Window & Wiper complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to add windshield washer fluid to the windshield washer fluid reservoir. The contact stated that the washer fluid failed to pass through the filler neck and enter the reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was due to a poor design flaw and that there was no repair available currently. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 14,000.
Sunroof exploded while driving down the highway. Glass shattered everywhere in the interior as well all over our child car seat. Fortunately I was the only person in the truck at the time. Due to the violence of the incident I had to gain control due to the sound and flying glass. Had all windows and sunroof close with the AC on. Was going approximately 65 mph. Clear sunny day. I have more photos and video if needed. Dealer has been contacted and they will replace the sunroof under warranty.
The windshield is defective - within a month of owning this new truck one strike against it (while on the highway) (our first windshield strike) broke it very significantly - cracked throughout. I am about 60 years old and have owned many, many vehicles - we have never seen a windshield break so fast and so severely. We did an internet search and there are many other Chevy Colorado owners that have made the same observation - many are saying it is cheap, unusually thin glass for fuel economy or for less expense, others say Chevy has not installed their windshields with the proper amount of adhesive behind it. Owners say the after market replacement doesn't easily break on impact like this factory original windshield does. …
We reported issues with our thermostat to our dealer back in September of 2022. The vehicle would not defrost or heat. We were then told the thermostat required replacements but there was no part in existence and they would notify us when it became available. After following up numerous times with no actionable timeline from the dealer we consulted with a secondary mechanic who confirmed the issue was related to a thermostat sensor malfunction and would require a replacement thermostat. Again we were told that the item was not available from GM and we would be contacted when more information was available. A SPAC case was created by our dealer in October of 2022, notifying the system of the urgent need and our dealer has followed up numerous times that GM has not provided any timeline for replacement. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the vehicle's windshield was replaced three times due to cracks from tiny stones. Mccarthy Chevrolet (675 n rawhide, olathe, ks 66061, [phone]) stated that the windshield was not covered under warranty unless authorized by the manufacturer. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number, but did not guarantee that the glass would be found defective. The contact was considering replacing the windshield with an aftermarket windshield. The failure mileage was 1,500.
On Wednesday February 24th I was driving home (north on I-75 in michigan) from work, the truck had 2-3 inches of snow on top of the truck and truck cap because it cannot be reached due to the height of the vehicle. Traffic was moving at ~ 10 miles per hour due to road conditions and my wipers were on (medium speed if I recall correctly), traffic stopped suddenly and all of the snow from the top of the truck immediately slid forward and covered the windshield. At this point the wipers were essentially buried/ jammed due to the amount of snow and the windshield was completely covered while I was on the expressway. Had the conditions been slightly better I could have been doing well over 10 miles an hour and the result would have absolutely been a collision which could have involved many vehicles. …
The specific problem is visibility out the windshield either because of how the windshield is shaped or because of the position of the west virginia inspection sticker placement in the lower right side of the windshield. My wife is 5'3" and I'm 5'8" tall and the inspection sticker clearly creates a visual safety issue. I contacted wv dmv about his safety issue and they referred me to the wv state police. The state police say the state law requires the inspection sticker be place in the lower left of the windshield. I contacted our state senator and have not heard back. The law should be changed. The way Chevrolet design and manufactured the windshield does make where the inspection sticker is place become a safety issue. If any stickers of such size are placed on the lower left side of the windshield, they become an issue. …
The blower motor started to only work on the high setting, 4, all other settings, 1,2,3, were not working, I thought the blower control switch May have been bad. I checked with the dealer, the part to replace the switch is the whole control panel, $200. I wanted to make sure that was the problem before spending the money. I checked on the internet and found this is a common problem with Colorado's. It turns out that the blower motor resistor block and connector are suspect. I did in fact check this out and found evidence of over heating on the connector. I can get the fan control to work properly by moving the wires on the connector to the resistor block. I think this is a safety concern due to the fact that others have reported the connector actually being melted from over heating. GM does not have any service bulletins or recalls out for this issue. …
Related recalls (1)
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles manufactured from September 22, 2010, through November 5, 2010. Some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut May not be tightened to specification.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before May 11, 2011.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (16), 2016 (6) and 2005 (5) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 4% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Colorado window & wiper problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 11V-276 (motor, May 6, 2011). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Colorado window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles; 75% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the power window devices and controls (9 mentions), followed by the windshield (4).
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.