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 ↗2016 GMC Canyon steering problems
moderate 173 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
173
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 173 steering complaints filed for the 2016 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
Steering accounts for 66% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 173 steering 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.
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
Power steering assistance cuts out without warning at highway and low speeds, making the steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. When it happens, dashboard warning lights for "Service Power Steering" and "Stabilitrak" appear simultaneously. Most drivers regain steering by turning the engine off and restarting, but the problem comes back within minutes to days. A few owners lost steering on busy roads while turning across traffic; one went into a ditch; another had to use all his strength to steer off a six-lane highway.
Diagnostics point to torque sensor electrical defects inside the steering gear assembly or steering column. The fault codes are consistent: C0545 (steering wheel torque sensor malfunction) and related electrical errors. Repairs involve replacing the entire steering gear or rack-and-pinion assembly, costing $700 to $2,916. Some parts have arrived broken from the factory, and even after replacement, the failures have recurred.
Owners consistently note that 2015 GMC Canyons received a recall (21V213000) for this exact issue—poor connections in the torque sensor harness. GM has not extended the recall to 2016 or newer model years, despite identical part numbers and failure patterns reported across forums. GM offered partial reimbursement to some owners but refused full coverage, leaving many with substantial out-of-pocket costs on a safety-critical system.
Same GMC Canyon steering reports on nearby years: 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Power Steering Loss / Torque Sensor Malfunction
Power steering assist cuts out unexpectedly during driving at any speed. Steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously: 'Service Power Steering,' 'Stabilitrak,' 'Loss of Power Steering - Drive with Care,' and sometimes traction control or ABS warnings. Turning the ignition off and restarting temporarily restores function, though the failure recurs within minutes to days. Diagnostics reveal steering column torque sensor or steering gear internal torque sensor electrical defects.
When: Occurs across mileage range from 9,735 to 190,000 miles; reported failures starting within first months of ownership through vehicle life. Happens at highway speeds (50-70 mph), low speeds, while turning, and sometimes on startup with no warning.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist suddenly stops working; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn; Service Power Steering warning light and chime; Stabilitrak/Vehicle Stability Control warning light; Loss of Power Steering - Drive with Care message; Traction control warning light; ABS warning light; Multiple warning lights illuminated simultaneously; Failures repeat sporadically after restart; may recur within miles or hours
Codes mentioned: C0545 - Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Malfunction, C0545 00 - Steering Wheel Torque Sensor (stored in DSCM), U0240 - ABS system failure, U0420 - Invalid data reported from steering control module, Service Bulletin 15595A - Power steering torque sensor harness connector issue
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing: steering gear assembly, steering rack and pinion assembly, steering column shaft, power steering control module, steering angle sensor, entire steering column, electric belt drive rack and pinion. Costs cited: $734 to $2,916.27. Some dealers ordered parts that arrived broken from factory. Software updates and steering angle sensor recalibration provided temporary fixes before failures recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V054 (Campaign ID) issued for 2015 GMC Canyon only (Recall Bulletin 15595A, NHTSA Campaign 21V213000), covering poor electrical connection in torque sensor harness connector. 2016 model year excluded from recall despite identical issue and part numbers. GM offered 80% coverage on repairs for some owners; others received partial reimbursement or customer satisfaction programs. OnStar diagnostic monitoring offered in some cases. Dealer service bulletins acknowledged the defect.
Complete Loss of Power Steering at Highway Speeds
Total loss of electric power steering assist while driving 50-70 mph, rendering steering wheel immovable without extreme physical force. Drivers unable to maneuver safely; some narrowly avoided collisions or went into ditches. Traction control and stability warnings illuminate. Restarting vehicle temporarily restores function.
When: Reported at highway speeds 50-70 mph; one incident at 65 mph while turning across traffic; one at 65 mph on toll road; one while ascending/descending mountain roads with switchbacks.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist at highway speed; Steering wheel becomes immovable or requires extreme force to turn; Traction control and stability warnings illuminate; Vehicle difficult to maneuver; driver veers to shoulder; Temporary restoration after restart
Codes mentioned: C0545 - Steering Wheel Torque Sensor Malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report steering gear assembly replacement, rack and pinion replacement. Cost $750-$1,900 out-of-pocket after partial GM reimbursement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V213000 issued for 2015 only. 2016 model year not included in recall coverage despite identical failure mechanism.
Steering Column / Steering Angle Sensor Defects
Steering column shaft or steering angle sensor electrical defects cause power steering assist to fail. Diagnosed as steering column misalignment or sensor calibration errors requiring column replacement or sensor recalibration. Failures become frequent despite repairs.
When: Reported from 9,735 miles (early ownership) to 150,000 miles. One vehicle required sensor recalibration at 55,468 miles; recalibration lasted one month before failure recurred.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist stops working; Steering wheel stiff and difficult to turn; Warning messages and lights as above; Failure recurs days to weeks after repair
Codes mentioned: Steering column shaft torque sensor failure, Steering angle sensor malfunction, Service Bulletin 15595A referenced
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement; steering angle sensor recalibration (temporary fix). One dealer noted service bulletin on file indicating this is a common problem.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletins issued; some dealers aware of pattern. 2016 model year excluded from recall programs despite known steering column defects affecting the platform.
Synthesized from 173 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
Warning on dash states Service Power Steering Drive With Care, results a complete loss of power steering assist. Happens at start up or while driving. Looses stability control and traction control as well.
The contact owned a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. The contact stated that an unknown steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed with power steering failure. The contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The…
Power steering goes out while driving and steering wheel will get hard
I lose steering like the recall says, would like dealer to fix this as part of existing recall
Driving down the road and power (electric) steering goes out. Power steering and traction control warnings lit up on the display. Almost impossible to steer without power steering. I am lucky that this didn't cause an accident-- very scary. This seems to be the same issue as the recall for the 2015s, but GM didn't recall the 2016s (even though online forums report that it was the same part…
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Service Power Steering" message was displayed, and the contact became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The traction control warning light…
Driving on expressway power steering went out, very hard to steer, warning light came on. Upon reaching destination, turned vehicle off, then back on, fixed the issue. This has happened again, two more times over a period of three months. This appears to resemble NHTSAC 16V054, or GMC recall N202325410. GMC dealer informed me vehicle reports diagnostic code C0545 which reflects the same issue…
Like thousands of other canyons/colorados, power steering fails at random times causing steering wheel to be ripped from hands. Extremely dangerous. Happens at all speeds, moving or stationary. I don't understand why it's only recalled on 2015 models when it's exactly same problem.
power steering shows stabillitrack and I lose control.
The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel was jerking with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or…
Had steering trouble with your 2016 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 2016 GMC Canyon?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 173 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 60 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 48,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 65,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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/2016/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.