Second generation
2016 Chevrolet Colorado
The most reported problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is power steering loss, with 418 complaints, usually around 68,000 miles.
- 708owner complaints
- 4recalls
- 14involved a crash
- 46,500median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Colorado doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2016 model year.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado has 708 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 2.5 times the median of 278 for 2016 pickups on this site. Of the 12 Colorado model years since 2015, it has the most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017
- At 64 complaints for each year on the road, the 2016 runs 3.0 times the 2017 (22). That's the only adjacent model year with enough complaints to set beside it.
- Top problem
- One problem takes up much of the file: power steering loss, named in 418 of the 708 complaints (59%). A quarter of the 135 owners who gave a mileage for power steering loss saw it by about 48,000 miles, and half by about 68,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- Only 16 of the 708 complaints (2%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, well under the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 14 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 6 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 5 of 14, fall under power steering loss.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as power steering loss, stalling and brake wear. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2023 at 119 and have dropped every year since, to 93 in 2025. So far in 2026, 38 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: power steering cuts out or goes heavy, 418 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
708 complaints is 2.8 times the median 2016 model on this site and 2.5 times the median 2016 pickup. Among the 8 Colorado model years here it ranks 1st for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet filed 1,597 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. 116 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 4 bulletins · 418 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a Service Power Steering message, loss of power and or Malfunction Indicator Lamp on in the Instrument Panel Cluster.
This Technical bulletin provides information to correct a condition of a Service Power Steering Message on DIC, increased steering effort.
2 more on this problem
This preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the power steering assist motor for vehicles with the condition of Service Power Steering System Message on the DIC, Increased Steering Effort, Dtc C056D Set
Engine stalls or loses power while driving 11 bulletins · 56 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on.
This service bulletin provides service information for customer concerns of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated that may be caused by gelling of fuel in cold temperatures.
9 more on this problem
This service bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of an in-tank fuel pump whining noise, engine hard to start and/or stalls and Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is illuminated.
This Bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of a siren or whine noise from the in-tank fuel pump at temperatures below -6C or 20F, accompanied by start and stall, no start, loss of power and MIL illuminated.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that a whine noise heard from the automatic transmission fluid pan hear with the the key on and engine off, or for up to one minute after the vehicle has been shut off should be ...
This Technical Bulletin provides information to correct a customer concern of a siren or whine noise from the in-tank fuel pump at temperatures below -6C or 20F, accompanied by start and stall, no start, loss of power and MIL illuminated.
This Preliminary information communicatesIn ambient temperatures 100F (37.7 C)degrees or higher, DTCs P2635 and/or P018B may set.The vehicle may also exhibit a hesitation or stalling condition.Excessively Hot and sustained ambient temperatures over 100F (37.7 ...
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the ECM to correct the condition of a rough idle/stalling on first start, then engine runs smooth after second start.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION ADVISES THE TECHNICIAN TO CONTACT GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO REPORT THE CONCERN AND OBTAIN A CASE NUMBER WHEN A CUSTOMER MAY COMMENT THAT THEY WILL HAVE THE RADIO SHUT OFF, AND WHEN RESTARTING THE VEHICLE THE ...
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION IS TO CONTACT GM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER TO REPORT THE CONCERN AND OBTAIN A CASE NUMBER.
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that some vehicles may have a radio that turns on unwanted at start up.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 6 bulletins · 41 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to diagnose and repair vehicle that may have a "Check Trailer Wiring" or "Service Trailer Brake System” message on the Driver Information Center when a trailer is ...
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about fluid leaking from the brake caliper piston area found during a service of the vehicle.
4 more on this problem
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that some vehicle may have a water leak into the cabin. Water staining may be seen in the headliner or water may be on the floor.
This service bulletin provides information for tire pressure monitoring (TPM) system concerns.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that vehicles may have an Antilock Braking System or Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated.
This informational bulletin provides information on installing the correct tires for vehicles with the condition of under hard acceleration at higher speeds, the traction control light will flash.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 13 bulletins · 38 complaints
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears.
This service bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure to aid in correcting a customer concern of a Howling, Whining/Whirring Noise, Shudder/Vibration and/or Grinding Noise While in 4HI, 4HI Auto and/or During Parking Lot Maneuvers in Auto Mode.
11 more on this problem
This informational bulletin explains how the trans slip or flare can be a normal condition.
This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the customer may experience a 2-3 slip or flare after the vehicle has been sitting for a period of time.
This informational bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
Information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
This preliminary informational bulletin adds the 2016 model year to diagnostic tips and repair information to correct a customer concern of reduced acceleration at low speed and/or transmission slipping from a launch, DTC P0751 set.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to flush and drain fluids for the transmission to eliminate a shake and/or shudder during a light throttle acceleration between 40 and 128 KM/H (25 and 80 MPH) at a steady state.
SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 40 AND 128 KM/H (25 AND 80 MPH) AT A STEADY STATE.
THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES THE PROCEDURES TO COMPLETE A TRANSSMISSION ADAPTIVE LEARN ON ALL THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF VEHICLES AND TRANSMISSIONS BASED ON RPO OPTIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF HARSH SHIFTS ON HARD ACCELLERATIONS.
THIS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION COMMUNICATION PROVIDES INFORMATION TO THE TECHNICIAN ABOUT VEHICLES THAT MAY HAVE SHUDDER OR CHUGGLE WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS OF 12 TO 15 MILES PER HOUR OR 19-24 KILOMETER PER HOUR IN SECOND GEAR.
This informational buleltin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares and information on transmission fast learns
Plus 1 older ones not listed here.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 46 bulletins · 38 complaints
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to locate and repair a possible short in the wiring harness located at the camshaft cover or the cylinder head to correct customer concerns of Lack of Power, Reduced Power Displayed on DIC, Rough Idle, Stabilitrak ...
This informational bulletin provides information on Normal Radio Display Operation ? Display Does Not Remain Off at Times After Being Turned Off in Settings and no parts should be replaced due to this condition.
44 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the radio for vehicles with the condition of Intermittent Pop Noise from the Speakers Followed by a Reset of the Radio and Clock due to a software issue.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Navigation radio does not have a global positioning system location but OnStar is able to accurately locate the vehicle.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have an issue when using Bluetooth voice recognition with an iPhone.
Audio speaker sound quality is poor, has a buzzing sound or rattles while listening to the radio or other music source.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the radio will not retain the previous settings and will go to the Home Icon screen when the vehicle is restarted.
This informational bulletin provides information for the technicians on multi-media infotainment tester (MIT), does not function properly when diagnosing infotainment complaints, which may lead to mis-diagnosis.
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to clear the codes and re-evaluate the XM radio channels to correct a condition of audio muting when listening to some Sirius XM channels but if they change channels they will find others that experience normal ...
This technical bulletin provides multiple fixes for a condition of a waiting for update screen appearing on the display, due to either a reprogramming of the hmi module or due to a fuse that needs to be pulled and restarting of the module.
This preliminary information bulletin provides a procedure on how to check for the customer concern of a blank radio with/without audio, by checking the the wiring harness, ECU and reprograming the HMI software update, if the wiring or ECU are not the cause.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the navigation system will be unable to enter addresses that contain diacritics using the touch screen.
Plus 34 older ones not listed here.
Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 1 bulletin · 38 complaints
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear 6 bulletins · 19 complaints
This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
4 more on this problem
This technical bulletin provides a procedure to replace the rear axle c-clips if found the cause of the customers concern of rear axle clunk.
This informational bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operations.
This informational bulletin provides information on Some vehicles may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to repair vehicles with a rattle or clunk noise from the front of vehicle over bumps.
Check engine light or misfire 29 bulletins · 18 complaints
This service bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce ...
27 more on this problem
This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
This service bulletin provides diagnostic tips/steps on testing for possible EVAP leaks in the system to correct a customer concern of an MIL Illuminated with DTCs P0442 and/or P0455 Set.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P06DE set in the Engine Control Module.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by.
This Bulletin provides inspection/diagnosis/correction information on a cold start misfire and/or rough idle and DTC P0300 that may also be set.
This Preliminary information communicates the repair recommendations for misfire and DTC's immediately following HFV6 re-manufactured engines replacement.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that vehicles may have an Antilock Braking System or Malfunction Indicator Lamp illuminated.
Emission - General Motors has decided to conduct a voluntary emissions recall involving certain 2016-2019 model year diesel engine vehicles.
This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to ...
Plus 17 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
119 complaints came in 2023, 1.8 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
Recalls that include the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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."
Risk and remedy
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.
All 4 recalls on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
Power steering loss, with 418 of the 708 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 68,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Colorado problems start?
Of the 305 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 20,000 miles and half by about 46,000.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado better or worse than the 2017?
Counted per year on the road, the 2016 has more complaints than the 2017: 64 a year against 22.
How many 2016 Chevrolet Colorado complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
16 of them (2%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for power steering loss on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
No recall on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is on the same system as power steering loss. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.