Chevrolet Colorado steering problems

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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.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11764018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11763763 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

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Power steering rack needs replaced. Power steering quit working.

NHTSA complaint #11763242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11762524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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)

NHTSA complaint #11761467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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Sudden power steering loss

NHTSA complaint #11760593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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)

NHTSA complaint #11760561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11759918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11759930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11758971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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 complaint #11758817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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

NHTSA complaint #11758786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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

NHTSA complaint #11757461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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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.

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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.

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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.

NHTSA complaint #11753787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.