2018 Chevrolet Colorado Problems

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The ignition switch will frequently lock when turning off and not allow the electrical system to fully turn off and prevent you from removing the key. It happens randomly but has been increasing in frequency.

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.

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

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.

The Stibilitrack in the truck went out just after 20 minutes of driving in 34 degree rainy weather at 65 mph. Found out that it was the passenger front bearing reluctor had chipped away, which is what the wheel speed sensor reads. Once one those go out, you lose Stibilitrack and ABS. I believe that this is a significant safety issue, and a poorly engineered/designed system. The rear system reads gear which is what should be in the front should have as well, not a "magnetic ring". This should be fixed so that noone gets injured or killed. It's also a waste of consumer money that you have to change out an entire wheel bearing hub assembly to fix the issue. Shame on the company. In the photos, notice that half the black ring (the reluctor) is missing.

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.

Key can't be removed when the truck is in park. Locks go up and down when vehicle is moving. Transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Stabilitrack and traction control indicator lights appear on dashboard. Exhaust brake and traction control switches don't work.

The driver side seat belt does not immediately latch when placed in the seat belt housing. To secure the seat belt the driver must keep placing the seat belt latch into the housing multiple times in order for the latch to secure. When brought to the attention of a local Chevrolet Service Center, their response was to pay >$400 to replace the seat belt housing (near the seat). The service center is Lamb Chevrolet in Prescott, Arizona.

Seat belt buckle receiver occasionally does not “click” all the way and takes at times multiple attempts to connect. No light shows that it is disconnected. I’ve noticed it with both front seat belts receiver. Unknown with rear seats I’ve never sat in my vehicles backseats to confirm it there. Unknown if I can get them inspected upon request at my local dealer as they have not been the best with customer service. Seat belt not working correctly doesn’t give me confidence in it in the event of a collision. Unknown if reproduced No inspection has been conducted as of the time of this report. Will move to get that done asap.

See attached document for complaint.

See attached document for complaint.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD BOUNCED UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JEFF GORDON CHEVROLET (228 S COLLEGE RD, WILMINGTON, NC 28403) WHERE THEY ADJUSTED THE HOOD LATCH BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OCEAN CITY CHEVROLET (2366 OCEAN HWY W, SHALLOTTE, NC 28459) WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD BE CALLED BACK FOR AN UPDATE. SINCE THE INITIAL CONVERSATION, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD BEEN UNABLE IN REACHING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,901. *BF *AS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE FENDER WHEEL/CARGO BED WERE BUCKLING AND RIPPLING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL AMERICAN CHEVROLET OF SAN ANGELO (203 NORTH BRYANT BLVD, SAN ANGELO, TX 76903, 844-342-6320), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 95019035528. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.

The Stibilitrack in the truck went out just after 20 minutes of driving in 34 degree rainy weather at 65 mph. Found out that it was the passenger front bearing reluctor had chipped away, which is what the wheel speed sensor reads. Once one those go out, you lose Stibilitrack and ABS. I believe that this is a significant safety issue, and a poorly engineered/designed system. The rear system reads gear which is what should be in the front should have as well, not a "magnetic ring". This should be fixed so that noone gets injured or killed. It's also a waste of consumer money that you have to change out an entire wheel bearing hub assembly to fix the issue. Shame on the company. In the photos, notice that half the black ring (the reluctor) is missing.

Master Cylinder leaked into booster an brake fluid got into vac pump. Broke the pump an damaged the end of the cam. Was told metal pieces of cam that broke off where in motor. Had to take a 3600 dollar loss for selling less than what was owed. Car vibration on bad cam. But brakes were repaired with a new pump.

El vehículo en muchas ocasiones no quiere encender el tablero, se vuelve loco como si quisiera apagar ah blim, queda mucho ah, las luces del tablero y la radio se encienden y apagan

The Multimatic DSSV damper in the left rear lost its fluid through a leak. Various forums indicate there is a design flaw with the DSSV for the ZR2. A blown shock renders the vehicle unbalanced, and marginally safe in unexpected rough terrain or when pulling a trailer. These dampers or shocks have shafts that are too thin and poorly designed seals, causing them to leak.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HOOD BOUNCED UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INITIALLY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO JEFF GORDON CHEVROLET (228 S COLLEGE RD, WILMINGTON, NC 28403) WHERE THEY ADJUSTED THE HOOD LATCH BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OCEAN CITY CHEVROLET (2366 OCEAN HWY W, SHALLOTTE, NC 28459) WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. SHE WAS THEN INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD BE CALLED BACK FOR AN UPDATE. SINCE THE INITIAL CONVERSATION, THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER AND HAD BEEN UNABLE IN REACHING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,901. *BF *AS

THE BOTTOM SEAT COVER RETAINING CLIP KEEPS COMING LOOSE ON BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT, AND CAN START TO TEAR THE SEAT COVER. THIS APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN ENTERING OR LEAVING THE VEHICLE. IT CAN BE CLIPPED BACK, BUT QUICKLY COMES LOOSE AGAIN. I HAVE RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR; THEY PUT THE CLIP BACK IN PLACE, BUT IT QUICKLY CAME LOOSE AGAIN. I HAVE PUT IT BACK ON AND IT CONTINUES TO COME LOOSE.

Rear back up camera at night is extremely bright and blinding to driver. Makes it useless at night and dangerous. There's no way to lower brightness setting for night time back up moves. I've seen many complaints on this. We owners shouldn't have to pay to have this fix.

He wiring harness to the 4wd kept coming on which wouldn’t allow me to ingage. Mountain Chevy citified mechanic found a chafing on the wiring harness. After filing it my truck started to light up like a Christmas tree, Stability service, trailer brake service, Locker service, Power streering service and they done turn off. Which is caused by more chafing wires that are to close to components of the engine bay getting to hot. Now my power steering turns off and when driving the truck it kicks on and make me loose control of the vehicle. Big diffect on Chevys manufacturing this vehicle. I’m not able to drive it and now they keep telling me that they don’t have the part or can’t find it.

At approximately 6:15am while driving at approx 45MPH on a surface street on the right lane, I noticed an alert on the dashboard regarding the PSI of the rear driver side tire had 0 PSI of pressure and simultaneously heard the thudding sounds of a flat tire. I neither heard, nor felt any impact and there were no potholes in that section of road. I pulled over and called for roadside assistance to replace the tire with my spare. I noticed a large tear from the tread nearly all the way down to the bead along the wall of the tire. Tire M+S 255/65 R17 110T. When the tech arrived he noted the tire was new (purchase and installed 42 days earlier). I asked if he's seen this before as I hadn't, and he said he'd only seen it when a driver hit a curb, which I had not. In the early evening I took the tire back to the shop where it was purchased and before even looking at the tire they informed me I "must have hit something" and will just need to purchase a replacement. After they inspected the tire at my insistence, they concluded I must've hit something but I believe it was a case of confirmation bias. I pointed out, and they did not refute, that there was no other damage to the tire, no damage to the rim, and no damage to the vehicle. The subject tire is still in my possession and available for inspection.

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the transmission was flushed and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 82,630.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES OF THE FENDER WHEEL/CARGO BED WERE BUCKLING AND RIPPLING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ALL AMERICAN CHEVROLET OF SAN ANGELO (203 NORTH BRYANT BLVD, SAN ANGELO, TX 76903, 844-342-6320), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 95019035528. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.