769 of the 4,956 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Colorado are about the electrical system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2016.
769
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
11
Crashes
34
Fires
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11764177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The stated that after shifting to park(P), the contact was unable to immediately remove the key from the ignition switch. After several attempts, the contact was able to turn the ignition switch to the off position and remove the key. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the shifter assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 54,000.
NHTSA complaint #11763603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My truck is in the shop for Engine Wiring Harness Chafe. they are making me pay 1200 dollars for an issue that is known by chevy. I feel like I should not have to pay
NHTSA complaint #11763683 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11763341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated, and the brakes inadvertently engaged. The Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, with an audible chime and an unknown message displayed. The contact stated that on one occasion the vehicle was pulled off the highway to avoid crashing with another vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and taken to a dealer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V133000 (Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance) while getting service, and a system update was performed, and the front camera system was updated. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure returned three days later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
NHTSA complaint #11760979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving home multiple lights,messages and sounds came on the dashboard. I stepped on the brake and there were no brakes. I put vehicle in neutral and pumped brakes a few times. I was not traveling that fast so the vehicle stopped before I hit the person in front of me. I drove 10 mpg with my hazards on to the nearest gas station. I called Chevy service and they sent a tow truck N/C to bring to the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11760580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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 complaint #11758817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11755892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11753756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine
NHTSA complaint #11753572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The dealer was contacted and informed that the shift interlock switch failed to recognize that the transmission was shifted to park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance because the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 cannot receive over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates because the gateway module is still running outdated firmware (XXX.mnf). General Motors issued Service Update XXX to correct this defect by performing a vehicle‑wide programming update. However, GM’s system incorrectly shows the bulletin as “closed” for my VIN even though the gateway module was never updated. The truck was sold to me by Tyrell Chevrolet in [XXX] with this safety‑related service update not completed properly. The dealership has confirmed they cannot perform the required update because GM’s system will not authorize it until the bulletin is reopened. GM corporate has been contacted multiple times, but after several days they have not reopened the bulletin or provided a resolution. Because the gateway module remains on outdated firmware, the vehicle cannot receive critical OTA updates related to safety, diagnostics, and module stability. This condition has been reported by other 2023 Colorado owners and has previously been associated with battery‑drain issues caused by software modules failing to sleep properly. GM has acknowledged the defect by issuing Service Update XXX, but they are refusing to reopen the update for my VIN despite the incomplete firmware and the vehicle’s inability to receive OTA updates. I am filing this complaint so the defect and GM’s refusal to correct it are formally documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving me unable to maintain normal speed or accelerate safely. I lost power needed to pass traffic and had limited ability to respond to road conditions. The problem has happened several times. It has also occurred while I was towing my boat, which left me unable to continue the trip safely and created a hazardous situation because the truck could not maintain normal towing power. The issue appears related to the diesel particulate filter/emissions system and repeated DPF/regen or exhaust aftertreatment problems. I am concerned that a design, calibration, or emissions-system defect is causing sudden power reduction during normal driving and towing. This creates an unreasonable safety risk, especially on mountain passes, two-lane highways, and while towing. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect involving the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel DPF/emissions system and reduced-engine-power strategy. I am also requesting that this complaint be considered with any similar complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, or emissions campaigns related to DPF regeneration, particulate matter sensor diagnostics, reduced engine power, or limp mode on the 2.8L Duramax Chevrolet Colorado.
NHTSA complaint #11748528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The turn signal has an intermittent condition. When I put the right turn signal indicator on to signal a right turn, after the turn is completed and the turn signal stick returns to the off position my left turn signal with signal a left turn flashing approximately 2-3 times before turning off. I took it to the local Chevrolet dealer maintenance shop and they told me the replaced the turn signal stick, however a few days later the same problem occurred again. I have also learned online that other owners have had the same issue with their Colorado pickup trucks also.
NHTSA complaint #11746174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, it was difficult to remove the key from ignition switch. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were on a national back order. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was 23,750.
NHTSA complaint #11745892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's husband owns a 2025 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that after exiting a car wash tunnel and parking the vehicle on the side of the car wash building, the vehicle continued to roll forward at a high speed without warning. The contact used both feet and excessive force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle continued to roll forward. The vehicle ran over the parking pillar and crashed into a brick column attached to the building. The vehicle continued to roll forward after the crash and eventually stopped once it rolled over the car wash road indentation. The contact reversed out of the car wash indentation and called her husband for assistance. After her husband arrived at the scene; the vehicle was driven to the residence without any further issues. The vehicle remained at the residence and was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 111,817.
NHTSA complaint #11745625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
key will not release from ignition. I will put the truck in park but the computer will not read that it is in park, so the key can only be rotated to the accessory position. This has been confirmed by the dealership. No codes are coming up nor any lights on the dash.
NHTSA complaint #11745203 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
**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 complaint #11744770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On May 15, 2026, my 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L L3B turbocharged engine, approximately 49,000 miles) lost its entire engine oil charge while in normal operation, and at NO point did the low-oil-pressure warning light illuminate to alert me. While driving, a loud buzzing/vibrating noise developed near the upper engine and the center dash area. The vehicle continued to run with no oil-pressure warning of any kind — no low-oil-pressure light and no audible oil-pressure chime. Concerned by the noise, I immediately pulled into a parking lot and checked under the hood. The engine oil dipstick was completely dry, showing no oil whatsoever. I added 3 quarts of oil and the dipstick still showed no reading, indicating the engine had been operating with a critically low or empty oil level. Throughout this entire event, no oil-pressure warning activated. There was no external oil leak, no puddle where the vehicle is normally parked, and no oil in the coolant reservoir, which suggests the oil was being consumed or lost internally rather than dripping out — a condition the driver cannot see or anticipate without a functioning warning system. Drivers depend entirely on the oil-pressure warning system to alert them before oil starvation causes catastrophic engine damage or sudden engine seizure. An engine that seizes without warning while the vehicle is in motion creates an immediate and severe crash risk — sudden loss of motive power in traffic, on a highway, or in an intersection. The complete failure of this warning system to illuminate during a total loss of oil is, by itself, a safety defect independent of whatever is causing the oil loss, because it removes the driver's only opportunity to stop the vehicle safely before failure. These symptoms also align with existing GM service documentation: TSB 25-NA-309 addresses high idle, oil consumption, oil leaks, and MIL illumination caused by internal failure of the PCV oil separator, and service campaign N232415060 addresses a
NHTSA complaint #11744040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.