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 2018 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 40-60 MPH, the vehicle would shudder while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was test driven and diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the transmission fluid was flushed and replaced with HD transmission fluid per GM Technical Service Bulletin Number: 18-NA-355. The dealer then advised the contact to drive 500-1,000 miles to allow the new HD transmission fluid to circulate the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,589.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the transmission was flushed and the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was informed that the torque convertor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 82,630.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving approximately 45-65 MPH, the vehicle would shudder. The dealer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
While driving at normal and safe highway speeds, without warning (no audible or visual warning from the vehicle information display) my vehicle experienced engine lockout, loss of all non-electric power, and no control over vehicle speed. A few seconds after loss, the information display did show a "check engine light" and that the engine was in "lockout." We (my spouse, young child, and self) were surrounded by multiple commercial semi-trucks and passenger vehicles and had to weave and serve to avoid collisions at highway speeds and get to the shoulder of the highway in a few seconds. The root cause as diagnosed by a Chevrolet Dealership Service Department was failure of the magnetic strip that is press fit to the reluctor (tone) wheel. A 1/2in piece of the magnetic strip was missing and over 10 cracks within the strip itself observed. …
Engine fails it violenty thumps and studders and drops from highway speed with no warning. This is a mfg. defect and also an EXTREME SAFETY CONCERN. The engine studders and thumps and we were almost rear ended by a truck when our truck could not go into gear properly. It is very scary! Dealership confirmed that they have many vehicles with same issue and recommended a Super Flush of transmission but not sure this will correct problem or cause more problems. There is no warning when these incidents occur and the driver has no control to avoid it. It is commonly referred to as the Chevy thump and studder and a known mfg defect in which GM refuses to pay for repairs causing consumers an extreme hardship! This is an ongoing issue affecting thousands of vehicles and someone is going to die! …
I purchased the truck at the end of March 2025. Within a few weeks I was noticing different issues in the transmission. It would occasionally shudder, have jerky or long shifts, would jump gears and lose power. The shudder was random but mostly on the highway, the jerky or long shifts would mostly occur when the egjne was cold and more often in cold weather. The lose of power and jumping gears would occur when towing and when I was in the mountains, once losing power as I was turning onto a major highway. I took the truck in three times to get diagnosed but they couldnt replicate the issue or find a code. I finally decided to pay for a flush with the fluid that was recommended by a TSB. After the flush the issues were then replicated by the service techs. I have an extended warranty. …
Highlighting a materials defect with the rear crankshaft reluctor ring on the 2.8 LWN Duramax, installed in the Army Infantry Squad Vehicle and the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado, from which it is based. When the ring delaminates, due to age, the vehicle engine shuts off and no start, rendered dead lined, as the ECU can no longer "see" the crank position. Requiring the transmission to be removed to rectify the issue. I was pulling a trailer up a hill on the freeway when my truck down shifted, in an effort to slow down for a bus that was merging unexpectedly and the truck died at speed. The increase in RPM initiated an unplanned, instant disassembly of the ring due to cracking on the material and increased centrifugal force, shutting off the engine without warning, at speed. Again, just dead stick to the shoulder, towing a trailer, on the freeway. That could have been bad... …
While driving, there is noticeable "shudder" that seems to feel like an issue with the transmission when it is shifting (automatic transmission). Research online shows this to be a consistent issue and concern with many owners of the 2018 Chevy Colorado. Having this shudder has not had a solution by the several mechanic shops I've been to. Nobody seems to know what is causing this issue, but with many owners having this same problem there must be something that Chevrolet can do to resolve this issue. We bought the vehicle brand new in 2018, and it is now paid off, but this shudder while driving has happened since we have owned the vehicle. It seems to be more prevalent while driving between 30 mph to 60 mph. The shudder happens during ever drive we take. We have the vehicle maintenance performed on all of the recommended intervals for oil, fluids, tires, brakes, etc. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? It appears to be a piston failure, as there is compression and diesel in the crankcase. Engine is still in the vehicle but once removed it will be available for inspection if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power loss on a busy highway requiring lane changes without available engine power is dangerous. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? P0266 code and engine light set immediately after the failure. But there were no warnings prior
The vehicle stuttered upon acceleration between 20mph and 35mph. After the 2018 Chevy Colorado was taken into the Chevy dealership for inspection, the torque converter failed at roughly 76,000 miles. A bad torque converter can potentially cause an accident. It can lead to engine revving issues, sudden speed changes, which can be dangerous while driving. The torque converter failed and left metal shavings in the transmission causing the transmission to need replaced as well. This was diagnosed by the Chevy dealership and has a repair ticket of over thirteen thousand dollars. ( $13,000.00 ) which most people can't afford to absorb. After a quick Google search, this appears to be a common problem. There should be a recall to fix this issue.
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, 43% of the model year's 183 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 1 recall 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 2018 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles, and 70% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 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.