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 2005 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact noticed smoke emitting from the rear end of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the transmission line had detached from the transmission fitting, causing the transmission fluid to leak. The contact replaced the fitting and a clip in order to attach the transmission line back to the transmission. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle hesitated whenever the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with the chassis needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000.
While driving at any speed or sitting idle reduce power light comes on and vehicle slows down. This is very dangerous and frustrating. I've been to three dealers,and the dealer is there to deal in other words make money even if they don't fix the problems. Not to mention trying there best to get you to trade your problem car in and buy a new car.
During normal driving my truck will shift into 4wd-high. I cannot determine if it occurs at highway speeds or low speeds (<30 MPH), I only notice it when I go to turn. The occurance is intermitten since I bought the truck new in September 2005. It has almost cause me to have a head-on collision with an oncoming car and a building because the turning radius is affected when it shifts into 4 wd. Since the truck has push butten control to change to 4 wd, for several months I thought I bumped or pushed the button by accident, but that is not the case. I have been to the dealer 4 times, the 4wd control head has been changed (fault indicated), transfer case control module has been changed (internal fault indicated), all electical wire harnesses to the transfer case module-control head were checked for shorts. …
The initial condition that caused concern: hard shifting. To move the shifter between any two positions required higher than normal force. This condition alleviated instantly after approximately one month. The force required to move the shifter became normal again. No sounds or other unusual things were observed. The only differences from before the condition until the current condition is the transmission will not go into park, and will only start in neutral. Current condition: the truck will not shift into park. When attempting to put the vehicle into park, the shifter will move enough to allow removal of the key, however, the transmission will not engage park. Because of this, the vehicle is always free to roll. The only way to keep the vehicle from moving while attempting to park is to use the emergency brake. …
2005 Colorado pickup w/ sport suspension (zq8) erratic ride height in rear of vehicle causes rear axle misalignment. In the rear, one side of vehicle sits closer to the ground than the opposite side causing rear axle to protrude from wheel well on higher side of vehicle, this causes wheel alignment problems (a dog/crab walking condition) where rear axle steers/leads vehicle , I.e. Left rear ride height is lower than right rear ride height and axle is shifted so as right rear wheel protrudes from wheel well of vehicle causing dog/crab walking condition-front wheels are not followed in line by rear wheels t. It appears a simple correction of the ride height by replacement of rear springs/shocks May correct the problem, adjusting rear of vehicle to level ride height is required for proper wheel alignment. …
While driving down the road at approximately 35mph I struck a piece of road debris ( approx 6" piece of a muffler). The debris must have hit the connection between the gear shifter and the transmission and the vehicle automatically down shifted to 2nd gear from drive. The piece that broke was a plastic conection device that connected the cables of the gear shifter to the levers of the transmission. What concerns me is two issues: the tow truck driver said stated that he sees this all the time on Chevy's and had I been driving faster (highway speeds) and the vehicle did such a sudden down shift there could have been a serious acciident. My final comment/question, why would such an important component be placed in such a vulnerable position and why would is be made of plastic and not shielded in some manner.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while attempting to reverse. She applied extreme pressure to the accelerator before the vehicle would engage. In addition, the vehicle would independently switch to low four wheel drive gear while the vehicle was in motion at various speeds. This would cause the rear driver's side wheel to feel as if it was dragging and the steering wheel would become extremely tight. The manufacturer advised there were no similar complaints to the contact's and did not provide any assistance. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. A diagnostic test was performed but did not generate any failure codes. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 27,000.
On or around March 21, I was driving my 05 Colorado to work. When I almost arrived I noticed that my truck was driving very forceful and jumpy. When I got back into my truck, it was having trouble starting, but eventually did. That night I was driving home and when I got about 2 miles from my house a message came up on my dashboard that said power failure and it stalled out. The next day, it started OK enough for me to take it to a nearby Chevy dealership. They told me that it was the solenoid valve and the camshaft position actuator was replaced. It drove fine until a few weeks later on April 11th when my truck would not start at all. I had to be towed to the same dealership, where they found that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. I was without my truck for 4 days.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Colorado. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact smelled a strong burning odor and heard a loud rattling noise. The check engine light illuminated on the instrument control panel. The dealer stated that the bolts that hold the oil lubrication for the 4 wheel drive were too large, which caused the fluid to leak. As a result, the four wheel drive no longer works. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact has copies of all written correspondence, outlining the cause of the failure. She also notified her state attorney's general office and the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were 57,000.
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, 8% of the model year's 356 complaints. The component named most often is transfer case (4-wheel drive) (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.