RoadVitals

2020 Chevrolet Colorado Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
84
Latest Sep 14, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
13
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Engine1921.1%
  • Steering1011.1%
  • Brakes1011.1%
  • Electrical66.7%
  • Exterior lighting33.3%
  • Fuel system22.2%
  • Driver assistance22.2%
  • Seat belts22.2%
  • Visibility11.1%
  • Suspension11.1%
  • Transmission11.1%
  • Airbags11.1%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

32
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 14, 2026

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 · filed Jan 26, 2026
All 32 reports naming powertrain (other) →

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 1, 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 · filed Aug 13, 2026
All 19 reports naming engine →

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Sep 1, 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 · filed May 16, 2026
All 10 reports naming steering →

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

10
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed 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 · filed Sep 1, 2026
All 10 reports naming brakes →

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The component that’s failing on my truck is the Apple car play and a check engine light (CODE P0024) which indicates Exhaust Camshaft Position, Bank 2. My safety and others safety is put at risk while having these issues: 1.) The Apple Car Play, having to take my focus off of driving to try and unplug my phone and plug it back in to HOPEFULLY fix the issue of using the navigation or phone calls while I’m driving during long road trips is extremely dangerous for myself, my loved ones and others on the road around me. 2.) This error code is extremely unsettling to experience while 500 miles away from home and has caused an incredible amount of stress on multiple occasions. The light constantly turns on and off, leaving me completely clueless as to if I’m going to be left stranded on the side of the road. Both issues have been looked at by an automotive repair shop. And I’ve been advised to seek information to if there are any recalls regarding this issue. Check engine lights display for the Exhaust Camshaft Position Bank 2.

NHTSA ID 11621866 · filed Oct 25, 2024

The ignition key can not be removed after putting the vehicle in park and shutting it off. Many attempts are required to jiggle the shifter switch/steering column/key before it will release on most occasions. This is a common issue, going back years, to 2015. How can it still not be resolved? The safety issue here is one of having your vehicle stolen because you are forced to leave the key in the ignition for all to see; or owners are choosing to disable the steering lock prevention altogether, which has its own set of dangers. GM needs to solve and fix this. So far it sounds like they don't even understand the real problem.

NHTSA ID 11519839 · filed May 1, 2023

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Third brake light seal leaking causing electrical connecs to corode and loose connection rendering the third brake light to stop functioning.

NHTSA ID 11649392 · filed Mar 20, 2025

GUSHING SOUND OF LIQUID WHEN START. RATTLING WHEN ACCELERATING NOISY SUSPENSION SCREEN TURNED BLACK ONCE OR TWICE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING NOISE IN BRAKES

NHTSA ID 11378048 · filed Dec 5, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed May 8, 2026

The oil cooler lines are rusting and leaking. Seems to be a common issue going back 9 years since they started making these new Colorados from information I found online. Totally unacceptable for a truck to that is 4 years old to be rotting out. One of the lines is a nightmare to replace because of where it is inserted into the motor. Mechanic had to remove the front differential, axle, ac compressor, drive shaft, fuse box, and intake to replace a 60$ oil line

NHTSA ID 11607192 · filed Aug 8, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driving on the highway speed limit 65-70 my truck started decelerating and breaks got hard and could not use break. Had to get home using emergency petal break and drive. My truck is only 2020 model for this type of problem. Want to see if I can get this fixed with the manufacture defect warranty. Took my truck to a Chevy dealer and they are saying it can be a faulty vacuum pump.

NHTSA ID 11649928 · filed Mar 22, 2025

BOUGHT 2020 CHEVY COLORADO WT EXACTLY TWO WEEKS AGO TODAY AND ON MY WAY HOME FOR THE 3 DAY WEEKEND THE TRACTION LIGHT AS WELL AS ESC SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. I HAVE 227 MILES ON MY VEHICLE!

NHTSA ID 11353238 · filed Sep 4, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID 11622876 · filed Oct 31, 2024

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE WARNING "FAILED SEAT BELT" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE UNDER THE VEHICLE. A BYSTANDER EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS CAME TO THE SCENE AND FILED REPORTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BUT NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *BF*JB

NHTSA ID 11378647 · filed Dec 9, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

It's occurred twice and I recorded it the second time. The infotainment display goes to a green multicolored pixelated screen and doesn't allow me to see what is behind me. If I can't see like I'm supposed to with the reverse camera technology, would this not be a safety concern if a child, or handicapped person -blind, deaf, or both- got behind me somehow?

NHTSA ID 11427925 · filed Aug 5, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

GUSHING SOUND OF LIQUID WHEN START. RATTLING WHEN ACCELERATING NOISY SUSPENSION SCREEN TURNED BLACK ONCE OR TWICE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING NOISE IN BRAKES

NHTSA ID 11378048 · filed Dec 5, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the abnormal shaking was caused by the torque converter. The dealer flushed the transmission; however, the failure has persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

NHTSA ID 11630574 · filed Dec 13, 2024

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 · filed Mar 3, 2026

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .