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 ↗2017 Chevrolet Colorado steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 26,861 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
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Colorado | 351 |
| 2016 Colorado | 446 |
| 2017 Colorado (this page) | 19 |
| 2018 Colorado | 18 |
| 2019 Colorado | 21 |
| 2020 Colorado | 9 |
| 2021 Colorado | 10 |
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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
Owners report two distinct steering failure patterns on 2017 Chevrolet Colorados. The most serious is sudden loss of electric power steering assist—either complete loss or intermittent dropout—often accompanied by warning messages ("Power Steering Failure," "Drive Safely," "Check Power Steering") and illuminated warning lights (Stabilitrak, brake warning). These failures occur at various speeds and mileage levels, sometimes during cold weather startup and other times without warning while driving or parking. One owner experienced uncommanded left turns requiring significant force to correct; another lost power steering after impact to the undercarriage damaged the plastic power steering module. A second failure mode involves the steering wheel locking or becoming stiff and difficult to turn, particularly during low-speed maneuvers like parking and turning through intersections. Some owners report the wheel "fights" them or locks mid-turn, then resumes function after shutdown. Owners cite Service Bulletin 16-NA-065 and recall coverage for 2015–2016 models with the same issue, but dealers denied coverage for 2017 models out of warranty. One dealer replaced the electric rack and pinion assembly; another replaced the power steering gearbox and wiring harness. Costs range from $900 to $1500 out of pocket. A few owners describe jerking or jumping steering response in 1–2 inch increments that resets after shutdown.
Same Chevrolet Colorado steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Loss or Intermittent Dropout
Complete or partial loss of electric power steering assist, often with warning messages and illuminated instrument panel alerts. Failures occur unpredictably while driving, parking, or at startup, sometimes triggered by cold weather.
When: Between 19,000 and 55,000 miles; cold weather startup noted in one case (near or below 0°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering assist; Warning messages: 'Power Steering Failure,' 'Drive Safely,' 'Check Power Steering'; Illuminated Stabilitrak and brake warning lights; Audible alarm on instrument display; Power steering dropout during highway and low-speed driving; Intermittent loss and return of assist at unpredictable intervals
Codes mentioned: C056D
Repairs/costs cited: Electric rack and pinion steering gear replaced (one case $900–$1500 out of pocket); power steering gearbox and wiring harness replaced in another case at 55,257 miles. One case involved replacement through different parts warehouse on engineer recommendation after initial part failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service Bulletin 16-NA-065 issued for 2015–2016 models, later extended to 2017–2018. Recall coverage denied for 2017 model out of warranty. One owner advised by GM service manager to let vehicle warm up before driving in cold conditions.
Steering Wheel Locking or Stiffness
Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn, locks in place mid-turn, or jerks abruptly during low-speed maneuvers. Some instances resolve after vehicle shutdown.
When: At various mileage; occurs during parking, low-speed turns, and intersection maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locked or extremely stiff; Inability to turn steering wheel smoothly; Steering wheel jerks or jumps in 1–2 inch increments; Steering 'fights' driver input; Complete loss of steering maneuverability during turns; Steering resumes function after vehicle shutdown or time delay
Repairs/costs cited: One case required power steering gearbox replacement at 55,257 miles with wiring harness replacement. Another case at dealer found vehicle 'operating as designed' with no repair performed.
Uncommanded Steering Input or Turning
Steering system initiates turns without driver input, causing vehicle to veer left or right. Requires significant driver force to correct.
When: At parking lot speeds (approximately 5–15 mph); first occurrence October 2019, recurrence November 2019
Symptoms owners cite: Uncommanded left turn with significant force required to straighten; Loud metal-to-metal sound from front of vehicle during service; Vehicle veers left without driver steering input
Repairs/costs cited: Electric belt drive rack and pinion steering gear replaced; same part replaced again through different warehouse on General Motors engineer recommendation after recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM engineer consulted; advised replacement of previously replaced part sourced through different parts warehouse.
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
On 25 october 2019, while moving forward after backing out of the parking space at my work, the truck began an uncommanded turn to the left. With significant force I was able to straighten the steering wheel. In light of the potential lack of steering control, I had the truck delivered to the courtesy GMC dealership in lafayette, louisiana for repair. According to the repair receipt, the…
I own a 2017 Chevy colorado z71 4x4. Once back on the highway after off-roading on the beach, while forward driving at roughly 50 MPH I ran over a chopped piece of fire wood in the road. The piece of wood contacted the skid plate, which then collapsed the hollow skid plate bracket welded to the front cross section/axle of the chassis, which then flattened into the plastic power steering module(s)…
The contact’s husband owns a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, the steering wheel jerked. The contact stated that she was concerned for her safety while driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure almost caused a crash. The power steering and stabili-trak warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not…
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 steering problem on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 19 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 19,400 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 26,861. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,400; a quarter make it past 40,000. 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/2017/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.