Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you're driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. While the gear shifter was placed in reverse, the shift linkage failed and the shift cable snapped. The vehicle was taken to west Chevrolet at [phone] (3450 alcoa hwy, alcoa, tn 37701) where the shift cable was replaced. Upon further inspection, the dealer noticed that the frame was rusted and corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 115,440.
When you slow to about 20 miles anhour and start to turn on a street it locks up some times. Have to rev it up and jerk on the wheel to free it up. Does it worse in cold whether. When I slow down to turn a corner on a street the steering locks up...I have to rev it up and jerk on the wheel then it loosens up. Does it worse in cold whether.
Dt: contact stated vehicle came off of the assembly line misaligned. She had to replace one tire at her expense. The first tire to blow out was the rear driver's side tire on 6-11-05 while driving 20 MPH, going uphill. The second time tire blew out while driving on the highway at 65 MPH. She said the car felt as if it was floating. Consumer took vehicle to the garage and they told her the car came off of the assembly line misaligned. They replaced another tire at their expense. The dealership told consumer they would reimburse her for the first tire. The manufacturer offered her an extended warranty. She is still was concerned with safety. They told her they May have to replace the other two tires at the dealership's expense. Also on 6-6-05 the check engine light kept coming on. The dealership replaced valve springs, per bulletin. …
On sat oct 1st 2011 I was traveling east on the interstate at about 75 MPH when all of a sudden it felt like I had blown a tire. The steering became rather sluggish and I pulled over to the side of the road. I got out checked all the tires and they all looked OK, so I got back in the vehicle. My grandson and his friend were in the back seat it was a crew cab. I noticed that the 4wd indicator on the dash was on but I had not switched it from 2wd it had done it on it's own . I tried to switch it back into 2wd but upon moving the vehicle it still felt like it was in 4wd. I decided to get the vehicle off the freeway so I could go slower and get the vehicle home, so I exited the fwy about a mile later and got on the old hwy where I could go 35 MPH. My daughter was behind me in her car. …
Took my truck in for tire rotation and check alignment on 3/12/2005. Maintenance is current. Turns out both front tires (general tire 235-75r15) were worn down to the steel belts on the inside edges only, with the steel belts actually sticking out in there. I do no off-road driving- only to and from work 2 miles daily on the highway and an occasional trip on the highway to fort collins (260 miles round trip once per month) - and these tires only have 15,000 miles on them. Was told by mechanic we were very lucky that these didn't blow on us on the highway. Also, mechanic reported that there is a left front axle seal leak. Took the truck into dealer on March 18 for repair, but dealer did not preorder parts, so I must return this week. I went ahead and had the tires replaced in spite of the bumper-to-bumper warranty because I didn't dare wait. I also had an alignment. …
The first and ongoing problem grinding in front left, driver, side wheel area. Many attempts have been made to fix this problem, they started out changing the whole front end, along with alignments, after some adjusting the problem will seem to go away only to return with in 2 months second, tires worn from inside out alignment, new tires, I was told one reason was the truck was dirty. I do not feel this is a reason for tire wear. New tires same problem. Third, truck not engaging when shifted into gear. This is on going, we have taken it in many times, the modular for the 2-4h-4l drive was changed, still have problem, they claim can not fix if it does not happen with them,, I video taped it, they will not look at video. …
2004 Chevrolet Colorado, new purchase, drove 568 miles engine idle eratically, engine light appeared and then engine stalled. Took to dealer and they reprogrammed computer, since that I lost 1.6 mpg and engine will not idle until vehicle came to complete stop. Engine rpms do not drop between shifts like it did before reprogramming and vehicle lunges when clutch is released if not carefull or give it extra time for the rpms to drop for a smooth engagement. And when you need to let off the gas pedal the car keeps going like you are still accelerating, especially in fourth gear, which can throw off timing and cause you to hit brakes to slow down or push clutch in to keep from going ahead at same speed until rpms fall, when I bought the vehicle, it did no of this , the dealer has made several attempts to correct but says the problem is with the GM program. …
Immediately after purchasing a 2004 Chevy Colorado reg cab 5 cyl, I have experienced a noticeable vibration and rough ride. Dealership balanced my tires and tried temporarily swapping tires but the problem still exist. I also test drove another truck at the dealership that had the same vibration problem. It is very noticeable on rough pavement regardless of speed, and at speeds around 45-55 intermittently on the highway. Feels like the rear end is not balanced. Back end shimmy's from side to side sending vibrations thriugh the truck my dealership told me it is just the way the truck is designed and has been delaying fixing the problem now for two months. Others are also having problems with this truck, see the following forum to read their stories. It seems there might be a drive shaft design problem? Http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=2159504.
I bought a 2004 Colorado in March of that year,on dec. 31st 2004 I had to replace the two front tires at my expense. They had worn from the inside out the tires had 23,000 +miles on them. I complained to the dealer and they told me that there was not anything wrong. In March 2005 I had to bring it in for the same thing with less miles on those tires 17,000 miles and they still insist that there is nothing wrong. I soon will have to replace these tires before winter. The dealer tells me tires need to be rotated more often. I've owned other s-10 models with over 250,000 and haven't had the problems I've had with this type of problems. I did have other problems with this vehicle from door wiring, replacement of o2 sensor,front axle seal driver side replace,headlights,fog lights and tail lights all have been replaced within the first 20,000 miles.
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, 7% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 16,000 miles, and 63% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.