Steering Problems of Chevrolet Colorado - part 1

Eps disable while driving, service stabilitrak message displayed, esc/tcs disabled, eps/tdm code c0545 [0x00] abs/esc/ebcm code u0420 [0x42].

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

Power steering gets hard and can't be moved while in drive. Message error says "service power steering, drive with care".

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

While driving, the truck can suddenly lose power steering and traction control without warning. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult and creates a significant safety risk, particularly at higher speeds or when turning. Restarting the vehicle will sometimes restore power steering, but the problem can persist after restarting. Because the failure is unpredictable and can occur at any time while driving, I am concerned that it could result in loss of vehicle control or a crash.

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of electronic power steering assist due to an integrated eps module failure. This matches the exact failure criteria of gm recall n202325410, but my VIN was excluded due to manufacturing date limits.

Power steering assist is failing consistently. Travelling on highways 65+ speeds while the power assist goes out. Must make it to the side of the road to reset vehicle. No they have not been able to reproduce because they do not test it long enough. By a Chevrolet dealer twice now. First visit they simply replaced the battery and never informed me of error codes regarding this internal component being a problem no warnings until the power steering goes out. There have been recalls from gm for power steering errors but they will not fix this one.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and making a left or right turn, the steering wheel shook abnormally, and the failure ceased once the steering wheel returned to center. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the tires were replaced and the front alignment was inspected; however, the failure persisted. The contact was referred to the dealer, who was contacted by phone and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v213000 (steering). The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The truck suddenly losses power steering and traction control during trips rendering the vehicle with no power steering. Upon stopping and restarting the truck, the power steering can return to the vehicle or stay turned off. This is a concerning safety issue as the power steering can give out at any point during a trip.

While driving, the steering suddenly failed. I was physically unable to steer the vehicle, which made it impossible to continue driving safely. This has happened a few times and I have been able to turn the vehicle off and restart and the steering will work again.

While driving, the vehicles internal computer system seized, completely shutting down and restarting itself over the course of 30 seconds. During and after this event, the brakes, power steering, and restraint system all became inoperable. Brakes failed to engage and power steering did not function. The issue resolved itself after turning the vehicle completely off and back on again. Brakes, power steering, and the restraint system have operated off and on over the past week since the event happened.

See all problems of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

While driving my vehicle, the power steering assist suddenly and completely dropped out without warning. The dashboard displayed the warning message 'service power steering, drive with care'. Immediately, the steering wheel became extremely heavy and nearly impossible to turn, creating an immediate and severe crash hazard. Turning the vehicle off and back on temporarily clears the message, but the power steering assist fails again shortly after. This is an intermittent hardware and electrical communication failure that makes the vehicle unsafe to operate on public roads. I contacted a Chevrolet dealership to check for remedy under NHTSA safety recall #21v213 (gm recall #n202325410). However, I was informed that my VIN is not included in the current recall list, despite my vehicle experiencing the exact same catastrophic steering gear and torque sensor defect described in the recall. I am filing this report because this severe safety defect clearly extends beyond the manufacturer's limited VIN scope.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

Shortly after startup or while driving, my vehicle will suddenly lose power steering. The dashboard will illuminate the traction control light and warn "service staiblitrak" and "power steering reduced drive with care" however this happens when the power steering is already lost. This has happened while pulling out of parking lots and also while pulling up to a red light in the street. If I turn the vehicle off and on 1-2 times then the fault clears and I can continue driving. A dealer could not reproduce the issue. They found two stored fault codes but could not diagnose further. There is no advance warning of the failure. The failure is random and has occurred about 2-3x per month for 3 months.

September 18 2026 I was driving with my 3 grand kids in the truck when coming into a right curve the steering locked up causing me to go into on coming traffic. I yanked hard right and got it back in the lane. Felt like the truck cut off, pulled off side of the road looked it over didn’t see anything wrong checked the steering seemed ok. Drove slow got my grandkids dropped off had a 15 min ride home, did it again. Don’t feel safe driving it. Waiting for answers.

See all problems of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

The truck often loses power steering and traction control during trips rendering the vehicle with no power steering. Upon stopping and restarting the truck, the power steering can return to the vehicle or stay turned off. Taking it to multiple mechanics, they were unable to diagnose the problem. This is a concerning safety issue as the power steering can give out at any point during a trip.

The electric power steering (eps) system suddenly and completely malfunctions, causing an abrupt loss of power steering assist. The power steering assist cuts out unexpectedly while driving, making the steering wheel suddenly violent and extraordinarily heavy to turn. This creates an immediate risk of a crash, as navigating curves, intersections, or avoiding obstacles becomes nearly impossible without immense physical exertion. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?no, a dealer has not confirmed it yet. Because the defect is highly sporadic, it has been difficult to time a service visit with the exact moment of failure. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?no, it has not yet been inspected by any of these entities. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?when the failure occurs, a "service power steering" message immediately appears on the dashboard alongside an audible warning chime. There are no advanced symptoms prior to the sudden failure. The issue is highly sporadic and can temporarily be reset by pulling over, turning the ignition completely off, and restarting the vehicle. Additional notes / summary:my vehicle is a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. This identical defect is the subject of NHTSA recall campaign 21v213000 (gm recall n202325410) for the exact same model year. However, when I run my VIN, the system states there are no open recalls for my truck. My VIN was clearly excluded from the manufacturing window of the original recall, yet I am experiencing the exact same dangerous, sporadic power steering dropouts described in that campaign. I request that NHTSA investigate an expansion of this recall to include my vehicle.

The power steering will intermittently go out. This occurs at random times and often at speeds of over 65 mph. This is not a maintenance issue as it is electronic power steering.

Intermittent total loss of power steering assistance while driving at speed, accompanied by the immediate illumination of the traction control and stabilitrak warning indicators on the dashboard. The loss of power steering creates a sudden and severe handling hazard. This safety issue has occurred more than 15 times since this vehicle was purchase used in December of 2025. A diagnostic scan reveals specific diagnostic trouble codes: c0545-00 (steering wheel torque sensor hardware failure), c0460-5a (steering wheel angle sensor plausibility), u0420-42 (invalid data received from pscm), and c0280-00. The power steering also intermittently returns to normal functionality after the vehicle sits completely powered off, indicating a thermal or electronic hardware failure within the internal torque sensor of the steering gear assembly. This specific failure occurred most recently at 76,143 miles on VIN 1gcgtce38g1146466 (manufacture date: 10/1/2015; original sales date: 4/1/2016). This is the exact component failure and safety hazard described in gm recall #15595 (NHTSA campaign #16v054) for the 2015 model year. Furthermore, despite this vehicle falling well within the mileage limits of gm special coverage n182182190, this specific VIN is excluded (per a vih request to mac haik Chevrolet service desk with my VIN) from the coverage program for an identical hardware failure, posing an unresolved and dangerous safety risk on 2016 models.

Power steering rack needs replaced. Power steering quit working.

While sitting in idle the engine will just start to idle rough for no reason this happens all the time and clear out when accelerated. While driving the radio and infotainment screen will go blank then come back on. I was driving on the freeway going straight and all of a sudden the power steering went out and I got this warning light on for the power steering being disabled along with this vehicle symbol and squiggly lines behind it on. I drove to a safe spot with the truck feeling really heavy. Turned it off and on then it cleared up. This power steering issue just happened.

Power steering goes out while driving down the road. Sometimes it works, then it doesnt, it is intermittent and I have to manually steer my vehicle when it goes out. Service power steering with care, and service stabilitrak pop up on the dash while driving. If I turn the truck off and turn it back on, sometimes that will allow the power steering to work again. I have not taken my vehicle to a dealer or service center and it has not been inspected by the manyfacturer.

While driving the vehicle, the power steering all of sudden goes out and I am unable to steer the vehicle properly. I know there was a recall for 2015 vehicles and wanted to know if the repair could be fixed on my vehicle as well. This is not safe for me to be driving with my children and grandchildren in the vehicle as it happens out of the blue and without warning, no matter what speed I could be going. This has occurred on multiple dates over the last month or so.

Hello, I am following up because I still have not received a response regarding my 2016 chevy Colorado and why it was not included in the same recall that covered 2015 chevy Colorados for this known power steering issue. I am extremely disappointed that I am now facing a repair bill of more than $2,000 for a problem that appears to be well known to gm and has been documented across multiple model years. My understanding is that gm was aware of this issue affecting chevy Colorado models from 2015–2021, yet my 2016 model was not included in the recall. To make matters worse, my truck has now been in the shop for more than two weeks because gm no longer manufactures the rack and pinion assembly my vehicle requires. As a result, my mechanic has had to source a remanufactured replacement part. After the replacement rack and pinion was installed, the vehicle began throwing a variant code, c056e:45 – “incorrect variant programming. ” it appears that the replacement part may not be properly programmed for the exact trim configuration of my truck. My mechanic has made multiple attempts to contact the remanufacturer, trugrade, regarding this issue, but has been unable to get a response. Because the replacement part was not manufactured by gm, gm representatives have indicated that they cannot assist with the programming issue. At this point, I feel as though I am caught in a frustrating cycle: gm no longer manufactures the part, the remanufactured part is creating additional problems, the remanufacturer is not responding, and gm will not assist because the replacement part was not manufactured by gm. This entire situation could potentially have been avoided had my 2016 Colorado been included in the recall for this known issue. I do not believe it is reasonable for me to bear the full financial burden of a failure that gm was aware of and that appears to affect multiple model years. I am asking gm to please review this matter and provide a reasonable resolution.

Hello, this is my third or fourth attempt to contact NHTSA regarding the ongoing power steering failure issue with my 2016 chevy Colorado, and I am asking for assistance and a response. My truck has now been at the mechanic’s shop for three weeks: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] the shop has had to replace the rack and pinion three separate times in an attempt to correct the power steering failure issue. Despite these efforts, this has become an extremely frustrating and costly situation. I rely on this vehicle for my work, and having it out of service for three weeks has put me significantly behind. As I have explained in my previous communications, gm issued a recall involving this same power steering problem on 2015 chevy Colorados, yet there does not appear to be a corresponding recall for the 2016–2021 models, despite the fact that the same issue has been reported in those model years and gm has issued technical information regarding the problem. I am now facing more than $2,000 in repair costs, along with three weeks of lost work and the inconvenience of having my vehicle unavailable. I strongly believe that a known safety-related issue of this nature warrants further investigation and accountability from the manufacturer. At this point, I am asking NHTSA to please advise me on what steps I need to take to have this matter properly reviewed and investigated, and whether there is anything further I can provide to assist with documenting this issue. I would greatly appreciate a response. I have made multiple attempts to bring this matter to your attention, and I am hoping NHTSA can provide some direction toward a resolution. Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I am writing regarding an issue with my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado that I believe warrants gm’s attention and consideration for assistance with the cost of repair. My vehicle recently began constantly dinging and displaying an error message on the dashboard stating “power steering failure. ” I took the vehicle to a mechanic for diagnosis, and the vehicle produced error code c0800, which references technical service bulletin (TSB) #pit5474d. After researching this issue, I understand that gm is aware of power steering-related failures affecting Chevrolet Colorado models from 2015 through 2021. What I am having difficulty understanding is why, if this was a known and recurring issue across multiple model years, the related recall appears to have only included the 2015 model year. My 2016 Colorado is now obviously beyond its original warranty period, and there is no recall covering my vehicle for this known issue. As a result, I am now facing an approximately $2,000 repair bill for a failure that gm appears to have been aware of for years. I understand that vehicles eventually fall outside of their warranty coverage. However, when a manufacturer is aware of a recurring safety-related problem and has issued a TSB addressing the issue, it is frustrating for owners of other affected model years to be left responsible for the full cost of repair simply because their vehicle was not included in the recall. I am respectfully asking gm to review my situation and consider providing goodwill assistance toward the cost of this repair. I have been a loyal gm customer and would appreciate gm standing behind its product when a known issue occurs outside of the warranty period. Please let me know what assistance gm can provide and what documentation you need from me to have this matter reviewed. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving my eps steering stop working suddenly forcing me to the side of the road where I fortunately went in a large parking area. I had the truck towed. In 2021gm replaced the steering torque sensor cover as per the recall to protect the sensor. The steering torque sensor has now failed due to I believe water intrusion. Gm has refused to honor any kind of reimbursement or wrong doing. Blamed faulty replacement parts.

Complete loss of electronic power steering capability while new teenage driver was traveling at high rate of speed. Loss of power steering and stabilitrak traction control warning indicators on dash. Issue that invoke a safety recall in previous year model vehicle (gm recall #15595 & gm special coverage n182182190) but is being ignored by manufacturer for my 2016 model. Odb2 fault codes confirms u0420-42 and c0545 indicating exact same issues still occurring in 2016 vehicles despite recall due to this safety issue in 2015 models.

Seats: driver’s seat shifts forward when normal braking pressure is applied. Bottom cushion seems to be loose/shifting. Cause for major concern if emergency braking should be needed and seat does not restrain driver steering: steering wheel has vibrations when driving over normal aberrations/roughness on paved roads. Accompanied by rattles and mechanical noise. Extremely annoying suspension: front passenger side has loud clunk from time to time on certain speedbumps/off road. Low speeds 10-15mph. Vehicle details: 2026 Colorado zr2, odometer: 3176.

The electric power steering assembly has failed. I will be driving and my power steering will cut out with no warning, the sensor light is on constantly. Turning it off will sometimes fix it but not for long. It will affect my cruise control at times as well.

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 21v213000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious safety defect involving my 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. While I was driving the vehicle, it suddenly lost power steering assist. The steering wheel immediately became extremely heavy and difficult to turn, requiring significantly more physical effort to control the vehicle. This sudden loss of steering assistance created a dangerous situation for me, my passengers, and other motorists. The failure occurred without warning and substantially affected my ability to safely steer and maneuver the vehicle. A sudden loss of power steering is particularly dangerous when making turns, maneuvering at low speeds, or attempting to avoid another vehicle or obstacle. What is especially concerning is that the failure experienced by my vehicle appears to match the defect described in general motors safety recall n202325410, NHTSA campaign 21v-213, concerning loss of power steering assist in certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC canyon vehicles. The NHTSA recall documentation states that affected vehicles may experience a loss of power steering assist while starting or driving because of a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly. The recall specifically explains that when power steering assist is lost, the vehicle reverts to manual steering and requires substantially greater steering effort, particularly at lower speeds. Nhtsa and gm identified this condition as a safety defect because it can increase the risk of a crash. My vehicle experienced the same symptoms described in the recall: sudden loss of power steering assistance while driving. The steering wheel became heavy and difficult to turn as the vehicle reverted to manual steering. A warning chime occurred. A warning message/malfunction indicator appeared on the dashboard. The loss of power steering made the vehicle substantially more difficult.

Was traveling down the interstate at 75mph. The steering wheel jolted left and would not allow driver to turn the wheel back to the right causing a single vehicle accident. The vehicle left the roadway and hit the cable barrier in the median and traveled approximately 50 yards before stopping.

Power steering failure. 4wd stuck.

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Colorado through [xxx], the truck began having difficulty accelerating. As I exited the highway and turned into a gas station, the truck suddenly lost power. The steering became extremely difficult, and I lost normal brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and I had to apply extreme force to stop the truck and avoid crashing into a wall at the gas station. Fortunately, no collision occurred. The truck was towed to ed corley Ford in [xxx] because I was stranded in a remote area with very limited options. They diagnosed a failed/broken vacuum pump and told me replacing it should make the truck operable so I could drive it home to [xxx]. I authorized the repair. After replacing the vacuum pump, they told me they started the truck and heard an abnormal sound. They shut it off, and when they tried to restart it, the truck would not start. They wanted to perform additional diagnosis, but I declined and had the truck transported back to [xxx] for evaluation by a Chevrolet dealership. Huffines Chevrolet lewisville inspected the truck. Their technician removed the camshaft position sensor and used a borescope to inspect the camshaft. They documented that the camshaft is damaged at the end where it connects to the vacuum pump and stated the actuator pin was most likely bent due to the vacuum-pump failure, damaging the camshaft and causing it to be slightly out of time. I have also been informed of engine damage. The truck remains inoperable and is currently available for inspection. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the vacuum-pump failure resulted in a sudden loss of normal brake assist while I was driving and was followed by camshaft/engine damage. I am asking NHTSA to investigate this failure and similar Chevrolet Colorado complaints. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

Loss of power steering, truck repaired by gm dealer, he stated it was the same failure mode described in recall notice n2023254 10. The repair even though the same as the previous failures was not covered by gm because my VIN was not in gms recall notice. Looking at this website there a number of reports of power steering failures for later model Colorado and canyons that were not covered by the recall. Either gms fix was not effective, or they did not select the right VIN population. So the power steering failure repair on my truck even though it is the same failure mode as the previous recall was not covered by gm.

See all problems of the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

My 2015 Colorado has begun to periodically lose power steering. I have now several times been driving. I here a warning ding and a warning on the dash, then my power steering is completely gone. Steering becomes very difficult. This is a significant safety issue. Once I am able to safely pull out of traffic, and restart the truck, the power steering returns.