While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.
2016 Chevrolet Colorado: engine failure
10 of the 716 complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado describe engine failure.
- owner complaints
- 10
- of this car's complaints
- 1%
- typical mileage
- 104,000
- recalls
- 0
Engine failure by model year
What owners say
-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2016 Chevrolet Colorado VIN: [XXX] Engine: 2.5L I4 (camshaft-driven brake system assist vacuum pump failure). GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 (Nov 2021) confirms that if vacuum pump drive lugs are broken, replacement of both the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft is required which was the case. Parts kept by repair facility that performed service. Autonation Chevrolet South Clearwater FL 33764. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? May, 2025 the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking (hard/stiff brake pedal). This is a safety-critical failure. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes by shop stated above. Diagnosis showed a seized engine brake system vacuum pump (driven by the exhaust camshaft) that had sheared drive lugs and produced metal debris which damaged the exhaust camshaft and associated components. The repair required replacement of the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft; my total repair cost was over $4,000. The camshaft was not readily available and I required a rental car for over 30 days while waiting for parts. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? System and parts inspected by shop above. GM Special Coverage N182202780 (Apr 2019) addresses vacuum-pump related decreased brake assist for certain 2014–2017 GM trucks/SUVs, but Colorado is not listed in that bulletin’s model list. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check Engine came on at time of brake loss (Brake Vacuum Pump Failure). Immediate system failure. I request the federal safety agency send me a copy of any investigation number or record created for this complaint, and I request guidance on whether I may be eligible for reimbursement under any GM program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to strike a tree. The stabili-trac warning light was illuminated. Neither the dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 104,000.
I posted on 4/14 incident happened on 4/9. The same has happened on now on 7/29. I am glad just leaving my home on side street. Here in ludlow ma, I received same codes and steering has seized up again. I shut truck off and turned on. Codes reset and I can drive. Only vehicle at this time. I had a death and couldn't bring to dealer anyway cuz can't drive unless I reset by shutting down vehicle to regain steering. Same codes t/c straction and steering drive with care which means no power steering. This is past 90 days and second time since purchased under a month the first it happened. I could not take it to dealer under nor did I call but I took a moving picture.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH the "Stability Control" and "Service Power Steering" warning lights illuminated and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to continue driving however, it was difficult to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact stated that the failure recurred at various speeds. The contact regained normal power steering functionality by stopping and turning off and restarting the vehicle. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that from idle to up to 55 MPH, the steering seized, and the power steering failure warning light illuminated. The vehicle became difficult to steer causing the contact to drive into the grass on a slight decline on the side of the road. The contact backed out of the grass and waited a while to regain proper power steering functionality. The contact stated that the power steering had failed a second time. The vehicle had been taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed. The dealer replaced the wire from the battery to the alternator. The failure persisted and became more persistent. The failure occurred approximately 12 or more times within 3 days. The steering failure was self-corrected after being idling for a while however, the contact turned off the vehicle and then wait to restart it to regain proper power steering functionality at other times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,150.
Vacuum pump failed and developed a tear almost leading to an accident. Now part of the pump system broke into motor leading to potential engine failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in park, the steering wheel seized while the service power steering assist warning light illuminated intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled and shut-off while in park. The contact waited for approximately two minutes for the vehicle to resume normal operation. Jon hall chevrolet (551 n nova rd, daytona beach, fl 32114, (866) 783-3101) was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 39,980.
When pulling into traffic circle from low speed, no throttle response. Engine died or had no input to propel vehicle. Change of gear selector had no affect. Not until pushed to side of road, completely shut off and remove key did engine restart or have any response to throttle input.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle...
- This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000...
- This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in...
- This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
- This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter...
- This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified...
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine failure
Is engine failure a common problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
10 of 716 owner complaints about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado (1%) mention engine failure. The model year with the most reports is 2015.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
There are 0 recalls and 321 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado
Power steering loss 192Loss of power 123Jerking 30Stalling 28Steering lock-up 19Hesitation 18Check engine light 17ABS 13Shudder 11Won't shift 10Adaptive cruise 7Backup camera 7Fuel pump 6Slipping 5Won't start 5
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