2023 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2023 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
- Driver assistance6134.5%
- Electrical3922.0%
- Brakes2413.6%
- Engine2011.3%
- Powertrain (other)95.1%
- Exterior lighting84.5%
- Steering63.4%
- Fuel system52.8%
- Visibility21.1%
- Body & structure21.1%
- Suspension10.6%
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
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 cannot receive over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates because the gateway module is still running outdated firmware (XXX.mnf). General Motors issued Service Update XXX to correct this defect by performing a vehicle‑wide programming update. However, GM’s system incorrectly shows the bulletin as “closed” for my VIN even though the gateway module was never updated. The truck was sold to me by Tyrell Chevrolet in [XXX] with this safety‑related service update not completed properly. The dealership has confirmed they cannot perform the required update because GM’s system will not authorize it until the bulletin is reopened. GM corporate has been contacted multiple times, but after several days they have not reopened the bulletin or provided a resolution. Because the gateway module remains on outdated firmware, the vehicle cannot receive critical OTA updates related to safety, diagnostics, and module stability. This condition has been reported by other 2023 Colorado owners and has previously been associated with battery‑drain issues caused by software modules failing to sleep properly. GM has acknowledged the defect by issuing Service Update XXX, but they are refusing to reopen the update for my VIN despite the incomplete firmware and the vehicle’s inability to receive OTA updates. I am filing this complaint so the defect and GM’s refusal to correct it are formally documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L, approx. 49,000 miles) experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power involving the 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sets codes and the vehicle drops into limp mode, capped at roughly 45 mph, without warning. The most dangerous symptom is a total loss of acceleration from a stop, especially on inclines — pressing the accelerator produces no response. On one occasion, stopped on a slight incline, the vehicle rolled backward toward the car behind me when it failed to move forward on accelerator input. I narrowly avoided a collision. On a separate occasion, after pressing the accelerator with no response, the vehicle then suddenly lurched forward into cross traffic; repeated presses produced inconsistent, delayed engagement, nearly causing a collision. To climb inclines I now have to hold the brake while applying throttle and slowly release the brake to prevent rollback. These are unpredictable loss-of-control events that create a serious crash risk in traffic. I believe this relates to a known issue affecting the GM 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently at a GM dealer and I have an open GM Customer Care case. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred yet, but two near-collisions have.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 cannot receive over‑the‑air (OTA) software updates because the gateway module is still running outdated firmware (XXX.mnf). General Motors issued Service Update XXX to correct this defect by performing a vehicle‑wide programming update. However, GM’s system incorrectly shows the bulletin as “closed” for my VIN even though the gateway module was never updated. The truck was sold to me by Tyrell Chevrolet in [XXX] with this safety‑related service update not completed properly. The dealership has confirmed they cannot perform the required update because GM’s system will not authorize it until the bulletin is reopened. GM corporate has been contacted multiple times, but after several days they have not reopened the bulletin or provided a resolution. Because the gateway module remains on outdated firmware, the vehicle cannot receive critical OTA updates related to safety, diagnostics, and module stability. This condition has been reported by other 2023 Colorado owners and has previously been associated with battery‑drain issues caused by software modules failing to sleep properly. GM has acknowledged the defect by issuing Service Update XXX, but they are refusing to reopen the update for my VIN despite the incomplete firmware and the vehicle’s inability to receive OTA updates. I am filing this complaint so the defect and GM’s refusal to correct it are formally documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On May 15, 2026, my 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L L3B turbocharged engine, approximately 49,000 miles) lost its entire engine oil charge while in normal operation, and at NO point did the low-oil-pressure warning light illuminate to alert me. While driving, a loud buzzing/vibrating noise developed near the upper engine and the center dash area. The vehicle continued to run with no oil-pressure warning of any kind — no low-oil-pressure light and no audible oil-pressure chime. Concerned by the noise, I immediately pulled into a parking lot and checked under the hood. The engine oil dipstick was completely dry, showing no oil whatsoever. I added 3 quarts of oil and the dipstick still showed no reading, indicating the engine had been operating with a critically low or empty oil level. Throughout this entire event, no oil-pressure warning activated. There was no external oil leak, no puddle where the vehicle is normally parked, and no oil in the coolant reservoir, which suggests the oil was being consumed or lost internally rather than dripping out — a condition the driver cannot see or anticipate without a functioning warning system. Drivers depend entirely on the oil-pressure warning system to alert them before oil starvation causes catastrophic engine damage or sudden engine seizure. An engine that seizes without warning while the vehicle is in motion creates an immediate and severe crash risk — sudden loss of motive power in traffic, on a highway, or in an intersection. The complete failure of this warning system to illuminate during a total loss of oil is, by itself, a safety defect independent of whatever is causing the oil loss, because it removes the driver's only opportunity to stop the vehicle safely before failure. These symptoms also align with existing GM service documentation: TSB 25-NA-309 addresses high idle, oil consumption, oil leaks, and MIL illumination caused by internal failure of the PCV oil separator, and service campaign N232415060 addresses a
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My truck has used automatic emergency braking multiple times while driving at variable speeds with no obstacles or vehicles in front of me causing whiplash and further damage to my neck that has 5 budging discs. Since I’m only allowed to add a specific mileage and speed below, I’ll note here that it’s happened since I purchased the truck with roughly 35000 miles on it to the current mileage of 44000 and between speeds of 30mph-75mph.
My 2023 Chevy Colorado developed a rear brake squeal when backing up at approximately 20,000 miles. The dealer found nothing wrong at my next appointment. By 30,000 miles, the rear pads and rotors required replacement, at partial cost to me. The new rear brakes are already squealing again after just a few thousand miles. This isn't an isolated issue. A Chevy Colorado forum I follow has documented multiple owners experiencing the same pattern: rear brake squealing beginning around 20,000 miles, followed by premature pad and rotor failure shortly after. Notably, front brake wear is normal across all reported cases, including my own, pointing directly to a rear-specific defect rather than general driving habits or conditions. The rear brakes on the 2023 Chevy Colorado appear to be failing well ahead of any reasonable service interval, and the consistency of this pattern across multiple owners strongly suggests a systemic problem.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
On May 15, 2026, my 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L L3B turbocharged engine, approximately 49,000 miles) lost its entire engine oil charge while in normal operation, and at NO point did the low-oil-pressure warning light illuminate to alert me. While driving, a loud buzzing/vibrating noise developed near the upper engine and the center dash area. The vehicle continued to run with no oil-pressure warning of any kind — no low-oil-pressure light and no audible oil-pressure chime. Concerned by the noise, I immediately pulled into a parking lot and checked under the hood. The engine oil dipstick was completely dry, showing no oil whatsoever. I added 3 quarts of oil and the dipstick still showed no reading, indicating the engine had been operating with a critically low or empty oil level. Throughout this entire event, no oil-pressure warning activated. There was no external oil leak, no puddle where the vehicle is normally parked, and no oil in the coolant reservoir, which suggests the oil was being consumed or lost internally rather than dripping out — a condition the driver cannot see or anticipate without a functioning warning system. Drivers depend entirely on the oil-pressure warning system to alert them before oil starvation causes catastrophic engine damage or sudden engine seizure. An engine that seizes without warning while the vehicle is in motion creates an immediate and severe crash risk — sudden loss of motive power in traffic, on a highway, or in an intersection. The complete failure of this warning system to illuminate during a total loss of oil is, by itself, a safety defect independent of whatever is causing the oil loss, because it removes the driver's only opportunity to stop the vehicle safely before failure. These symptoms also align with existing GM service documentation: TSB 25-NA-309 addresses high idle, oil consumption, oil leaks, and MIL illumination caused by internal failure of the PCV oil separator, and service campaign N232415060 addresses a
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L, approx. 49,000 miles) experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power involving the 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sets codes and the vehicle drops into limp mode, capped at roughly 45 mph, without warning. The most dangerous symptom is a total loss of acceleration from a stop, especially on inclines — pressing the accelerator produces no response. On one occasion, stopped on a slight incline, the vehicle rolled backward toward the car behind me when it failed to move forward on accelerator input. I narrowly avoided a collision. On a separate occasion, after pressing the accelerator with no response, the vehicle then suddenly lurched forward into cross traffic; repeated presses produced inconsistent, delayed engagement, nearly causing a collision. To climb inclines I now have to hold the brake while applying throttle and slowly release the brake to prevent rollback. These are unpredictable loss-of-control events that create a serious crash risk in traffic. I believe this relates to a known issue affecting the GM 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently at a GM dealer and I have an open GM Customer Care case. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred yet, but two near-collisions have.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L, approx. 49,000 miles) experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power involving the 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sets codes and the vehicle drops into limp mode, capped at roughly 45 mph, without warning. The most dangerous symptom is a total loss of acceleration from a stop, especially on inclines — pressing the accelerator produces no response. On one occasion, stopped on a slight incline, the vehicle rolled backward toward the car behind me when it failed to move forward on accelerator input. I narrowly avoided a collision. On a separate occasion, after pressing the accelerator with no response, the vehicle then suddenly lurched forward into cross traffic; repeated presses produced inconsistent, delayed engagement, nearly causing a collision. To climb inclines I now have to hold the brake while applying throttle and slowly release the brake to prevent rollback. These are unpredictable loss-of-control events that create a serious crash risk in traffic. I believe this relates to a known issue affecting the GM 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently at a GM dealer and I have an open GM Customer Care case. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred yet, but two near-collisions have.
Failed upper radiator hose.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The right turn signal will click for a left turn after completing its right turn without physically pressing the turn signal. Has happened since buying vehicle, continues to happen now. Turn signal was replaced by dealership, problem not resolved. Have reconfirmed problem with dealership service manager as well as video evidence of issue. Issue happens at all speeds, idle to freeway speeds.
With right turn signal engaged and immediately after making every right turn, the vehicle's left turn signal flashes for a number of seconds for no reason. Dealers cannot fix this issue and have advised filing NHTSA complaint.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have experienced brake failure twice while driving my 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. When the failure occurs, the dashboard displays multiple warnings, including “Service Traction Control,” “Service Power Steering Drive With Care,” and “No Assist Soon.” When these messages appear, the steering becomes extremely stiff, the brakes lose stopping power, and the vehicle becomes very difficult to control. The first incident happened around April 2024, and the dealer performed a software update. The issue happened again around October 2024 at approximately 24,000 miles. The vehicle is primarily used on highways and has no modifications. This is a serious safety concern. The combination of brake loss and power steering failure could result in loss of control, crash, injury, or death. There was no warning before the failures occurred. The dealer cannot confirm a permanent fix. This problem needs to be investigated for a potential recall. This vehicle is now unsafe and unreliable. I refuse to transport my family in it. I am seeking a full refund/buyback, as multiple safety system failures are unacceptable and dangerous.
When battery was beginning to get old/need replacement but vehicle would still start: 1. The power steering assist stopped working intermittently (virtually impossible to steer even at speed) 2. Power brake stopped working intermittently (very hard to get vehicle to stop) Unsafe for me, would have been very unsafe for certain without significant physical strength.
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
Smell gas the night before. Today, March-20-2026, after driving car for few miles, it came to a complete stop on high way I-95. Large amount of fuel was leaking from fuel hose attached to fuel tank. Vehicle was unsafe to drive.Vehicle was towed to car shop. Damaged part will be determined after fuel tank removal. Vehicle is at Franco Auto Repair in Dania Beach, Florida
Vehicle: 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, VIN: [XXX] , mileage: 52,877. Recurrent failure in the cooling system and engine/transmission, affecting safety and use. Check Engine Light comes on and off intermittently, code P30C5 (Coolant Flow Low). The coolant pump was replaced under warranty on March 20, 2025, at Leson Chevrolet (Harvey, LA) with 26,621 miles (attached invoice), but the same issue persists 9 months later with "Engine and Transmission System" alert in myChevrolet app. This is the 5th failed repair for the same defect since purchase (August 2023). Previous repairs include transmission wiring/sensor (January 2024) and Traction Control/ABS (December 2023). The vehicle is unsafe for daily 100-mile commute. Request investigation for potential recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX], I discovered that the backup camera on my 2023 Chevy Colorado was malfunctioning. Regardless of whether I was operating the vehicle in reverse or manually activating the backup camera, it remained inoperable. On the same day, I made a reservation with my local Chevrolet dealership in Elko, Nevada, to have the backup camera inspected. I took the truck to the dealership on July 19 for a repair under warranty. However, the technician informed me that the issue could not be resolved and believed it was a harness that had become pinched and required replacement. The dealership ordered the necessary part but was unable to provide an estimated time of arrival (ETA). As of December 1, despite my efforts to resolve the issue with both the dealership and GM’s corporate entity, I have yet to receive an ETA or any parts for repair. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), backup cameras are mandatory safety equipment for vehicles manufactured in 2018 and newer. I have brought this matter to the attention of GM and the dealership, but it appears to be unaddressed. The design of the truck makes it challenging to see behind, and the inability to perceive potential hazards in the rear poses a safety risk. GM has failed to address this issue, despite the fact that it is a critical safety feature. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Wipers works 95% of the time. However, they randomly will not work some times and the time varys from 10 minutes to 12+ hours before they start to work again. This issue has been present since I bought the truck in July 23 and I've taken it to the dealer a half a dozen times for this issue but in all cases except once the wipers started to work before the tech could diagnose the problem. The one time they were able to work on it while it was not working they determined the lighting control module had reported failures. They replaced the module but I again experienced another incident where the wipers stopped working for 12 hours - this occured during the weekend when the dealer was not open. Dealer keeps stating they cannot replace parts unless they can prove something is broken so every time I drop it off even with video proof they say they cannot replicate the issue and send me on my way. A TAC case has been opened with GM and am awaiting feedback. The first time this happened I was driving 70+MPH on a highway when a sudden storm hit. I went to turn wipers on and they did not come on. I had to roll down the window and stick my head out to see to exit the highway.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving through a carwash, the roof suddenly became concaved. Upon leaving the carwash the roof suddenly made a loud pop and returned to the normal position. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a structural failure with the roof. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 10.
Roof panel buckled under pressure from car wash blow dryer and also pops under highway speeds while driving
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.
From owner reports, verbatim
There is a squeak that comes from the front suspension at low speeds. I have taken it in for repairs twice, the last time it was in the dealership for one month. They replaced the bushings and stated the issue was resolved, however the squeak is still present.
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
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .