This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 47 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 30,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
47
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Colorado | 7 |
| 2015 Colorado | 20 |
| 2016 Colorado (this page) | 47 |
| 2017 Colorado | 31 |
| 2018 Colorado | 24 |
| 2019 Colorado | 19 |
| 2020 Colorado | 4 |
1crash
What stands out
Owners have filed 47 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 20 model years of Chevrolet Colorado in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2016 Chevrolet Colorados report widespread electrical failures tied to wiring harness damage, connector issues, and control module faults. The most common complaint involves the ignition key getting stuck and refusing to release after parking, sometimes requiring restart cycles or battery disconnection. This occurs across all mileage ranges and has spawned online forums with thousands of affected owners.
4WD system failures appear tied to electrical misfires—owners describe the vehicle auto-shifting into 4WD with no driver input, triggering "SERVICE 4WD" messages, often at low miles (214 miles, 5,096 miles). One owner's vehicle locked in 4WD during a turn in traffic, causing wheel lock and near-fatal stalling.
Dashboard and infotainment malfunctions dominate the cluster: gauges go dark or read zeros, touch screens change radio stations and settings without input, backup cameras activate on their own, and the driver information center blanks out. Some failures cause complete electrical shutdowns while driving, killing power steering and brakes—creating immediate crash risk.
Wiring harness chaffing near the AC suction line, serpentine belt, and fan clutch appears in multiple narratives, mentioned in TSB PIP5416 and its updates. Water intrusion through roof leaks and wiper cowling areas triggers electrical shorts and reduced engine power codes. Horn function occasionally requires excessive pressure or fails entirely. Window regulators malfunction, rolling down or up intermittently despite button release. ECM and harness failures cause prolonged no-start conditions and repeated stalling.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Key Stuck/Won't Release
After placing vehicle in Park and attempting to shut off, the ignition will not fully rotate to OFF position and key cannot be extracted. Engine shuts down but accessories remain live. Some owners report needing to restart and cycle the shifter multiple times, or disconnecting the battery to remove the key.
When: All mileage ranges: 9,000 miles to 57,000+ miles; occurs after parking
Symptoms owners cite: Key physically ceases in ignition; Ignition won't rotate fully to OFF; Engine kills but accessories stay on; Requires multiple restart/shifter cycles to release key; May require battery disconnection as workaround; Happens intermittently or frequently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis mentions ignition safety switch solenoid malfunction and switch replacement; estimates cited over $300. Many owners out of warranty and denied coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB guidance suggests dirty key as cause (dismissed by owners as unrealistic). GM filed case numbers but offered minimal assistance. Warranty denial after 3 years.
4WD System Auto-Shift / SERVICE 4WD Message
Vehicle unexpectedly auto-shifts into 4WD without driver input, often accompanied by 'SERVICE 4WD' messages. Wheels lock during normal driving including turns, creating stall and crash risk. Occurs repeatedly on same vehicle.
When: Early miles (214 miles, 5,096 miles) and later; June incidents noted; recurring on same owner's vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: SERVICE 4WD message on display; Vehicle auto-shifts and locks into 4WD; Wheels lock during turns; Vehicle stalls in traffic while turning; Multiple occurrences on same vehicle; Dealer can sometimes manually shift out but cannot guarantee it won't recur
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repairs included 4WD selector switch replacement and identification of internal shorts and pin tension issues in connectors with fluctuating voltages. One repair took 18 days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM determined vehicle still safe to drive despite multiple auto-shift events and near-fatal stall during turn. Case filed but no recall issued.
Dashboard Gauge / Display Blackout
Instrument cluster gauges, speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and/or driver information center display go dark, reading zeros or blanks for 2–20 minutes while driving. Backup camera and radio may also lose display. Critical safety issue: speed and fuel readings unavailable at highway speeds.
When: Various mileages; one incident at 27,000 miles; happens during motion and stationary operation
Symptoms owners cite: Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge needles at zero / lifeless; Driver information center shows blanks or zeros; All diagnostic readouts unavailable (mileage, fuel, oil pressure, speed); Radio display and backup camera display go blank; Odometer and infotainment may remain functional; Issue resolves on restart as if software reset
Repairs/costs cited: Owners note no parts replaced during inspection. Issue clears on vehicle restart.
Infotainment / Touch Screen Runaway / Ghost Input
Touch screen and radio controls activate independently without driver input, changing stations, adjusting volume, flipping through navigation settings, activating backup camera, initiating phone calls, and changing dashboard display screens. Occurs continuously during drive and causes severe distraction.
When: Low mileage (under 50,000 miles); occurs repeatedly on each drive
Symptoms owners cite: Radio stations change without input; Volume adjusts without input; Navigation directions recite without calling for them; Backup camera activates while driving; Infotainment scrolls through options; Dashboard screen switches modes (speedometer to radio info); Screen flashes repeatedly; Dead spots on touch screen prevent manual override; System makes phone calls on its own; OnStar activates without driver action; Causes significant driver distraction
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced infotainment system for $800+; same failure recurred on replacement unit with loss of back-up camera view function and excessive night glare.
Complete Electrical Shutdown While Driving
Vehicle loses all power while in motion—engine shuts off, all electronics die, power steering and power brakes stop working. Vehicle lurches to halt. Restart is possible by shifting to Park and using ignition key.
When: Various conditions: turning into parking lot, turning on city street, highway driving at 70 mph
Symptoms owners cite: All electronics go dead without warning; Power steering loss during maneuver; Power brakes stop functioning; Engine shuts off completely; Vehicle lurches to uncontrolled stop; Restart restores function; Multiple incidents on same vehicle; No warning lights prior to failure
Codes mentioned: Faulty chassis control module suspected in one case
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer identified faulty chassis control module as cause. Another owner received ECM and harness diagnosis after 11.5 months of diagnostics.
Wiring Harness Chaffing / Exposed Frayed Wires
Wiring harness insulation rubs through and becomes exposed or frayed in multiple locations—near AC suction line, serpentine belt/fan clutch, and areas covered by TSB PIP5416. Chaffed wires short and trigger electrical failures, though cause is often misdiagnosed by dealers.
When: Recognized in 2016; TSB issued in 2016 (PIP5416), updated through 2021 models (PIP5416B, C, D)
Symptoms owners cite: Exposed/frayed wiring visible on inspection; Loss of power to A/C compressor; Loss of power to other electrical components; Gauge flickering with StabilityTrac indicator; Intermittent electrical failures; Nearly caused fatal accident per one owner
Repairs/costs cited: Fleet manager report: one dealership repaired 6 wires damaged from rubbing in TSB-addressed area. Repairs cited as expensive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB PIP5416 issued to address chaffing in 2016 models; subsequently updated to PIP5416B, C, and D to cover through 2021 models. Multiple owners report GM 'failed to acknowledge fix' the issue properly.
ECM / Engine Control Module Failure
Engine control module fails or develops faults, causing no-start condition or repeated stalling. Extended diagnostic time required. One case required 11.5 months of dealer diagnostics; repeated stall after repair.
When: One case: vehicle died July 2023, returned June 2024 after 11.5 months; stalled again November 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle dies and won't start; No indicator lights or warnings prior; Requires jump-start (still won't start); Stalls during freeway driving; Dashboard lights illuminate upon failure; Multiple fault codes present (Onstar diagnostics confirm repeated ECM/harness issues)
Codes mentioned: ECM suspected, Harness fault
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnosed ECM and harness after 11.5 months; parts were missing upon return of vehicle. Extended wait for parts; reinstalled by end of July.
StabilityTrac / Service Stability Control Intermittent False Activation
Service Stability Control warning activates without actual system failure. Vehicle may stall while driving, fail to start, or cruise control ceases functioning. Wiring harness chaffing suspected.
When: Multiple instances; one at highway speeds, others at 45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Service Stability Control message appears; Cruise control quits working intermittently; Vehicle handles awkwardly; Pulls to left after message appears; Engine revs high when coming to stop; Won't turn over with StabilityTrac warning displayed; Service Trailer Brake System warning also appears (system checks out fine)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers claim to find nothing wrong or cannot locate wiring harness issue despite online forums confirming chaffing as cause.
Power Steering Loss / Stability Control Loss
Power steering system stops functioning during driving. Stability control systems also fail. Usually accompanied by beeping warning. Restart resets the system.
When: August 2024 incidents noted; power steering failed 3 hours after vehicle purchase in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly stops; Warning beep alerts driver; Stability control warning illuminates; Vehicle becomes difficult to steer; Restart resets system and restores function; Multiple warning lights on dash
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer performed 'wiring repair' before sale but did not disclose this to new owner. Issue occurred shortly after purchase.
Water Intrusion / Weather-Related Electrical Shorts
Water leaks into cab through roof structural failure or wiper cowling, reaching ignition, dashboard, and electrical harnesses. Moisture triggers reduced engine power mode, electrical component failures, and corrosion. Occurs specifically during rain or fog.
When: Recognized during moisture events (rain, fog); one case noted as year-round issue from last summer onward
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power mode activates in rain/fog; Vehicle operates normally in dry conditions; Loss of A/C function; Radio and electrical control issues; Brake and power steering intermittent loss; Water pooling on floorboards; Rust under seats; Rear brake light failure; Rear headliner moisture damage
Codes mentioned: P2122 (APP – Accelerator Pedal Position), P2138 (APP sensor correlation)
Repairs/costs cited: APP (accelerator pedal) sensor replaced with OEM part but issue persisted after water intrusion repair. Owner suspects wiper cowling water ingress affecting electric harness.
Horn Failure / High Activation Force Required
Horn either fails completely or requires excessive pressure (20 pounds or more) to activate, defeating its emergency use purpose.
When: One case at 1,000 miles; another at 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn completely unresponsive; Horn requires 20+ pounds of pressure to activate; Cannot activate quickly in emergency; Occurs without warning
Repairs/costs cited: One dealership determined failure may be caused by design flaw and stated it could not be repaired. Other dealer unable to diagnose or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One manufacturer was notified; no action taken. Another case: manufacturer not informed.
Power Window Regulator Malfunction
Driver-side window will not roll up fully or will roll down then back up on its own. Requires multiple button attempts to operate. Occurs during motion and while parked.
When: Incidents at various points in vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Window rolls down then closes by itself; Window refuses to roll up despite repeated button presses; Window rolls up on its own during driving; Requires multiple attempts to achieve full closure; Occurs intermittently
Engine Stall While Decelerating / Reduced Power Mode
Engine stalls without warning while slowing down or coming to complete stop. Vehicle may restart normally or require extended diagnostic time. Associated with potential vacuum leak or water intrusion.
When: Multiple occasions; one case during parking lot turn; another while turning on city street
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Occurs during deceleration; Occurs while coming to complete stop from driving; Vehicle may start normally after stall; May occur repeatedly on same vehicle
Codes mentioned: P1427 (vacuum leak suspected), P069E (FPCM code)
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer suggested checking wires around water pump area for rubbing and unsecured routing.
Vehicle Ignition Auto-Shutdown / Engine Kills While Driving
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, sometimes while turning. No warning prior to shutdown. Vehicle may restart after incident but issue recurs.
When: Incidents noted February 2017 and March 2017; one while making right turn; another while driving home on residential street
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition makes click noise then turns off while driving; Vehicle shuts off at various speeds (right turn, straight residential street); Loss of brakes upon shutdown (one case); Can restart vehicle after shutdown; Issue recurs on subsequent drives; Dealer unable to duplicate concern during test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer examined vehicle for 5 hours, drove multiple times, but could not duplicate issue. No repair completed.
Hood Latch Failure / Hood Opens While Driving
Hood comes open while driving at low speed (5 mph) in parking lot. Also fails to stay latched after closing.
When: Reported incident; vehicle was at dealership; multiple latch failures
Symptoms owners cite: Hood opens while driving 5 mph; Hood latch does not stay shut; Latch fails to engage properly
Repairs/costs cited: Hood latch was fixed at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no recalls on vehicle and vehicle was never in shop for shut-off reason (contradicting owner's account).
Synthesized from 47 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The ignition swich won't turn off in one of ten time. Truck could be stolen & driven away.
Key gets locked in the ignition after you put it in park and try shut off the vehicle. Vehicle won’t turn off. It takes 10 to 20 minutes before it will release the key. I believe this is a safety issue and have seen a good amount of people online that have the same issue and the manufacture refusing to address or fix the problem.
Had electrical trouble with your 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
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 electrical problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 47 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 16,635 and 43,000 miles, with the median around 30,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,635; a quarter make it past 43,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2016/Chevrolet/Colorado.
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.