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2016 GMC Canyon: loss of power steering

83 of the 271 complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints
83
of this car's complaints
31%
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
62,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 27 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

  • 2023
    3
  • 2022
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    83
  • 2015
    119
  • 2009
    1
  • 2007
    2

What owners say

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Steering · KY

2016 GMC Canyon Power Steering failure exactly the same as the recall done on the 2015 GMC Canyon in 2021. While I am driving, for the last 5 days, my power steering and stabilitrac will shut off, and a warning sign will appear on my dash. I have researched it fully and the same exact recall was done on the 2015 model, and a lot of people have complained about this issue. It is not safe and very difficult to steer while driving, especially at slow speeds.

Filed Jun 20, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

Power steering and StabiliTrack warning pops-up randomly and cuts off power steering assistance while I'm driving on the highway or on country roads. The power steering is very hard to maneuver. However, when it's safe to do so, I have to pull over on a safe place and have to restart my truck twice, in order to regain power steering. I have taken it to an independent mechanic and to a Chevy dealership on Merced. The dealership service tech informed me that in order to service the vehicle and find the code that is making this issue, that I would have to continue driving the truck and bring it in to the dealership with the power steering and StabiliTrack warning. According to the technician, they can't do much due to that they don't know what is causing the power steering to malfunction. I haven't been able to take it to the dealership because the warnings have occurred while I'm far away from a dealership or diagnosis area. Also, I will not risk my safety maneuvering a vehicle that has lost electric power steering around a city where lots of left or right turns are necessary to drive to a locality. This is the only vehicle I have to go to work or travel and fear for my safety when this happens. PLEASE HELP.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Steering · TX

1. The power steering failed when I was driving my 2016 GMC Truck. 2. The failure caused the steering of the truck to be very difficult putting myself and any passengers at risk. 3. This issue occurred on 2/19/26 at about 3:00PM Central time while driving. Power steering warning lights did illuminate. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone at this time. Please note there is a safety recall associated with the 2015 GMC Canyons for the exact same problem. Instructions were given to submit a report to the federal safety agency and the vehicle's owner may be eligible for reimbursement or free repair is a "hidden," warranty extension or "customer satisfaction program" covers it.

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 May 2, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · TX

While driving the power steering went out making the vehicle difficult to control. Once I stopped the vehicle and turned it off then back on, the power steering came back on leading me to believe an electrical issue is the cause

Filed Apr 8, 2025 · Steering · AL

When turning truck, power steering went out and made it difficult to turn. Code for service stabilitrack and service electronic steering system came on dash. Could not properly turn vehicle and almost crossed into oncoming traffic.

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.

Questions about the 2016 GMC Canyon power steering loss

Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 2016 GMC Canyon?

83 of 271 owner complaints about the 2016 GMC Canyon (31%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 2015.

How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the 2016 GMC Canyon?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 8 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2016 GMC Canyon?

There are 0 recalls and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2016 GMC Canyon

Loss of power 53Hesitation 8Steering lock-up 7Check engine light 6Jerking 6Stalling 6ABS 5Shudder 5

All model years of the GMC Canyon

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