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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact stated the company they work for owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission would slip intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the transmission failed. The transmission was replaced. When attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start. They had to jump-start the battery to start the vehicle. The battery was replaced by O'Rileys, a battery specialty shop. Approximately a year later, while another employee was driving at approximately 65 MPH when smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle's hood. The driver pulled over and exited the vehicle. The fire department came and put the fire out. The fire department informed the contact that the cause of the fire was because the battery caught fire. The fire department filed a report. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The failure was intermittent. The contact used excessive force to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that on several occasions the vehicle was restarted, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality however, the failure would recur soon afterwards. The contact found NHTSA ID Number: 10208045 (Steering, Power Train, Electrical System, Exterior Lighting) as well as NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering) which were related to the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery had failed. The battery was replaced. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer, and a recalibration was performed. The vehicle was returned to the dealer a third time to be diagnosed. …
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that on several occasions, the engine, traction, and stabilitrak warning lights illuminated then the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone where a diagnostic test indicated that the powertrain system and cylinder #1 had failed. The contact stated while driving downhill, the RPM increased however, the vehicle failed to respond. Additionally, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated and the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pipe, fuel rail and fuel injector needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to a different dealer where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 and the power steering failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact's husband owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the failure persisted with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions where the contact was informed that the engine solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact disputed the dealer's diagnosis and took the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic discovered that the torque converter was defective, and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, after switching from the automatic drive mode to manual drive mode, the driver was able to manually switch to 1st gear which caused the speed to abruptly decrease. The contact indicated that the owner's manual stated that the vehicle would not allow itself to shift into a lower gear at an unsafe speed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the mechanic duplicated the failure, but no service was performed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 36,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the torque converter and other unknown transmission parts had previously been replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Vehicle suddenly loses power steering without warning. The power steering module is connected to the CAN bus which errors everything else on the same network so stabilitrack, traction control, ABS, etc goes out all at the same time. On icy roads, this caused to hit the ditch at very high speed. What I don't understand is why you only forced a recall on the 2015 MY when the 2016's use the same exact components and assembly process. Clearly this is still an issue for many 2016 owners!
My transmission suddenly failed while I was in drive, stopped, at a stop light. I had the transmission repaired. It was a sealed unit with nothing visible from the outside. I would have had to pay a substantial core charge to keep the failed unit, which I did not do so it was not inspected and is not available to my knowledge. My safety was put at risk because I could not move my vehicle in heavy afternoon rush hour traffic on a busy city street. The police did not respond. A tow truck took 50 minutes to arrive. My vehicle was in a traffic lane. My safety was put at risk because I had to direct on-rushing traffic around my vehicle by the light of my phone flashlight as darkness fell. My truck and I were at risk of being hit for at least twenty minutes before my arriving son and two kind strangers were able to stop traffic and push my vehicle onto private property. …
The transmission sucks. It's jerky, rough, and random. Downshifting from 5th to 4th and 2nd to 1st is rough. Stopping the vehicle can be a pain sometimes because it's like the truck doesn't want to stop. Acceleration is very poor, I shouldn't have to go pedal to floor to accelerate 5+mph while at highway speeds. It shudders, chuggles, and creates a weird deep droning noise when getting up too speed While driving, the engine picks and chooses when to speed up. I press the gas peddle down and have to wait a few seconds before the vehicle responds. I have noticed the vehicle making sounds like it is sputtering almost to the point to seizing all together. Slow and go driving 20-40mph after coasting and trying to accelerate again the transmission bucks, hesitates trying to find a lower gear. …
06/13/2023: Odometer: 86881 Transmission-2nd Shift: Flare, 3rd Shift: rough shift flare, 4th Shift: shutter. Excessive metal particles in the fluid. No transmission codes or engine light detected. Result was a new rebuilt transmission. 11/01/23: Odometer: 90239 Engine Code: P00b7 coolant flow restriction, stuck thermostat. Result was to replace thermostat and flush coolant system. 12/06/23: Odometer: 91701 No codes detected. Fluids noticed on pavement occasionally. Valve cover gasket, vacuum pump gasket were failing. Result was to replace all parts. 02/25/24: Odometer: 92885 Code-engine overheating, idle engine. Critical 260 upon cold start. Failing temperature sensor. Result was to replace front and rear temperature sensor. Driver seat has begun to unravel and separate at the stich line on the side closest to the door. No repairs have been made. Issue began years ago. …
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 97 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 14% of the model year's 712 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › gear position indication (prndl) (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 4 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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 66% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 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.