2021 Chevrolet Colorado Powertrain (other) Problems

While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the removal of the valve cover, the tech found the pump in pieces, and the end of the exhaust camshaft was damaged, as presented in the photos. The quote attached depicts all that is being replaced with this repair." The is a know and acknowledged GM defect that has affected well over 3 million vehicles to date. There was a recall issued for some models, but not the Chevrolet Colorado. There are many reports online of other Colorado owners having the exact brake vacuum pump failure, resulting in damage to the camshaft.There is also a class action lawsuit filed in Michigan in early 2026, involving the same brake vacuum pump failure, for some of the models that were not included in the recall. This is an extremely dangerous mechanical failure that GM is aware of.

NHTSA ID

11748403

Incident

Jun 27, 2026

Brake vacuum pump appeared to fail creating brake system malfunction. Appears determined by mechanics to have seized and caused damage to cam shaft. Driver’s safety issue caused when trying to brake vehicle not functioning. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop. There were no warning signs of impending failure of system. Note that earlier years for this model may have had recalls for safety issue and malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11738935

Incident

May 18, 2026

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Lt Extended Cab 2WD. The rear differential has failed prematurely at 70000 miles. the failure caused loud whining/grinding noises, vibration, and unsafe driving conditions. After researching online, i found many other 2021 Colorado owners reporting the same issue with rear differential failure, often at relatively low mileage. This indicates a widespread defect in the differential assembly. There are existing GM Technical Service Bulletins (20-NA-034, 20-NA-156) related to axle/differential noise and machining defects, but GM has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage. Differential failure can lead to loss of power to the wheels or lockup while driving, which poses a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue and require GM to issue a recall or Special coverage adjustment for the affected vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11681108

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded. Engine light came on and the engine failed completely 5-10 min after on a 2 hour return trip home. Certified repair shop informed me this is the exact same reason of the recall just that my vehicle wasn’t currently under the recall. Vehicle component has been recalled on other Chevrolet vehicles manufactured during the same time just not this one yet.

NHTSA ID

11665235

Incident

Apr 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel briefly vibrated, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the lower steering shaft, and the transmission 4x4 climbing gear. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 53,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11622900

Incident

Oct 31, 2024

Mileage

53,000 mi

I have 2021 Chevy Colorado pickup truck. Put the truck in park and unable to turn off and remove the key. This is the third time this has happened this week . The first two times I moved the shifter from park to drive and back and it released. The last time I had to sit in my drive way for twenty minutes with the truck running before I could turn the key to shut off the truck. This is a very dangerous situation if there was every an emergency and not being able the shut off the truck.

NHTSA ID

11517312

Incident

Apr 16, 2023

I have taken my vehicle into the shop twice for an issue with the transmission. The first time they did a software update on the vehicle. They said that that would fix the issue. The vehicle was working fine for a week I took the vehicle back to the shop because it was making a clunking noise again when I put it in reverse. I recorded the incident of the clunking noise and I provided it to the service manager. They kept the vehicle for two days and stated that they were unable to replicate the issue. Even though I sent them a video they tried to tell me that it is normal for the vehicle to make a clunking noise when put in reverse. Upon further investigation online and speaking with people that know how to work on cars they stated to me that that is not normal. I have determined that multiple other Colorado’s have had this issue based on what I found online at this point in time Chevy need to do something about this or refund my money.

NHTSA ID

11484356

Incident

Aug 24, 2022

I purchased a brand new Colorado earlier this year. The vehicle currently has about 9,000 miles on the odometer. On two recent occasions within 1 1/2 weeks of each other while driving at highway speeds, there was a clunk noise and the transmission acted as if it had been shifted into neutral. The truck would not accelerate, and the RPMs were very high as I was pushing the accelerator and the vehicle was not responding but the engine was revving. This was an extremely scary and unsafe situation as cars were behind me and I narrowly avoided being hit as I tried to get over to the side of the road without any ability to accelerate. The first time it happened, after placing the vehicle in park and waiting a few minutes, I was able to get it back into gear and I drove straight to the dealer. The dealer "was unable to replicate the problem" and told me it was probably just a one-time "glitch." Approximately 1 1/2 weeks later, it happened again. I took it back to the dealer. The dealer stated that the computer showed error codes P0700 and P2817, both of which are faulty transmission codes. The dealer stated that the technician cleared the codes, drove the vehicle, and was once again "unable to replicate the problem." The dealer stated that it was going to request assistance from Chevy's engineers because it could not figure out what was wrong with the vehicle. I don't believe the vehicle is safe to drive at this point, as I narrowly avoided being in an accident on two occasions within 1 1/2 weeks of each other due to the failure of the vehicle's transmission to work appropriately.

NHTSA ID

11428819

Incident

Aug 11, 2021

WE PURCHASED A NEW TRUCK AND WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE LACK OF BASIC SAFETY FEATURES. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING IN IT BECAUSE OF A LACK OF STEP BAR AND GRAB HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL IS IN THE WRONG SPOT AND TRIPS US. THE CRUISE LIGHT CANNOT BE SEEN WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A LACK OF SHIELDING IN THE WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST. IT IS FULLY EXPOSED ALL ALONG THE BOTTOM (NO SHIELDS AS NORMAL). THE FUEL SYSTEM DOESN'T LOCK AND IS VULNERABLE TO TAMPERING. THE INTERIOR MATERIALS ARE ALL EXTREMELY CHEAP AND THE A/C IS VERY WEAK. THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS WEIRDLY AT TIMES WHICH IS SCARY. YOU CANNOT ADJUST THE MIRRORS BECAUSE THEY ARE MANUAL AND UNSAFE WHILE DRIVING. WE ARE SHOCKED AT 26K GETS US A NEW VEHICLE THAT HAS SO MANY OMISSIONS ON IT - IT SHOULD NOT BE PERMITTED WHEN SO MANY STANDARD SAFETY EXPECTATIONS ARE UNMET.

NHTSA ID

11413847

Incident

Sep 16, 2020

TRUCK HAS VIBRATION WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND DURING DECELERATION. ALSO SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM SUSPENSION. TRUCK HAS 4642 MILES.

NHTSA ID

11383543

Incident

Oct 15, 2020

Mileage

60 mi