pull over and turn off vehicle for the electrical system to reset . Then we drive for about 1/8 miles then the issue starts all over again. Once the power steer light comes on to include the stabilitrak warning lights then the vehicle is almost impossible to steer. My wife drives the truck most of the time and it's very dangerous and it's not easy for her to steer this vehicle once the power steering goes out. I'm disabled and not able to drive the vehicle in case the power steering goes out. Please thoroughly investigate this vulnerability & issue a recall to fix this issue.
Had transmission problems for over 2 years with the truck has always shifted hard and weird since I bought the truck repair torque converter mechanic has had to go back in twice still can't get it right everything on this truck has been very difficult to get fixed and repaired everything has to be done more than once it's getting annoying
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the "Stabili-trak" warning light had illuminated and the power steering suddenly failed causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate or diagnose the cause of the failure. No repairs were performed. After retrieving the vehicle, the failures continued to occur more frequently and later progressed to a permanent failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission, yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I was going 55mph on an open highway and the transmission downshifted into 2nd gear throwing me forward and dropped me to 35mph with a line of cars behind. I could've been rear-ended, thrown off the road, or rolled if I had not immediately grabbed the shifter and put into manual and manually upshifted it back up. Besides the damages to the engine downshifting at that rate of speed to the wrong gear without notice or warning. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no not a dealer but it has recreated itself a handful of times. This happens more often on downhill grades. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?No
Seat belt cable broke. In my opinion the square edge of the crimp has weakened and ultimately caused the cable to be cut
Very scary!! Power steering completly locked up and continuing to lock up while turning. This is not something to take lightly as there had been no prior warning. Simple drive to the grocery store almost caused an accident while turning. Had to yank the wheel to correct as it was completely stuck in the turn position. Check light on, inspected by mechanic and they are indicating that this is a service power steering and “Stabilitrak-Stability control notifications. Checked with dealership and they have the 2015 models with this issue that has been recalled. The 2016 models have not. This is the same issue and someone is going to get hurt!!
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. Additionally, the traction control warning light and an unknown warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle for a while and upon restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel responded as needed. The contact continued driving; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for diagnostic testing when the warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,250.
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.
Power steering and stabilitrak go out while driving, its happening about 90% of the time now.
Power steering and stabilitrack go out while driving
Power steering and stabilitrak go out while driving
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, intermittently the steering wheel became firm. The Service Stabili-trak warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Power Steering and Stabilitrak went out while driving
Power steering and stabilitrak went out while driving
Having problems with getting key out of ignition
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.
Power steering and stalilitrak went out while driving. Dash lost power while driving
Power steering and stabilitrak went out while driving. power to dash went out while driving
Sudden loss of power steering.
I was driving 55 mph on a country road when a warning notification appear on my dash saying service Stabilitrack. My truck suddenly started to pull hard towards the berm of the road and was extremely hard to steer. I then got a message on the dash that service Power Steering. It was extremely hard to turn taking both hands to make a turn. I drove it straight to the dealership.
Power steering and stabilitrak went out while driving