About this problem
Most newer cars use electric power steering, where a motor on the steering column or rack helps turn the wheel. When the motor, its sensor or its control module fails, the assist switches off suddenly and the steering becomes very heavy. That usually happens while driving, often during a turn, which is why it is one of the most common serious complaints and the subject of several recalls.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Colorado since 2012, 824 (35.9%) describe power steering failure, making it the most reported problem we track on the Colorado. The reports cluster on the 2015, 2016 and 2019 model years, and the 2016 drew the most, with 428. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 42,000 and 90,000 miles. 13 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. 2 recalls are related to it, and recall repairs are free at any dealer.
What owners report
Owners of the 2015 and 2016 Colorado report a 'Service power steering' warning and the steering suddenly becoming very heavy. It makes up most of the truck's complaints in those years.
How it gets fixed
GM issued software updates and replaced electric steering gears on many trucks.
Typical cost: A steering gear costs about $1,500 to $2,500 out of warranty.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"This is the second occurrence of the problem I am going to describe. What occurred today was a loss of power steering while taking a right turn off of a side street onto a cross street into traffic."
2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 80,000 miles
"Lst power steering on my way home from work april the 23rd 2019. 2 codes came up on the screen stability track issue and no power steering please drive with caution."
2015 Chevrolet Colorado, 67,628 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Related recalls
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 17, 2015, and 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015, to March 19, 2015.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 21 bulletins that mention this problem on the Colorado. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
18027 - Customer Satisfaction Program.
18027-01 - Customer Satisfaction Program - Certain vehicles may have been built with a connector between the electric power steering motor and torque sensor that has a potential for fretting corrosion.
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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 preliminary information bulletin provides information for diagnosing a power steering fluid leak at the fluid reservoir.
This Technical bulletin provides information to correct a condition of a Service Power Steering Message on DIC, increased steering effort.
Government investigations
Recall query RQ19001 · 2015 · opened May 2019, closed May 2021
Before you buy a Colorado
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock with the car stopped and while parking; it should feel even and light.
- Watch for a power steering warning on the dash during the drive.
- Check by VIN for open steering recalls.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have power steering failure?
Complaints are highest for the 2015, 2016, 2019 model years. The 2016 drew the most, with 428 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 61,000 miles, and half reported it between 42,000 and 90,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A steering gear costs about $1,500 to $2,500 out of warranty.