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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving 60-70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle decelerated and shook before slamming into gear and then continuing to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after stopping, the vehicle proceeded to move off in another gear other than 1st gear, then abruptly downshifted into 1st gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a complaint was filed, the contact was added to a list, and then referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted from park to drive, the vehicle jerked excessively. In addition, the contact stated that while driving uphill, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service and the dealer was made aware of the failure however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. 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 5,100.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear end of the vehicle was making abnormal roaring sounds and the vehicle was shuddering. Additionally, the contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop, the transmission would shift hard. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that the front driver's side seat belt would not buckle securely. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part not being available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
I pulled off the dealer lot with 3 miles on the odometer, came to a stop sign and damn near smacked my face on the steering wheel due to a hard downshift from 2nd to 1st gear. Pulled back into the lot and was told that "I have to break it in". As I laughed in his face, I knew I messed up buying a GM product. 20 miles down the road, I start getting transmission shutter during light acceleration. Took it back to the dealer and they ended up changing the fluid. As I was coming to a stop to pull in my driveway, the transmission hard shifted and threw me past the driveway. Took it back in to hear "Yep, that is GM acceptable". I am now having transmission shutter so bad, the truck will barely accelerate at 30mph or faster. This truck is absolute junk and I tell everyone I know, not to buy a GM truck. …
Transmission Component: M5T: TRANSMISSION AUTO 8 SPD, 8L45 available for inspection. The vehicle shakes badly and shudders during acceleration and causes a brief inability to accelerate, often at higher speeds and with a great deal of rumbling and vibration. No other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms. The problem first appeared about 2 months ago. I recognized it as a persistent problem, and I was no longer comfortable driving the vehicle and feared that it would shut down while driving. I took my vehicle for diagnostic and maintenance at a local service center who also noticed that the transfer case "is making an unusual squeaking noise when driving". I was then notified that this is a known problem with this vehicle make and model for 2019 and referred here to file a complaint. Having less than 60K miles on this vehicle, I was referred to the dealership for possible next steps.
My vehicle has only 70,000 miles on it. My transmission began to shimmy and is getting worse and worse and several technicians have told me the transmission will have to be replaced. The parts are not available anywhere in the country to rebuild the parts of the transmission that are defective. Secondly I was told I could replace the transmission but there are no transmissions available in the entire country to repair my vehicle with. After investigation on the internet this is a massive problem with this model vehicle and Chevy has been well aware of it for years. A few months ago I had the same problem with them air conditioner compressor. There were no air conditioner compressors available anywhere in the country for my four and a half year old vehicle.
The truck has a hard downshift and when stopping and starting again at a stop sign it will lunge forward sometimes.Also,when holding speed at 50-60 mph you can feel a slight shutter like the truck is not running correctly.The dealer flushed the transmission when I purchased the truck but the issue continued so I made an appointment with the service department on march 3,2023.They took the truck on a road test and did notice the hard downshift and noted that this is a normal characteristic of this transmission(this is not normal and is unsafe)and will not offer to repair it.It is now the end of July 2023 and the issue continues and no one seems to want to do anything about it.I am going to take it back again but I am probably going to get the same answer
Ignition Key Cannot Be Removed and/ or Does Not Rotate to the Off Position. It started about three weeks ago and has gotten progressively worse. The engine turns off but the vehicle remains energized. Repeat start, gear cycling, steering wheel movement and holding the shifter detent randomly allows the key to be moved to the fully off position and removed. Reference GM bulletin PI1429B. Applies to my 2019 as well. Dealer did no research when I took it in and could not reproduce at time of inspection. Said it was out of warranty and without being able to reproduce, would have to have a tech try to reproduce then diagnose.
I experienced shuttering when accelerating, leaving Treasure Island garage. I got on the freeway and drove 11 miles. I experienced shuttering again after waiting at a red light. I experienced final shuttering after reaching another red light. Had it towed to the dealership and was told that the transmission was no longer operational. Truck was 5.5 years old with a little over 60k miles. I was on the way to pick up my daughter and thankfully, she was not in the truck when this occurred. Truck did routine maintenance at Chevy dealerships only. Fairway for the majority and Findlay the final year of its life.
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 65 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, 43% of the model year's 150 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2019 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 89% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 7 injuries and 1 death 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.