2018 Chevrolet Colorado Complaints

ENGINE — Filed 08/25/2026

Crankshaft Position Tone Wheel delaminated, mechanic changed it out and not sure what they did with it. Stalled vehicle on uphill passing lane during rush hour traffic, cars where inches from me as they passed at 65-70 mph, I called 911 and had a state trooper come and direct traffic. Joe's Garage inspected my vehicle and did the repair. It was not inspected by anyone besides Joe's Garage to my knowledge. No warning, dashlights came on after engine stalled.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING — Filed 08/29/2026

There are these "New" headlights that are LED and White and they are far to bright for oncoming traffic to the point that I see black spots that block the view of the road. To be clear they are not on my vehicle specifically, but a ton of the newer vehicles.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/11/2026

When shifted into drive, transmission hesitates to accelerate. Not all the time, some of the time.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 07/08/2026

While driving at normal and safe highway speeds, without warning (no audible or visual warning from the vehicle information display) my vehicle experienced engine lockout, loss of all non-electric power, and no control over vehicle speed. A few seconds after loss, the information display did show a "check engine light" and that the engine was in "lockout." We (my spouse, young child, and self) were surrounded by multiple commercial semi-trucks and passenger vehicles and had to weave and serve to avoid collisions at highway speeds and get to the shoulder of the highway in a few seconds. The root cause as diagnosed by a Chevrolet Dealership Service Department was failure of the magnetic strip that is press fit to the reluctor (tone) wheel. A 1/2in piece of the magnetic strip was missing and over 10 cracks within the strip itself observed. This magnetic strip is used by the Engine Control Module to measure engine RPMs. The strip's failure caused the EMC to shutdown the engine without warning which is a significant hazard for controlled vehicle movement at highway speeds. My vehicle's engine (LWN) is one of the few GM designs that have the press fit magnetic strip reluctor wheels. The rest use integrated wheels with the crankshaft or traditionally stamped steel with machined teeth. The vehicle and reluctor wheel has not been inspected by GM or any other representatives. I offered to send images to GM for records but they declined.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 04/20/2026

I purchased the truck at the end of March 2025. Within a few weeks I was noticing different issues in the transmission. It would occasionally shudder, have jerky or long shifts, would jump gears and lose power. The shudder was random but mostly on the highway, the jerky or long shifts would mostly occur when the egjne was cold and more often in cold weather. The lose of power and jumping gears would occur when towing and when I was in the mountains, once losing power as I was turning onto a major highway. I took the truck in three times to get diagnosed but they couldnt replicate the issue or find a code. I finally decided to pay for a flush with the fluid that was recommended by a TSB. After the flush the issues were then replicated by the service techs. I have an extended warranty. The representative then inspected the truck and found the same issues and approved a transmission replacement. I took the truck in on June 22nd 2026. As of July 21 the dealership is still waiting for the replacement transmission to be shipped from GM.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 07/11/2026

66,500 miles transmission shudder. Scenic Chevrolet advised the torque converter failed and damaged the transmission.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/15/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The dealer was contacted and informed that the shift interlock switch failed to recognize that the transmission was shifted to park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance because the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/07/2025

My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving me unable to maintain normal speed or accelerate safely. I lost power needed to pass traffic and had limited ability to respond to road conditions. The problem has happened several times. It has also occurred while I was towing my boat, which left me unable to continue the trip safely and created a hazardous situation because the truck could not maintain normal towing power. The issue appears related to the diesel particulate filter/emissions system and repeated DPF/regen or exhaust aftertreatment problems. I am concerned that a design, calibration, or emissions-system defect is causing sudden power reduction during normal driving and towing. This creates an unreasonable safety risk, especially on mountain passes, two-lane highways, and while towing. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect involving the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel DPF/emissions system and reduced-engine-power strategy. I am also requesting that this complaint be considered with any similar complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, or emissions campaigns related to DPF regeneration, particulate matter sensor diagnostics, reduced engine power, or limp mode on the 2.8L Duramax Chevrolet Colorado.

STEERING — Filed 06/04/2026

Power steering failure, without incident. It started one morning, after turning off truck the previous day. Warning lights displayed as soon as truck was started. Very difficult to turn steering wheel. Too dangerous to drive. Dealer indicated the steering rack should be replaced.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 05/23/2026

Engine fails it violenty thumps and studders and drops from highway speed with no warning. This is a mfg. defect and also an EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. The engine studders and thumps and we were almost rear ended by a truck when our truck could not go into gear properly. It is very scary! Dealership confirmed that they have many vehicles with same issue and recommended a Super Flush of transmission but not sure this will correct problem or cause more problems. There is no warning when these incidents occur and the driver has no control to avoid it. It is commonly referred to as the Chevy thump and studder and a known mfg defect in which GM refuses to pay for repairs causing consumers an extreme hardship! This is an ongoing issue affecting thousands of vehicles and someone is going to die! There is no negligence of operator of vehicle, it is a manufacturing defect that affects thousands of GM vehicles and they are doing NOTHING about it except expecting customers to keep incurring cost to try to remedy a repair at our own expense which is unfair! The government needs to force a recall at GM's expense!

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/05/2025

Luggage and shudders at cruise speed, seems like auto transmission is coming apart. Paid $500 for the trans flush the service bulletin suggests but didn’t help, shop quoted a $8000 replacement on a vehicle with 60k miles. This should be a recall

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/17/2026

7.5 amp to fuel injectors has blown 2 times unknow reason causing loss of power 1st time on country road then 2nd time on a highway it's a common problem from the Chevy Colorado forums regarding the 2.8l lwn engine

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/11/2025

Highlighting a materials defect with the rear crankshaft reluctor ring on the 2.8 LWN Duramax, installed in the Army Infantry Squad Vehicle and the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado, from which it is based. When the ring delaminates, due to age, the vehicle engine shuts off and no start, rendered dead lined, as the ECU can no longer "see" the crank position. Requiring the transmission to be removed to rectify the issue.  I was pulling a trailer up a hill on the freeway when my truck down shifted, in an effort to slow down for a bus that was merging unexpectedly and the truck died at speed. The increase in RPM initiated an unplanned, instant disassembly of the ring due to cracking on the material and increased centrifugal force, shutting off the engine without warning, at speed. Again, just dead stick to the shoulder, towing a trailer, on the freeway. That could have been bad... Had truck towed to GM dealer, for a month-long repair.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/10/2025

transmission is not shfting properly.Truck losses speed and shutters when trying to accelerate.Difficulty climbing hills.Especially dangerous when merging with traffic.Only 33,000 miles on my truck.GM should recall to address this much complained about issue.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/20/2025

All the sensors seem to not be functioning correctly. Doesn't tell me the right measurements for the wheels, gas, over heating. Right front passenger door locks/unlocks when it wants. It chokes up when trying to accelerate. Theres a rattling noise that comes from under the car. First time I took it to the dealership, they stated it was a bolt that had come loose on the exhaust pipe. They placed a new one which lasted a year and a half and now its back to making the noise. I took it again to the dealership, this time they claimed they couldn't find anything. My airbag sensor keeps coming on constantly. My fuel sensor claims 116 miles one moments and 5 or 6 minutes later, it says I have 50 miles. My car was over heating and low on Anti-freeze, the car never notified it was over heating.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/26/2025

Fuel system leak and yes, it is available for inspection. My safety was at risk while I was driving the truck and smelled a very strong odor of gasoline enter the cab of the truck while I was driving with the windows rolled up. I immediately stopped the truck and got out and noticed flames coming out from underneath the bed in front of the left rear wheel, then the gas tank ignited shooting flames out like a flame thrower. The Fire Dept and the insurance company inspected it, and it was deemed a total loss. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of a problem prior to the fire. Here is what I found on the internet about this truck on the internet. The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado had one recall for a high-pressure fuel pump that could detach from its mounting flange. The recall began on July 2, 2018. What was the recall for? •The high-pressure fuel pump could detach from its mounting flange •The pump could damage the high-pressure fuel line What was the recall number? •The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) number for the recall was 18V-358 What did GM do to fix the issue? •GM notified owners and dealers replaced the high-pressure fuel pump and high-pressure fuel pipe for free How can you check if your vehicle is affected? •You can check your vehicle for open recalls by: oInputting your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at asburyauto.com oInputting your VIN at my.gm.com/recalls •2018 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab Recalls & Safety Notices Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, Malibu and Colorado an... Kelley Blue Book •2018 Chevy Colorado Problems & Complaints One recall has been issued for the 2018 Chevy Colorado and involves the poor attachment of the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel...

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/07/2025

I was ran off the road and hit a tree line in which a downed tree went through my windshield. The airbags failed to deploy. If I had not been wearing my seatbelt, I could've been decapitated

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 08/07/2023

The braking system did not engaged as expected when suddenly braking in freeway commute. This resulted in a vehicle collision. I believe this issue put myself and others in danger. There were no warning lamps.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/13/2021

While driving my truck overheated and Antifreeze was leaking inside the car. Due to the antifreeze leaking my windows were fogging up pretty quickly and I couldn’t see. Therefore having to stop in the middle of the road cause I could t see almost getting hit. Now I can not drive the my car due to the smell making my kids and myself sick. It also states in the paper work after buying my truck new that this is a defect part. This would be a heater core. Thanks for this heater core being inside the truck I almost was hurt.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/10/2021

WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND WE STARTED TO SMELL BURNED PLASTIC, WE PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WHERE MY 3 MONTH OLD BABY IN HER CAR SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR SEAT OUT AND FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE SEAT, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, FIRE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME IT'S A ELECTRICAL RELATED FIRE.THEY ARE NO SEAT WARMERS ON THE REAR SEATS.

ENGINE — Filed 11/27/2019

A FAULTY ENGINE BLOCK HEATER CAUSED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED ENGINE BLOCK HEATER WAS PLUGGED IN.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 09/26/2019

VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH AND UPPON DECELERATION THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND ALL FOUR TIRES LOCKED UP AND HAVING NO CONTROL OVER MOVEMENT OF THE TRUCK. NO ERROR CODES FOUND AND DEALERSHIP STATES IT WAS A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP ALMOST A MONTH WILL NO RESOLUTION.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/01/2019

THE VEHICLE HAD JUST DRIVEN BACK FROM A 50 MILE DRIVE AND WAS THEN PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN A VEHICLE FIRE OCCURRED (STARTING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT).

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/01/2019

THE VEHICLE HAD JUST RETURNED FROM A 50 MILE TRIP WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AND HAD BEEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN THE FIRE STARTED (FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT).

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/27/2017

I HAD TRUCK STATIONARY PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE ON A DIRT ROAD FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I HEARD A ODD SOUND LIKE "ARRRRR CLUNK" AND MY CAR ROLLED DOWN A HILL. I HAD MY CAR ON PARK WHILE ON 4LOW WITH THE ENGINE OFF. I DID NOT HAVE MY PARKING BRAKE ON THOUGH BUT THE INCLINE WAS SO SLIGHT I FEEL I DID NOT NEED IT. MY TRUCK WAS NOT LOADED WITH ANY EXTRA WEIGHT OR ANYTHING TO CAUSE IT TO ROLL DOWN THE HILL. I TRULY BELIEVE I AM NOT AT FAULT FOR THIS HAPPENING IT IS A BRAND NEW CAR HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN? PRIOR TO THIS I WAS NOT DOING ANYTHING EXTREME TO DAMAGE MY CAR IN ANY WAY. SOMETHING MUST HAVE FAILED ON MY TRUCK.