This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 GMC Canyon steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 GMC Canyon have filed 223 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 68,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
223
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Canyon (this page) | 223 |
| 2016 Canyon | 177 |
| 2017 Canyon | 8 |
| 2018 Canyon | 3 |
4crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 223 steering complaints filed for the 2015 GMC Canyon, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 8 model years of GMC Canyon we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 223.
Steering accounts for 74% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin advises the technician of possible concerns caused by failed or incorrectly installed parts that may cause the battery positive cable to contact the water pump pulley or alternator.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 GMC Canyon's electric power steering system intermittently fails, leaving drivers with a stiff, nearly uncontrollable steering wheel. The failure happens without warning—on highways at 70 MPH, on rural roads at 30 MPH, during turns, or on straightaways—and is accompanied by dashboard warnings reading "Service Power Steering," "Loss of Power Steering Control," and "Service StabiliTrak." Owners hear audible chimes and can feel the steering wheel suddenly become extremely heavy.
Turning the vehicle off and restarting temporarily restores power steering, but the failure returns unpredictably—sometimes within minutes, sometimes days later. One owner reported the issue worsened over time, occurring nearly every drive after occurring sporadically. Another had a catastrophic accident when the steering locked at highway speed.
Dealers have diagnosed the problem as a poor electrical connection in the steering gear torque sensor connector (the stated cause of NHTSA Recall 16V054000 and 21V213000). However, many owners report their vehicles are excluded from recalls based on manufacture date—even though their symptoms, diagnostic codes, and required repairs are identical to those in the recall. When excluded, repairs run $1,200–$2,339 for steering rack replacement. Owners also report one 2021 recall repair did not fix the issue; the failure reoccurred, requiring another steering rack replacement. Part availability for recall repairs has been problematic, with dealers unable to source components for extended periods.
Same GMC Canyon steering reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
The electric power steering system intermittently fails, rendering the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report sudden, unexpected loss of assist while driving at all speeds (from 25 MPH to 70+ MPH), often on straightaways but also during turns. A warning message—typically 'Service Power Steering,' 'Power Steering Drive with Care,' or 'Loss of Power Steering Control'—illuminates on the dashboard. The traction control and/or StabiliTrak warning lights also illuminate simultaneously. Turning the vehicle off and restarting temporarily restores power steering until the failure reoccurs. The steering becomes dangerously stiff; even strong drivers report needing significant force to maneuver the vehicle.
When: Intermittent; occurs at various speeds, road conditions, temperatures, and weather. Some owners report more frequent failures over time. Happens while driving, starting vehicle, or parked. Owners cite occurrences between 8,100 miles and 300,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff and difficult to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist or severe reduction in assist; Warning message: 'Service Power Steering,' 'Power Steering Drive with Care,' 'Loss of Power Steering Control,' or 'Service Steering System Soon'; Traction control warning light illuminates; StabiliTrak or 'Service StabiliTrak' warning light illuminates; Audible chime or warning sound from vehicle; Power steering functionality returns after vehicle shutdown and restart; Steering wheel becomes nearly immovable on turns at speed; Vehicle pulls or veers in direction opposite to driver's steering input
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Steering Torque Sensor or Steering Torque Sensor Corrupt), U0420 (Communication Error with Steering Control Module)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have recommended or performed: replacement of steering gear torque sensor cover assembly ($0–$475 depending on whether recall applies); replacement of entire steering rack and pinion assembly ($1,200–$2,339); steering gear replacement ($1,800); steering column repair ($800 for slack/play); software updates/control module reprogramming. Parts availability has been problematic; multiple owners report dealers unable to source parts for recall repairs (Campaign 21V213000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 15595/15595A/15595B (Campaign 16V054000): Issued February 2016 for vehicles manufactured January 6, 2015–March 19, 2015 (Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon). Repair: replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly free of charge. Root cause stated as poor electrical connection within steering gear connector due to damaged harness from supplier testing. NHTSA Recall 21V213000: Issued for certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles (manufacturing dates vary). Many owners report their VINs excluded from recalls despite identical symptoms. Dealers denied coverage citing VIN not in affected range or manufacture date outside recall window. Some owners charged $200–$475 for recall repairs despite official 'no charge' language. GM regional representatives stated affected vehicles can have the same problem and solution as a recall but not be included in the recall. Software updates provided in some cases did not permanently fix the issue. One owner reports the 2021 recall repair (Campaign 21V213000) did not address the root cause; failure reoccurred requiring steering rack replacement.
Steering System Electrical Connection Failure
The electric power steering system fails due to poor or loose electrical connections within the steering gear connector or torque sensor harness. The root cause identified in recall documentation is damage to the torque-sensor harness connector from a 'stuck' pin on the steering gear supplier's test device during functional testing, which caused permanent deformation to contact springs. This results in intermittent electrical connection loss. One owner reports the steering harness and modules were 'fried' due to little or no dielectric grease in connector plugs, which are not weatherproofed from the elements.
When: Intermittent; typically occurs at highway speeds or when moisture (rain) is present, though failures occur at all speeds. One owner noted failure occurred shortly after encountering a moderate rain squall. Temperature extremes (both winter and record heat) reported by one owner.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of electrical power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes very stiff; Warning messages and chimes appear intermittently; Burning odor reported in cabin (one case); Issue resets after vehicle shutdown and restart; Appears to behave like a loose electrical connection or computer reboot issue
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Steering Torque Sensor), U0420 (Communication Error)
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair (16V054000/15595): replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly. One owner reports paying $200 despite recall stating no charge. Dealers also recommend full steering rack and pinion replacement when torque sensor cover replacement fails to permanently resolve the issue. One owner reports dealer identified 'fried' electrical harness and modules due to lack of dielectric grease and lack of weatherproofing in connector design, requiring $2,000 rack and pinion replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall 16V054000 (Campaign 15595/15595A/15595B): Addresses poor electrical connection in steering gear connector. Repair: replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly free of charge for eligible vehicles (manufactured January 6, 2015–March 19, 2015 for both makes). NHTSA Recall 21V213000: Addresses similar electrical connection issues in steering system for later-model vehicles. Many owners report being excluded from recalls despite matching symptoms and diagnostic codes. GM customer service representatives stated VINs not included in recall date ranges, even when symptoms and repair procedures are identical. No manufacturer statement regarding connector design weatherproofing or dielectric grease application.
Steering Gear/Rack and Pinion Assembly Failure
The steering gear assembly (rack and pinion) fails electrically, resulting in loss of power steering assist. Some failures are distinct from the torque sensor cover issue and involve the steering gearbox itself losing communication with the power steering module. Owners with vehicles manufactured outside recall date windows report being diagnosed with steering gear failure requiring full assembly replacement. The distinction between a torque sensor connection issue and a steering gear assembly issue appears unclear to both dealers and manufacturers, leading to conflicting repair recommendations and disputed recall eligibility.
When: Occurs at various mileages (33,000–300,000 miles) and appears unrelated to vehicle age or usage patterns. Can occur at any speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes very stiff; Steering gearbox loses communication with power steering module; Warning lights and messages illuminate; Power steering restores after shutdown and restart
Codes mentioned: C0545 (Steering Torque Sensor), Communication loss between steering gearbox and power steering module
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear/rack and pinion assembly replacement: $1,200–$2,339 depending on dealer and year of repair. Multiple dealers cited this repair as necessary when torque sensor cover replacement fails or when vehicle is outside recall date range. One owner reports dealer stating repair 'should be part of the recall' but unable to obtain manufacturer cost-assistance. Parts availability has been problematic for recall repairs (Campaign 21V213000), with multiple dealers reporting parts on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM has issued recalls for torque sensor cover assembly replacement; however, vehicles manufactured outside the specified date ranges are denied coverage even when presenting identical symptoms. GM representatives have claimed some vehicles can have 'the same problem as a safety recall, and the same solution as a safety recall, but not be part of the safety recall,' refusing cost-assistance and referring owners to NHTSA. One owner reports a senior GM representative stated the failure was 'a different module' and denied recall coverage, offering only a $100 voucher. Campaign 21V213000 parts have been unavailable, causing extended repair delays (one owner reports dealer unable to obtain parts and having vehicle in shop for three weeks with no status updates).
Synthesized from 223 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 14 most recent
While driving some times on the highway and sometimes when driving slow in the city I lost power steering assist and had to shift to neutral and turn engine off and restart engine again to have power steering working again. Have been happening intermittently.
Today, I started the truck, a warning said power steering was out, have it serviced. Could hardly move the steering wheel. Took it right to the dealer. Shut the engine off. Service guy came out turned it on, steering was o.k. He told me to drive it around and if the problem occurs again bring it back.
On three separate occasions while driving approximately 45 MPH a message to service the stabiltrak comes up and the vehicle loses power steering assist. The vehicle is almost impossible to turn at that point. After turning the vehicle off and back on the error clears and the vehicle drives like normal.
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 GMC canyon. While driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist indicator illuminated. The failure occurred twice. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering assist failed needed to be recalibrated and/or replaced. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and…
Several times, while driving vehicle lost power steering then stabilitrak activated and truck started veering left. Vehicle was in motion. When vehicle was restarted power steering returned for approximately a mile. During that mile test run stabilitrak was on and vehicle was still veering left.
Hi. This is my second formal complaint regarding intermittent loss of power steering, traction control, and stability control on my 2015 GMC canyon. There have been recurring temporary losses of the aforementioned vehicle capabilities while the vehicle is in motion, leading to severely degraded vehicle performance, handling, and traction. In every case, warnings lights have displayed…
My 2015 GMC canyon lost power steering traveling approximately 50mph on a mountain road on one of the first rainy days of the season. It felt like losing more than just steering assistance, as even at that rate of speed the wheel was nearly impossible to turn. I was lucky to be on one of the limited sections of straight road. Rebooting the vehicle returned steering functionality. Dealer found…
Power steering failure while driving. I was told by NHTSA advisors that the recall had been repaired in 2017, but is still exhibiting recall symptoms. After turning vehicle off and restarting, it would drive fine for a couple minutes then start again with the power steering loss. Manufacturer states that the recall is repaired and I am responsible for additional repairs. My safety and others is…
2015 GMC canyon. Consumer writes in regards to frontal airbag safety recall. *ld the consumer was concerned that the vehicle was not included in the recalls for vehicles with the same make, model and year, due to the VIN number. *js
Nov 14 2024 my truck steering locked up and lost lighting/ front lights including interior and crash into another vehicle head on going 65 mph. Also no airbag deployed. I hit my chest hard. Need help. Water damaged now after I crashed and now won’t start. Smoke wire smells so disconnected battery. I feel unsafe taking this vehicle in repair without any recalls. This happen all at one time, still…
Had steering trouble with your 2015 GMC Canyon?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2015 GMC Canyon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 223 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 160 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 46,000 and 91,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 91,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/GMC/Canyon.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.