2020 Chevrolet Colorado Owner Complaints

My 2020 Colorado at 14k miles, the dealer did the transmission oil flush and it helped till the warranty ran out. Now I have the same problem again at 32k miles. I bought the truck because GM said the problem with 8L/45 trans was fixed in 2019. To my knowledge there has been no update to the slipping clutch in GM's torque convertor. If I were to replace the convertor with another one just like it I could have the same problem. My Dealer ([XXX])says my lifetime warranty (that I got with my new Colorado) doesn't cover the transmission? And that if they do another $600 oil flush they don't guarantee it will fix anything. I think when the flush is done, they don't change the trans filter. I'm sure the clutch particles that are left behind after the flush are probably stopping up the filter. I just replaced the DOD/AFM cam and lifters in my GM car's 6.2 liter. It's a shame that manufacture's can get away with these kind of problems. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11764099

Incident

Jan 13, 2022

On September 4, 2026, I experienced an extremely serious and frightening braking failure while driving my 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L. I was driving my granddaughter to school and was pulling into the school's carpool/drop-off area at approximately 20 mph. This was an especially dangerous location because children, parents, vehicles, and school personnel were in the immediate area. As I attempted to slow and stop the vehicle, the brake pedal suddenly became extremely hard and the vehicle would not stop normally. The dashboard displayed “Service Brake Assist,” and the check-engine light illuminated. I pressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle continued moving. Realizing that the normal brakes were not stopping the truck, I engaged the emergency/parking brake. The emergency brake slowed the vehicle somewhat, but even then the vehicle did not come to a complete stop. I ultimately had to place the vehicle in PARK to get it stopped. Fortunately, I was traveling at a low speed and was able to prevent the vehicle from striking a child, pedestrian, another vehicle, or other property. My granddaughter was also inside the vehicle at the time. This was an extremely frightening situation that could very easily have resulted in catastrophic injuries or death. The fact that this occurred in a school carpool/drop-off area surrounded by children makes the seriousness of this failure especially concerning. There was no reasonable warning that I was about to lose normal braking assistance. I am reporting this incident because I believe this vehicle may have experienced a serious safety-related defect involving the braking/brake-assist system. I am requesting that this incident be documented and that NHTSA investigate whether other owners of 2020 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles, particularly those equipped with the 2.5L four-cylinder engine, have experienced similar sudden losses of brake assist or braking ability.

NHTSA ID

11762094

Incident

Sep 4, 2026

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Colorado through [XXX], the truck began having difficulty accelerating. As I exited the highway and turned into a gas station, the truck suddenly lost power. The steering became extremely difficult, and I lost normal brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and I had to apply extreme force to stop the truck and avoid crashing into a wall at the gas station. Fortunately, no collision occurred. The truck was towed to Ed Corley Ford in [XXX] because I was stranded in a remote area with very limited options. They diagnosed a failed/broken vacuum pump and told me replacing it should make the truck operable so I could drive it home to [XXX]. I authorized the repair. After replacing the vacuum pump, they told me they started the truck and heard an abnormal sound. They shut it off, and when they tried to restart it, the truck would not start. They wanted to perform additional diagnosis, but I declined and had the truck transported back to [XXX] for evaluation by a Chevrolet dealership. Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville inspected the truck. Their technician removed the camshaft position sensor and used a borescope to inspect the camshaft. They documented that the camshaft is damaged at the end where it connects to the vacuum pump and stated the actuator pin was most likely bent due to the vacuum-pump failure, damaging the camshaft and causing it to be slightly out of time. I have also been informed of engine damage. The truck remains inoperable and is currently available for inspection. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the vacuum-pump failure resulted in a sudden loss of normal brake assist while I was driving and was followed by camshaft/engine damage. I am asking NHTSA to investigate this failure and similar Chevrolet Colorado complaints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11761467

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

a/c control knocks out tempter senor and gauge goes to zero and check engine light comes on, gas mileage goings to hell, turn off engine clutch fan runs for several minutes, can still touch water hoses by hand and not even hot. This is a big safety problem because I'm looking at the gauge and now causing more smog! Chevrolet Merele Stone in Porterville CA had it all day reporting A GM Strat sticking ,it was a brand new gm delco and senor and still doing it . It's a $1000.00 to repair itThey had to jump start my truck went picking it up. tried to charge the battery over night but dead battery, had to replace it $250.00 expense, and $189.00 to denoised. Called GM for a appointment in Visalia to check the problem 42 mile on way from home and showed up to No APPOINTMENT!

NHTSA ID

11756785

Incident

Nov 10, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred while driving 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTCs P0024 and P0014 were retrieved, indicating exhaust camshaft position system performance issues for Bank 2 and Bank 1. The contact associated the failure with GM Special Coverage Number: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The dealer swapped the camshaft position sensor actuators between both banks and cleared the codes. The contact was advised that the cause of the failure would be determined if the diagnostic trouble codes returned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the special coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 36,500.

NHTSA ID

11755484

Incident

Jul 4, 2026

Mileage

36,500 mi

Vacuum pump seized, causing loss of power assist on brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection to make a right-hand turn. When I press down on the brake pedal it felt hard, like it was locked up. After pressing down on it with both feet, I was able to slow the vehicle down enough to turn out of the intersection. If this event happened when there was another vehicle in the intersection or approaching the intersection on the side street that I was turning onto, it would have led to a collision. Not being able to slow down adequately, I had to swing wide in the turn. This incident happened at a relatively slow speed. If it had happened at highway speeds it could have been catastrophic. There was no warning light prior to the incident the check engine light did not come on until after the incident. The Pump seizure caused the connecting coupling between the exhaust cam and pump to shatter. The damage was extended to the exhaust cam and valve cover and leaving metal fragments in the engine. The local Chevrolet dealer has given me an estimate for the repair of over $2400

NHTSA ID

11741310

Incident

May 31, 2026

While driving at any speed when steering wheel is at the 1 to 2 o' clock position on a right turn, steering wheel wobbles and regardless of road condition. Stabitrack warning light comes on occasionally.

NHTSA ID

11738340

Incident

May 4, 2025

Plastic fuel supply line leaked from front of fuel tank area . the vehicle (2020 chevrolet colorado) was towed to the chevrolet service facility, after it was discovered leaking on my driveway. Gas was smelled while I was driving. I do have the failed hose. It was indeed damaged. Possibly chewed through by a rodent, mouse or squirrel. The colorado is allways parked in my blacktop driveway. Safety risk is substantial gas leak without any warning while driving or in a garage potential fire or explosion. Dealer service confirmed and replaced the hose. I reported to Chevrolet by phone on (4/30/2026).I was told report started & put in system. No warning light or alarm occured.

NHTSA ID

11736649

Incident

Apr 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact switched to manual driving mode and downshifted the transmission. The vehicle came to a stop after driving over a dirt pile. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the hydraulic line was rubbing against the parking brake cable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,400.

NHTSA ID

11730773

Incident

Apr 11, 2026

Mileage

102,400 mi

the power brake booster was found broken on 1/29/2026. Through repairs, i've found vacuum pump race being completely damaged and exhaust camshaft end that linked with vacuum pump is also damaged.

NHTSA ID

11730626

Incident

Jan 29, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft position sensor failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under a Manufacturer Extended Warranty coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA ID

11726345

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

Mileage

119,000 mi

While driving in grocery store parking lot. The brake booster completely failed with no notice almost causing me to hit someone. I had to throw the truck in park while moving to avoid hitting pedestrians. The brake pedal is completely compressed to the floor as I was stomping the brakes in an attempt to stop. Had I not thought quick enough I would of hit at least 2 people.

NHTSA ID

11722150

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the air bag warning had been turning off and on intermittently for almost 2 years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was recently taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA ID

11721768

Incident

Apr 5, 2024

Mileage

26,000 mi

My truck has been shuddering and when put into gear it sounds like the bottom is falling out of it. Now when I am driving my truck is shuddering very hard and skipping gears. I have been having this issue since I bought the truck with only 47k miles and I have only put 40k miles on this truck in the past 3 years that I have owned it. I keep the maintenance up on my truck and have since I’ve owned it and I have already put a complaint into GM, when I bought the truck it has had electrical issues and the dealership is not helping. My warranty is out on this truck and GM said there is nothing they can do to help with my transmission or electrical problems. This truck has not even hit 100k and I’m so upset that I am having these many problems and no one is wanting to help, they just want my money. I can’t afford an attorney or I would sue this dealership for selling me a Lemon and for GM knowing about there faulty transmission in my year truck and not standing behind it!

NHTSA ID

11713350

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Had transmission serviced, was told the transmission was no good and about to fail Quoted $8000.00 dollars to repair

NHTSA ID

11711885

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Vehicle has 54,250 miles. Vehicle has a rear differential bearing going out by hearing and feeling the grinding at all speeds and the transmission jerks shafting gears. Both could cause an accident if totally fail. Chevrolet has a service bulletin out from what my local garage says. Mechanic also says Chevrolet will not warranty the product. Vehicle is now being looked at by a Chevrolet dealer. The vehicle is OUT OF WARRANTY. My son, who is [XXX] and not familiar with vehicles thought it was the tires causing the whining and vibration. Took the vehicle in several times to Chevy and they ignored the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11709610

Incident

Dec 23, 2025

The vehicle experienced a sudden and progressive transmission failure during normal driving conditions. Symptoms included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, loss of power transfer, and eventual inability to reliably propel the vehicle. The failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior while in traffic. The transmission issue was not the result of improper maintenance. The vehicle was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The condition worsened over time and ultimately required dealer inspection. A dealership inspected the vehicle and attributed the failure to a transmission defect, characterizing it as a maintenance issue despite no evidence of neglect. The transmission and related components remain available for inspection upon request. No warning lights provided adequate advance notice prior to the functional failure. The issue occurred without driver misuse and under ordinary driving conditions.

NHTSA ID

11708513

Incident

Aug 31, 2025

Torque converter shudder. Had dealer do the recommended flush which cost $800 and still has same issue.

NHTSA ID

11703534

Incident

Aug 16, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle vibrated and shook abnormally, as if driven over ripples on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were balanced. The contact picked up the vehicle and stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission oil failed to heat up as intended, and condensation had built up in the transmission. The dealer added Mobil 1 transmission oil to heat up the oil and remove the condensation. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle needed to be driven between 200 and 400 miles to remove the condensation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11698954

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

Mileage

80,000 mi

Defective Torque Converter at estimated 92k miles even after following all preventive maintenance schedule.

NHTSA ID

11688248

Incident

Aug 4, 2025

Transmission shuttering mostly at interstate speeds but as slow as 35 mph. Under light to medium light pedal acceleration. Truck feels as if it's going over Road ripples. I'm disappointed to find out this is a common problem with Chevy 8-speed Transmissions. It happens every time I drive it. From time to time it'll shake the truck a little violently

NHTSA ID

11686682

Incident

Sep 5, 2025

The component that failed is the camshaft position actuator. My check engine light came on. Had my vvt solenoids replaced and the mechanic told me the actuator needs replacing. GM has issued a special bulletin to fix this part for the same year make and model as my truck but my vin doesn’t meet the criteria. I have only owned this vehicle for 8 months.

NHTSA ID

11671114

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

This vehicle suffers from a torque converter/transmission shudder after the transfer mission fluid heats up. My initial complaint to the selling dealer and they did not follow the GM posted procedure and initially charged me for the service. I’ve changed dealerships and I’ve been told it the temporary fix is to do a flush and there is no permanent fix by GM. I have had situations where and unexperienced driver would have definitely got into a car accident and I don’t let anybody drive my car because I believe it is unsafe. So far the dealer has been accommodating while under warranty but advised I reach out to GM who then advised to review my documents I file an NHTSA complaint. What occurs when the vehicle is not in warranty and the vehicle continues to shudder. I have included the service bulletin and repair invoices.

NHTSA ID

11662842

Incident

Jan 19, 2023

Unknown. When my truck reaches a certain speed it is jumping or missing, it feels like a brake is sticking but I’m told it is a problem with my transmission, torque converter, going bad. It is getting worse. It cuts the power down on the vehicle. If I can go faster than 60 it doesn’t do it.

NHTSA ID

11659826

Incident

May 8, 2025

Vehicle began exhibiting an intermittent shake between 45-60 MPH which felt like driving on a wash board road. In addition it would shift hard/bog down between 1st and 2nd gear. Took to a dealer for service and was told a TSB had been issued to flush the transmission, this was performed. Condition returned within months and after multiple additional visits where the dealer claimed they couldn't replicate the issue they finally determined the torque converter needed to be replaced at approximately 70,874 miles. By this time the warranty had expired (60,000 mile warranty) and I was told I would have to pay for it.

NHTSA ID

11654822

Incident

Mar 1, 2024