Steering Problems of Chevrolet Colorado - part 1

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.

See all problems of the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The steering shaft on my 2026 Colorado trail boss is faulty and needs to be replaced. There was no accident but feel like this could be a safety issue that needs to be addressed and reported.

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.

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.

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.

**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.

Power steering failure, without incident. It started one morning, after turning off truck the previous day. Warning lights displayed as soon as truck was started. Very difficult to turn steering wheel. Too dangerous to drive. Dealer indicated the steering rack should be replaced.

See all problems of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 🔎.

Not sure if this is a safety issue at this point but there is a rattling noise around the steering column when you drive over any bumps and hoping this will not lead to any safety issues.

Sudden power steering loss.

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.

Will be driving and suddenly my eps light turns on and doesn’t allow me to turn. I have sudden loss of power assist, making the steering wheel incredibly heavy to turn. Once I pull over to safety and fully turn the truck off and back on, I can generally make it to my destination as the sensor temporarily goes off. It appears there have been recalls for this, but my specific VIN was not included in the recall for some reason. Ultimately, this is extremely dangerous as I have a pretty busy route to/from work. This all randomly started happening two days ago. I am working to schedule an appointment with a local mechanic, but hoping to be included in the recall because it sounds exactly like what was happening in the recall.

The contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the message "service power steering - drive with care" was displayed. The contact used excessive force to pull over, waited for several minutes, and then restarted the vehicle. The vehicle resumed normal operation after being restarted; however, the failure returned once the contact reached the driveway at the residence. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA campaign number: 21v213000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact scheduled an appointment and drove the vehicle to the dealer to be repaired. The dealer performed a diagnostic test and retrieved dtc: c0545; indicating a failure within the steering wheel torque sensor of the electric power steering (eps) system. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired under the recall prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The contact was then informed that no additional assistance would be provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

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.

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.

I was driving home and and out of no where my power steering went out, good thing I was driving slow and that no other cars was heading toward me, it was very difficult to keep my truck in my lane. I did get a warning light stating no power steering, I stop the truck when I got home and restarted it and the problem went away? (so did the warning light) I looked into this issue online and there was a recall for 2015 models, my truck is a 2016 which has the same issues. (and other consumers complaints) I'm making a appointment today to have it check out. I hope I can make there without any issues.

Driving down the road and had stabiltrak disable and power steering go out, causing great difficulty to maintain control of steering the vehicle. My teenage son’s first vehicle and he was driving with myself and younger son as passengers. This could have been a very horrible situation. Apparently this is a pretty widely discussed and common issue with this vehicle make (a quick google search proves this), and actually was recalled in the previous year model for this exact issue (reference NHTSA #21v213). The issue was evidently not sufficiently corrected in the 2016 year models. This is obviously a safety issue that could lead to severe injury or death and should be taken seriously by the manufacturer.

The power steering and stabilitrak went out on my vehicle. Within a 2 week period the service lights started coming on and then it finally went out. I could not steer the vehicle due to it being so hard to turn. Brought vehicle to dealer and they had the same issue with it. They had to replace the steering gear box. Cost me $2100. 00. Noticed on line many people have had this same issue on many different year vehicles. 2015 vehicles were recalled, but other years had the exact same issue.

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.