2016 Chevrolet Colorado service brakes problems

“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…”

“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.”

“Happened twice now while driving, power steering suddenly lost and two messages on dash: Loss of Power Steering and Stabilitrak. Pulled over and turned off ignition. When restarted all errors automatically cleared and systems appear to be functioning correctly. Steering without power assist is very difficult and high safety concern at low speed driving.”

“-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2016 Chevrolet Colorado VIN: [XXX] Engine: 2.5L I4 (camshaft-driven brake system assist vacuum pump failure). GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 (Nov 2021) confirms that if vacuum pump drive lugs are broken, replacement of both the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft is required which was the case. Parts kept by repair facility that performed service. Autonation Chevrolet South Clearwater FL 33764. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? May, 2025 the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking (hard/stiff brake pedal). This is a safety-critical failure. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes by shop stated above. Diagnosis showed a seized engine brake system vacuum pump (driven by the exhaust camshaft) that had sheared drive lugs and produced metal debris which damaged the exhaust camshaft and associated components. The repair required replacement of the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft; my total repair cost was over $4,000. The camshaft was not readily available and I required a…”

“The brake pedal suddenly became very stiff with no warning while driving at highway speeds. Braking was very difficult and required me to swerve into another lane to not impact a car and run a red light. I managed to stop afterwards. This was caused by the cam driven vacuum pump failing. No warning of any kind was given.”

“Operator reported that under braking, they lost all power assist to the brake pedal and brake pedal was extremely hard to push. This resulted in extended stopping distance and difficulty slowing the vehicle down. It was found that the vacuum pump had failed. We are a large utility fleet, and this issue has occurred a number of times to our Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon vehicles and we deem this a safety issue. These incidents have been reported to the OEM and we recently received the attached reply, "We submitted a “Speak up for Safety Campaign” to our internal quality team for review. These reviews are conducted to determine if there is a manufacturing or design defect that could impact quality. After review, the case was closed with no action to be taken." The operators receive no warning prior to the failure.”