2016 Chevrolet Colorado · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 418owner reports
- 68,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 5involved a crash
Newest report Sep 16, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
458 of the 708 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 418 of those describe power steering loss, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2016 Colorado.
Tick what matches of 418 reports
Power steering loss on other Colorado years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (74 reports) and the EPS motor or module (18 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2016 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Colorado
Loss of power steering assist. Closed may 28, 2021, led to recall 21V-213.
None of these investigations covers the 2016 model year.
What owners paid
41 of the 418 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,000 to $2,300.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 47,800 and 106,000 miles, from the 135 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 4 service bulletins or notices for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado that deal with this problem. 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.
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.
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
What owners wrote
“I was driving my 2016 Colorado of the freeway going about 70 mph. Suddenly, a stabilitrak warning came up on the dashboard and the power steering immediately turned off making the truck difficult to control. I managed to drive 20 miles home, but turning was extremely difficult. I'm frightened to drive it now. Truck has 94,000 miles on it.”
Filed Sep 19, 2024 · 94,000 miles
“The power steering cut off and on intermittently and occasionally making it very difficult to steer. This is the same problem that was recalled on 2015 models. The 2016 Colorado has the same parts as the 2015 and yet they will not recall I have been told at this is a two to $3000 repair my truck has 29,000 miles on it, and this should not be happening.”
Filed Aug 27, 2024 · 29,000 miles
“Power Steering has went out on my truck. I only have 37700 miles on this 2016 chevy colorado and think the power steering should last longer than that. It is my only vehicle and now I am being told that the part is on back order. Please can you help me?”
Filed Jan 31, 2023 · 37,700 miles
“The Power Steering is going out while Driving has happen 4 times now in 4 Days..The truck has 90,000 miles....The Radio started acting up at 50,000 miles.. The Radio will start changing flashing lights changing Modes not safe while driving at night...”
Filed Dec 2, 2021 · 90,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 5 of 418 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 56 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 41 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 38 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 38 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 38 reports