Chevrolet Colorado Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 962 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 962 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Chevrolet Colorado across 19 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (462). The words owners use most often: “service power steering” (13% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Service power steering: mentioned in 128 of 962 complaints (13%)
  • Difficult turn: mentioned in 56 of 962 complaints (6%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Chevrolet Colorado at $2,450, and half of them between $2,000 and $2,700.

Based on 58 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2017–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 455 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles34 · 7%
10k–25k miles31 · 7%
25k–50k miles106 · 23%
50k–75k miles120 · 26%
75k–100k miles70 · 15%
100k–150k miles70 · 15%
150k+ miles24 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 962 complaints, 16 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 an injury.

Chevrolet Colorado steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2016, with 462 complaints
2004: 6200462005: 442006: 102006102007: 332008: 3200832011: 112012: 5201252014: 112015: 35920153592016: 4624622017: 192017192018: 18182019: 222019222020: 10102021: 102021102022: 12122023: 7202372024: 662026: 420264

n = 962 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Colorado422%—
2024 Colorado65%3,000
2023 Colorado75%—
2022 Colorado1221%20,000
2021 Colorado1013%49,000
2020 Colorado1012%13,500
2019 Colorado2215%16,000
2018 Colorado1810%9,242
2017 Colorado199%26,861
2016 Colorado46265%68,000
2015 Colorado35973%60,000
2014 Colorado1100%72,000
2012 Colorado512%85,000
2011 Colorado12%34,000
2008 Colorado34%1,700
2007 Colorado32%71,500
2006 Colorado104%64,000
2005 Colorado41%55,000
2004 Colorado62%40,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2023, with 140 complaints
2004: 120042006: 22007: 120072008: 32009: 320092010: 12011: 120112012: 42013: 220132014: 42015: 1220152016: 52017: 1920172018: 522019: 11520192020: 1112021: 9320212022: 822023: 14020231402024: 1152025: 12720252026: 69

n = 962 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Steering:electric power assist systemMar 25, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V213000 · 60,681 vehicles

Model years: 2015

Problem: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The power steering assist may be lost due to a poor electrical connection within the steering gear assembly.

Risk: A loss of power steering, particularly at lower speeds increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. 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 N202325410.

Steering:electric power assist systemFeb 1, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V054000 · 2,988 vehicles

Model years: 2015

Problem: 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. A poor electrical connection within the steering gear connector may cause a loss of power steering assist.

Risk: A loss or reduction in power steering assist may increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly, free of charge. The recall began March 1, 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 15595.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The truck suddenly losses power steering and traction control during trips rendering the vehicle with no power steering. Upon stopping and restarting the truck, the power steering can return to the vehicle or stay turned off. This is a concerning safety issue as the power steering can give out at…

Received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770957

While driving, the vehicles internal computer system seized, completely shutting down and restarting itself over the course of 30 seconds. During and after this event, the brakes, power steering, and restraint system all became inoperable. Brakes failed to engage and power steering did not…

Received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770805

While driving, the steering suddenly failed. I was physically unable to steer the vehicle, which made it impossible to continue driving safely. This has happened a few times and I have been able to turn the vehicle off and restart and the steering will work again.

Received Oct 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770460

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770191

Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, 4WD Crew Cab. Delivered new 3/29/26. Beginning in May 2026, the vehicle developed a steering column defect: play in the steering wheel, a catch or jerking sensation while driving and turning (particularly at low speeds and on rougher residential/city…

Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770263
Chevrolet Colorado
2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 photographed in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. Finished in Nitro Yellow Metallic.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Chevrolet Colorados have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 962 owner complaints about steering for the Chevrolet Colorado. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Colorado steering?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Chevrolet Colorado?

Owners report a typical cost of $2,450 (half paid between $2,000 and $2,700), from 58 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about steering problems on the Chevrolet Colorado?

The most frequent phrase is “service power steering”, in 128 of 962 complaints, followed by “difficult turn” (56).

Other Chevrolet Colorado problems

See all Chevrolet Colorado problems.