Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% | 112,000 miles |
| 2024 | 13 | 11% | 8,000 miles |
| 2023 | 9 | 7% | 1,000 miles |
| 2022 | 3 | 5% | 8,000 miles |
| 2021 | 13 | 16% | 53,000 miles |
| 2020 | 33 | 39% | 40,000 miles |
| 2019 | 65 | 43% | 6,000 miles |
| 2018 | 78 | 43% | 18,000 miles |
| 2017 | 107 | 50% | 19,000 miles |
| 2016 | 97 | 14% | 10,000 miles |
| 2015 | 45 | 9% | 9,000 miles |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% | 43,000 miles |
| 2011 | 2 | 5% | 144,000 miles |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% | — |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% | 58,000 miles |
| 2008 | 7 | 9% | 33,000 miles |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% | 13,000 miles |
| 2006 | 15 | 6% | 51,000 miles |
| 2005 | 27 | 8% | 35,000 miles |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% | 16,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact's husband owns a 2025 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that after exiting a car wash tunnel and parking the vehicle on the side of the car wash building, the vehicle continued to roll forward at a high speed without warning. The contact used both feet and excessive force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle; however, the vehicle continued to roll forward. The vehicle ran over the parking pillar and crashed into a brick column attached to the building. The vehicle continued to roll forward after the crash and eventually stopped once it rolled over the car wash road indentation. The contact reversed out of the car wash indentation and called her husband for assistance. After her husband arrived at the scene; the vehicle was driven to the residence without any further issues. The vehicle remained at the residence and was not yet diagnosed or repaired. …
On [redacted] after only 400 miles on the odometer, I experienced complete transmission failure while on a highway and was nearly hit by the vehicle behind me, luckily that did not happen. On April 29th, a new replacement transmission was installed by the Chevy dealer, and now on [redacted] I had experienced a severe burning smell from under the hood of the vehicle accompanied with a grinding sound, which lead to me to take it back to the dealer. On 05/15/25, the customer care manager informed me that the new transmission from the factory has metal debris inside the pan, and the vehicle would again require a complete "tear down". This is very unsafe for major powertrain components from the GM factory to keep failing, another failed transmission on a brand new truck like this is very unsafe especially because I drive on major highways to commute for work and transport my young children. …
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal depressed to the floorboard and was spongy. Additionally, the navigation system shut off unexpectedly, and the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light illuminated, causing the seat belt to tighten while the vehicle was in park. The contact also received OnStar alerts that the vehicle was being stolen and that the 12-Volt battery voltage had dropped. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was driven to the dealer to repair the issues, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,285.
Check engine light with codes p0700 and p2796 has been happening for months with multiple failed repair attempts. Vehicle was returned to me by the dealer supposedly fixed. I drove it 15 minutes to the high school for an art fair my daughter was in. They (my family) rode with me home. Check engine light was on again. On the way home, the transmission was acting strange, not shifting properly. About half way home, it got stuck in a gear at 3500 or so rpms and would not shift. I tried the manual shifter, and it didn't work. Stuck in gear. Concern was that we were approaching a hill when it did this, and I could not get the vehicle to shift to deliver the appropriate level of power I needed to ascend the hill. It thankfully did eventually shift, but it was scary for a few seconds, especially since I had my wife and all three of my kids in the vehicle. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle seemed to operate in 4WD mode; however, the instrument cluster stated that the vehicle was operating in 2WD mode. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the check engine warning light was cleared. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop, the Auto START/STOP feature turned off the engine; however, upon depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond, and the engine made abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle then accelerated to 40 MPH and then slammed on the brakes unintendedly, nearly causing a crash. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact continually depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle lurched forward and jerked while responding. …
COMPONENT FAILURE: Body Control Module causing systematic electrical failures: door locks, power windows, window regulators, four-wheel drive transfer case display. Components intact, available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Door locks malfunction preventing emergency exit. Power windows fail affecting communication/egress. 4WD display fault (yellow AUTO vs white) indicates transfer case control issues affecting traction in mountain winter driving at 10,000ft elevation. Unpredictable electrical failures create safety risk during remote travel. DEALER CONFIRMATION: Approximately 20 dealer visits. Each time: scan codes, test drive, "no fault found." Problem temporarily clears via battery disconnect/reconnect, proving electrical fault not mechanical. Dealer cannot diagnose root cause, hasn't performed systematic electrical testing. MANUFACTURER INSPECTION: None despite repeated failures. …
The contact's partner owned a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that upon placing the vehicle into park, he went into a store while his partner remained in the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle began to roll back as an abnormal, whining sound began to emit from the transmission. As the vehicle began to roll over a curb and into some grass, the passenger attempted to exit the vehicle but was unsuccessful. The vehicle continued to roll back as the vehicle into the telephone pole which caused the vehicle to come to a stop. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact stated that the air bag, seat belt, and the service safety restraint warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The passenger was taken to the hospital by ambulance where she was treated for a head and neck injury. A police report was filed. …
I purchased the vehicle in October 2021. Through the 2021/2022 Michigan winter - no issues. This 2022/2023 winter, an issue has occurred. When breaking, prior to coming to a complete stop, the vehicle shifts down hard with two clunks. On a slippery surface, it causes the truck to slide a bit - as though the wheels are close to locking-up. I took the truck to Art Moehn Chevrolet in Jackson, Michigan. They received a letter from GM stating this is normal. See attached. This problem only occurs in freezing temperatures and when first driving the vehicle. In warmer temperatures, or after the truck has warmed up in freezing temperatures, the problem lessens or goes away.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter…
Remedy: GM dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about July 19, 2011.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (107), 2016 (97), 2018 (78), 2019 (65) and 2015 (45) model years. Transmission complaints make up 50% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-337 (gear position indication (prndl), Jun 28, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 19,000 miles; 83% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (18 mentions), followed by the driveline › driveshaft (7).
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.