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2016 Chevrolet Colorado

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Colorado years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado are substantially higher than the model-year median of 84.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

295 reports with mileage · 411 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Steering. Review the 457 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 97 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports1 fire reports6 injury reports

Steering complaints

457 reports
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Mileage unknown · Aug 22, 2026
Electrical SystemSteering

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 f…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11758817

Mileage unknown · Jul 9, 2026
Steering

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 slo…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11749265

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2026
Electrical SystemSteeringUnknown Or Other

**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 whi…

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**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.

NHTSA ODI #11744770

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2026
Steering

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 t…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11743914

Mileage unknown · Jun 7, 2026
Steering

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. Th…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11742547

Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2026
Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11741604

Mileage unknown · May 30, 2026
Steering

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 mod…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11741043

Mileage unknown · May 13, 2026
Steering

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 tr…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11737506

Mileage unknown · Apr 21, 2026
Steering

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.

NHTSA ODI #11732658

Mileage unknown · Apr 11, 2026
Steering

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 …

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11730522

Official recalls

4

18V358000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

May 31, 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

17V621000 · Air Bags:frontal

Oct 5, 2017

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.

16V125000 · Air Bags:frontal

Mar 2, 2016

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.

15V807000 · Latches/locks/linkages

Dec 1, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16370.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.