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 2020 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was experiencing a loss of power steering. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost motive power with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch, and after several attempts, the contact was able to turn off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle vibrated and shook abnormally, as if driven over ripples on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were balanced. The contact picked up the vehicle and stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission oil failed to heat up as intended, and condensation had built up in the transmission. The dealer added Mobil 1 transmission oil to heat up the oil and remove the condensation. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle needed to be driven between 200 and 400 miles to remove the condensation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. …
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 30-50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the dealer became aware that the vehicle was shuddering at 35 MPH. The dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush and refill. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact was also made aware of TSB: 21-NA-047. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the abnormal shaking was caused by the torque converter. The dealer flushed the transmission; however, the failure has persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
My 2020 Colorado at 14k miles, the dealer did the transmission oil flush and it helped till the warranty ran out. Now I have the same problem again at 32k miles. I bought the truck because GM said the problem with 8L/45 trans was fixed in 2019. To my knowledge there has been no update to the slipping clutch in GM's torque convertor. If I were to replace the convertor with another one just like it I could have the same problem. My Dealer ([redacted])says my lifetime warranty (that I got with my new Colorado) doesn't cover the transmission? And that if they do another $600 oil flush they don't guarantee it will fix anything. I think when the flush is done, they don't change the trans filter. I'm sure the clutch particles that are left behind after the flush are probably stopping up the filter. I just replaced the DOD/AFM cam and lifters in my GM car's 6.2 liter. …
This has been an ongoing issue. Truck currently has 45,000 miles on it. When driving on the interstate for 30 minutes, transmission flutters causing the cab to shake. It feels like running over rumble strips. Flutter lasts for several seconds and gets worse (longer duration, harder flutter) as time goes on. Dealer won't diagnose it because no codes are recorded. No dash lights light. The only indication is the flutter itself. Chevrolet cust support says their hands are tied - it is the dealers responsibility. The dealer will not devote personnel for 30 minutes to replicate the issue. Issue comes out of no where startling the driver - not safe. Your first reaction is either to brake or gas to stop the flutter/shake. Flutter is stronger as time goes by. This issue has been identified for other years of the same vehicle, and several GM vehicles. …
The vehicle experienced a sudden and progressive transmission failure during normal driving conditions. Symptoms included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, loss of power transfer, and eventual inability to reliably propel the vehicle. The failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior while in traffic. The transmission issue was not the result of improper maintenance. The vehicle was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The condition worsened over time and ultimately required dealer inspection. A dealership inspected the vehicle and attributed the failure to a transmission defect, characterizing it as a maintenance issue despite no evidence of neglect. The transmission and related components remain available for inspection upon request. …
My truck has been shuddering and when put into gear it sounds like the bottom is falling out of it. Now when I am driving my truck is shuddering very hard and skipping gears. I have been having this issue since I bought the truck with only 47k miles and I have only put 40k miles on this truck in the past 3 years that I have owned it. I keep the maintenance up on my truck and have since I've owned it and I have already put a complaint into GM, when I bought the truck it has had electrical issues and the dealership is not helping. My warranty is out on this truck and GM said there is nothing they can do to help with my transmission or electrical problems. This truck has not even hit 100k and I'm so upset that I am having these many problems and no one is wanting to help, they just want my money. …
At about 58000 miles my vehicle began to shake violently as I drove it. I initially thought the wheels were out of balance or I had a leaf spring issue. Had both issues looked at and that was not it. Took it to a Chevy dealer who wanted 200 dollars just to look at it. By this time I was just over 60k miles. Did a lot of research online and found that if you had the transmission flushed that would resolve the issue. Had they done and problem solved. Now at 80k miles and it's doing it again. Called Chevrolet dealership who told me it would be 5 weeks, $500 and I should probably call another dealer to see if I could get it in and that is for them to just flush it again. Chevrolet has a well known issue with these transmissions and are not offering any assistance but to try and get you past the 60k mileage where they say not their problem.
No warning lights are illuminated but have this consistent violent Engine rattle/shuddering that is getting worse and worse. Also when looking under the hood the Crank pulley wobbles/rattles when truck is idle. Was told it could be the harmonic balancer going out due to there being a gap between that and the Crank. The truck only has 100,000 miles on it. I got it used at 88,000 miles and have barely had the truck for a year now, the steering wheel was intermittently difficult to maneuver and no warning lights illuminate, the truck shifts hard from 1st to second gear now and seriously hesitates to accelerate. This is extremely concerning and apparently an ongoing complaint for this vehicle and something should be done about it. Not only does it cause financial destress on the owners of the vehicles but also a safety hazard to the driver
Transmission complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, 39% of the model year's 85 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2020 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
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.