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 ↗2019 Chevrolet Colorado steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
21
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Colorado | 351 |
| 2016 Colorado | 446 |
| 2017 Colorado | 19 |
| 2018 Colorado | 18 |
| 2019 Colorado (this page) | 21 |
| 2020 Colorado | 9 |
| 2021 Colorado | 10 |
| 2022 Colorado | 11 |
| 2023 Colorado | 6 |
What stands out
Among the 15 model years of Chevrolet Colorado in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has a recurring steering failure pattern documented across 21 complaints. The most common issue is abrupt loss of power steering assist, leaving the wheel stiff and nearly impossible to turn—this happens at highway speeds and low-speed turns alike, creating genuine hazard scenarios. Owners report failures starting at 8,000 miles and continuing through 55,000 miles, often with zero warning before power assist vanishes.
Dealers report water intrusion and corroded harnesses inside the power steering module as the root cause. Some owners have had the module replaced only to experience the same failure within weeks or at similar mileage. One owner has now replaced the module twice; another also needed the steering column replaced due to rust damage.
Many narratives mention a mechanical binding condition where the steering resists turning during turns above 45 degrees, then releases suddenly and causes the vehicle to overcorrect into another lane. A few owners describe the power steering cutting in and out unpredictably with no warning lights, making the issue impossible for mechanics to replicate in the shop.
Dealers frequently deny knowledge of recalls or TSBs, even though owners have found evidence online of 2015 Colorado recalls for the same power steering issue. Repair costs range from $750 to over $5,000 when multiple repair attempts are needed, and warranty companies have denied claims by labeling it a "known issue."
Same Chevrolet Colorado steering reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Module Failure
Complete loss of electric power steering assist, leaving the steering wheel stiff and difficult or impossible to turn. Owners report abrupt onset with or without prior symptoms, often while driving or immediately after starting the vehicle.
When: 8,000 to 55,000 miles; some failures occur after the vehicle has sat unused for a week or longer
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff or unresponsive; Complete loss of power assist; Warning messages: 'Service power steering unit drive carefully', U0121, U0131; Traction control warning lights may appear; Difficulty steering at any speed, especially hazardous at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report $750–$1,800+ for power steering module replacement. In at least one case, dealer also found corroded harness and water buildup in unit; another owner required steering column/shaft replacement due to rust.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM issued a recall on 2015 Colorado models for power steering issues. Owners report that dealers claim no recall exists for 2019 models, despite online evidence of technical service bulletins (TSBs). One extended-warranty company (AUL) denied a claim citing the issue as 'known.'
Intermittent Power Steering Loss
Power steering assistance cuts in and out unpredictably during normal driving, then restarts without intervention. No consistent trigger or warning lights; intermittent nature makes it difficult for mechanics to diagnose or reproduce.
When: Occurs at various mileages and speeds; one failure at approximately 8,000 miles after idle period
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering cuts out momentarily then returns; No warning lights appear; Loss of steering control for a brief period; Engine shutdown and complete electrical loss in one instance (lights and dashboard went dark)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to identify or replicate the failure. One owner's truck sat at the dealership for weeks without resolution; another was told by dealer that no cause could be found despite the owner experiencing loss of control.
Steering Binding and Stiffness (Mechanical/Motor)
Steering becomes difficult or impossible to turn smoothly, particularly during turns over 45 degrees of wheel rotation. May involve an internal steering motor failure or a binding condition that releases abruptly, causing sudden steering correction.
When: Observed at 44,000 miles; occurs at low speeds and during parking-lot maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel binds or locks periodically during turns; Excessive force needed to steer; Steering may release suddenly after binding, causing oversteer; No warning lights; issue can be reproduced when vehicle is stationary; Rattling noise preceding steering lockup in one instance
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer identified an 'internal failure in the steering motor.' Repairs not documented in narratives provided.
Front-End Vibration with Stiff Steering
Vibration in the front left wheel combined with very stiff steering that becomes progressively worse with continued driving. May follow alignment or tire rotation, suggesting a more complex underlying issue.
When: Observed after purchase; one example at relatively low mileage on a certified pre-owned vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in front left wheel, especially noticeable at 40–50 mph; Steering becomes very stiff and requires increased effort to turn; Problem worsens the more the vehicle is driven; Temporary relief from tire rotation and alignment does not resolve the issue long-term
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer replaced the rack and realigned the vehicle, but the vibration and stiffness returned within days.
Steering Rack Failure
Internal failure of the steering rack, causing sudden loss of steering control and the steering wheel to refuse directional input in one or both directions.
When: Observed at 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel will not turn in a particular direction (e.g., right); Complete loss of steering control; No warning messages prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Confirmed by independent service center. Specific repair costs not provided.
Water Intrusion Causing Corrosion
Water enters the power steering module or related components, causing corrosion of the harness and internal electrical parts. Leads to repeated power steering failures even after repair.
When: Repetitive failures occur around 25,000 miles; water damage recurs after replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering momentarily stops during turns; Vehicle drifts or pulls unpredictably after power assist cuts in and out; Oversteer condition when power returns; Repeat failures within the same mileage bracket after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering module replacement is necessary. One owner has had the module replaced twice for the same water-intrusion issue. Another case required replacement of the steering column/shaft due to rust damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One independent mechanic mentioned a recall on 2015 models for what appears to be the same technical issue; mechanics note this is a 'known problem.' However, dealerships deny existence of applicable recalls for 2019 models.
Synthesized from 21 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The electronic power steering failed while driving making the steering of the vehicle difficult and if my wife or child had been driving this could have resulted in an accident if they could not steer the vehicle without the power assistance. The instrument cluster displayed to service the power steering unit. Mechanics diagnostic is that it was the corrosion of water entering the system.…
Had steering trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 21 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?
Based on the 21 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 23,317 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.