2016 GMC Canyon: sudden loss of power

Filed Feb 11, 2026 · Steering · TX

Loss of power steering. This is a known problem with the 2015 GMC Canyon models. My 2016 GMC Canyon has the same problem. This is a serious issue. A recall should be issued. It has happened to me several times.

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Driver assistance, Engine · 70,263 miles · OR

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that upon attempting to leave the driveway, the vehicle was shifted into drive and the engine experienced a complete loss of automotive power, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality while driving at 65 MPH, and the traction control and vehicle stabilization warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the 4-WD assembly, steering electronic motor, steering angle sensor, and the electric belt drive rack and pinion steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,263.

Filed Sep 29, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · 105,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that the headlights failed to activate automatically. Additionally, one of the phone charger ports had become inoperable. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. A message advising that the power steering was inoperable and to drive carefully was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH after the power steering failure, the vehicle was pulling to the right. The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Filed Apr 26, 2025 · Steering · TX

4/17/2025:Approached a 4 way intersection and truck steering lost power assist. Vehicle engine still running and hard steered thru intersection. A convenience store on corner so turned wheel (manually) into parking lot. StabiliTrak light was on as well, turned key off. Re start truck and power steering good, stabiitrak light off. 4/25/2025: Driving truck and stopped at red light, truck engine stopped. Pressed accelerate pedal, no response. Turned key off and back on, started and drove normal with no problems.

Filed Mar 29, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · VA

The vehicle will lose power steering while driving. The lights come on for stabilitrak and traction control then it says power steering is gone. It randomly deactivates the power steering, while driving. It's extremely dangerous and have almost had accidents. They are telling me that it may not be under a recall. If gmc used the same steering box as the previous model year, the same issue is occurring. Intermittent power steering failure.

Filed Mar 18, 2025 · Steering · AZ

stability tracker alerts, then loss of power steering, would happen randomly, sometimes few times in a row, sometime after shutting down vehicle would reset it - other times not. safety issue when: 1) driving on freeway - made steering difficult if/when needing to make sudden turn or lane change 2) 90 degree turns would be difficult 3) sudden loss of steering ability when there is other traffic oncoming. Taken to auto shop - they ran a few checks, but the issue was sporadic, usually does not happen right away, so it was not reproducible on demand. First repair was for inspection and fluids, did not find issue with the Stability Tracker. When the problem resumed again, took the vehicle back to the shop and they researched the issue more and recommended replacing the steering column. The technician said the issue was on a Recall on previous year/model but not the 2016. The issue started about mid-2024. So far as of 3/2025 the issue has not happened since the column replacement on 2/12/2025. Warning would be the Stability Tracker

Filed Mar 17, 2025 · Steering · 94,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became stiff and difficult to turn. The traction control and Service Vehicle Soon lights were illuminated. The message "Power Steering Fault - Drive with Care” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the shoulder lane to restart the vehicle and was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall, and there was no failure cause for the failure found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

Filed Mar 3, 2025 · Steering · 190,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Canyon. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The power steering, the transfer case, and the anti-sway warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH around a curve, the failure recurred. The contact depressed the brake pedal, and the vehicle decelerated; however, the vehicle went into a ditch, which scratched paint off the front passenger's side plastic bumper. There was no injury sustained. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as needed. The contact was able to resume driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with steering column sensor failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: RQ19001 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Steering · IN

Power Steering system failure warning message followed by a Stabilitrac system failure warning which caused the drivers front side brake to apply. I could not duplicate the brake application issue with the dealer but the other failures which included loss of power steering at highway speeds and lack of stabilitrac system was repeatable. A full replacement of power steering rack was performed with a front end alignment after dealing with the problem for weeks. Was told this manufacturing failure was covered for free in models newer and older than my truck (same model) but my truck was not covered. This is unsafe and not acceptable.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Steering · TX

I was driving 70 MPH on the highway when I received a warning on my dash that stated "service power steering, drive with care" and a second warning that stated "service stabilitrak". I immediately felt the steering wheel lock up and lost all power steering. My safety as well as others was put in risk as I was unable to maneuver the vehicle especially at the high rate of speed. Prior to this incident there had been no warning or other issues that could have signaled a failure. The problem was duplicated at the dealership and a code was given.

Filed Jun 16, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · MD

Received a stabilitrck error and lost power steering and traction control while driving. This appears to be a common and dangerous issue with this model vehicle.

Filed Apr 19, 2024 · Steering · AR

Randomly lose power steering control while operating vehicle, dealer diagnosed issue as same problem part in 2015 GMC Canyon Recall