Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. While driving 65 MPH, the contact smelled a burning odor. The contact coasted the vehicle over to the side of the road and noticed smoke appearing under the passenger side dashboard. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the heater fan relay was burning and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,000.
The pass lock system will not let the truck start has left me stranded many times. Heater blower motor stopped working on 1, 2, & 3 settings. Blower motor resistor and plug were burnt, started a minor fire could have been worse. When I turn the vehicle to the right makes a large vibration and the vehicle shuts down can't get it to turn back on.
Driver side back door wiring harness between door and frame. 3 wires are broken inside boot. This is second time this has happened. Lasted 3 years. I have pictures. Part number 15214393 June 10 2012 air bag light on dash. OnStar told me that seat belt tensioner was not operating, and air bag will not deploy until it is corrected. Found that driver side back door that 2 wires were broken in the harness in the between door and body in boot. GM part number 15214393. I have pictures. This is a problem and still no recall. No air bags till fixed.
This vehicle seems to have a mind of its own. You get in the vehicle to go somewhere and it wont start. Everything comes on, lights, radio, A/C but it wont crank. Let it sit 10-20 minutes and it cranks right up. And it doesn't do it all the time. It May happen 3 times in a week then go 2 months or longer without happening again. It has caused me to be late for work, sitting a the gas station many many times!. I have tried using the key fob and just using the key to unlock the doors. It doesn't make a difference. Please tell me how to fix this!
Exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. All brake lights stopped working; no longer illuminate when brake pedal is pressed. This includes the top lamp, above the back window. There is a recall number 09V310000 that describes this situation, but only good for certain states. In process of bringing to certified Chevy dealer for formal diagnosis. Requesting consideration on expanding the current recall to include nj, where my truck is registered. Critical safety hazard, as can potentially cause an accident.
The pass lock system will not let the truck start, I have had this same complaint/problem for many years, have had in many shops for same issue, yes each one replaced something/fixed it for a sum of money. It happened again yesterday leaving me stranded once again. If I can get it running it appears my only fix is to sell/trade it and pass this very problematic truck on to other.any help would be greatly appreciated.
Sitting in a parking lot none within 100 feet of me my keys were on passenger seat when the air bag exploided then on January 2019 battery went dead put new battery in it then on February 13 lost all power to dash still had all other power but when I turned it off will not do anything had it towed to dealer said it the body control module put it in and still nothing I think it all goes back to the air bag
83000 miles on vehicle. Air conditioning system on. Smoke and pungent odor started emanating from passenger side with air blower motor on, followed by blower motor stop working. Investigation showed connector on blower motor was melted resulting in a bad connection to the motor. Replaced the harness and after 2000 miles, again blower motor connector melted.
This was the first time it happened, an it is still happening to this day. While you are driving at any speed the vehicle goes into reduced power mode. This happens mostly when the air is cool. At idle the rum's fluctuate about 100 RPM on days it happens most. There should be a recall on the throttle body's since you can't just change the tps.
Intermittent problems wihere the passlock anti-theft system is activated without intervention and truck will not start. I am the new owner of this vehicle (3 weeks) problem began 10 days ago. Has occurred 4 times (twice in one day). Research online shows this is not an isolated problem.
Electrical complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, 40% of the model year's 81 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 2 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 2008 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.