This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Chevrolet Colorado brakes problems
severe 83 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
7crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 83 brakes complaints filed for the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 15 model years of Chevrolet Colorado we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 83.
Owners have filed 83 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442. Technician will need to review Techlink article from May 2013 titled "Using the Evaporative Emissions System Tester" Technician will need to follow these steps to help diagnose the issue. First after the P0442 has been verified do not disturb any of the fuel system components. The technician now can use the scan tool to close the Evaporative Emissions System. If possible change the tank pressure sensor units from inch_H2O to milimeter_Hg for better resolution. Now the vehicle can be star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Chevrolet Colorado brake complaints cluster around two main failure modes: ABS system malfunction and physical brake failure.
Owners report ABS faults that engage on dry pavement at low speeds with no wheel slippage, causing the brake pedal to pulsate and braking power to drop. An ABS fault light illuminates, then clears only after the vehicle is shut off and restarted. This pattern recurs every drive. Owners cite diagnostic codes C0035 (left front sensor), C0040, C0220 (left front in release too long), and C0221. Multiple owners who replaced wheel speed sensors and hub assemblies (at $650 to $1,200 per repair) report the fault persists. Dealers acknowledge this is a known issue and cite technical bulletin PIT3460N, but no recall has been issued.
Physical brake failures include rear brake drum pistons blowing out of cylinders at very low mileage (around 7,000–50,000 miles), causing complete loss of brake fluid and braking ability. Owners also report rear brakes freezing when the parking brake is engaged and remaining frozen after release, requiring the vehicle to be driven with frozen brakes until they cool. Front brake calipers lock up under normal driving, causing severe overheating, smoke, and loss of steering control. Brake pedals have gone soft or extended to the floor without stopping the vehicle. One owner had a front brake hose burst at 10,446 miles.
Owners describe these failures as recurring, unfixed by multiple dealer attempts, and occurring regardless of mileage or vehicle condition.
Same Chevrolet Colorado brakes reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
ABS system false engagement on dry pavement
ABS activates and engages without wheel slippage or wet conditions, causing brake pedal pulsation, reduced braking force, and intermittent loss of stopping power. ABS fault light illuminates and resets only after vehicle shutdown and restart. Pattern repeats on subsequent drives.
When: Low speeds, dry pavement, cold starts or during normal driving; some owners report onset as early as 2,000 miles or as late as 30,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pulsates during braking on dry roads; Reduced braking power when ABS activates; ABS fault light comes on and stays on until restart; Vehicle darts across road or doesn't stop until brakes are pumped; Grinding noise from brakes when ABS engages; No wheel slippage or wet conditions present
Codes mentioned: C0035 (left front sensor/wheel speed sensor), C0040, C0220 (left front in release too long), C0221
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel speed sensors and hub assemblies replaced by owners at $650–$1,200; problem persists after replacement. Multiple sensor replacements and hub replacements documented (some owners replaced parts twice).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM acknowledges design flaw (per dealer statement in narrative #1). Technical bulletin PIT3460N issued for ABS light with EBCM DTCs. No recall issued. GM refuses warranty coverage on some vehicles; owners charged $100 for diagnostic code reading before repair estimates provided.
Rear drum brake cylinder piston blowout
Brake drum pistons blow out of cylinders, ejecting them from the assembly and causing complete loss of brake fluid. Metal debris from drum damage grinds inside the drum. Results in total brake system failure with no stopping ability.
When: 7,000–50,000 miles; one case at 10,446 miles on a front brake hose
Symptoms owners cite: Brake fluid light comes on during driving; Complete loss of braking ability; Brake pedal goes soft or to the floor; Piston visibly expelled from cylinder; Metal grinding debris inside drum; Brakelights/warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Entire rear brake drum assembly, pistons, and cylinders require replacement. One owner reported dealer unable to source parts at any dealership in their state. Dealers stated they had not yet performed brake pad replacements on these vehicles, suggesting premature wear is uncharacteristic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM attributes failure to wear and denies design fault (per narrative #8 owner statement). No recall issued. Dealer repair only; no warranty coverage offered.
Rear brake freeze-up with parking brake engagement
Rear brakes seize and lock when parking brake (emergency brake) is engaged. Brakes remain frozen after parking brake lever is released, preventing vehicle from moving. Owners forced to drive with brakes engaged, causing severe overheating and fire risk near fuel tank.
When: Recurring over years of ownership; some owners report 10+ years of the problem since purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes lock and do not release when parking brake lever is released; Vehicle immobilized after parking brake is set; Severe wheel overheating when driving with frozen brakes; Smoke and potential fire risk from brake assembly near gas tank; Brake fluid leakage from sealed joints
Repairs/costs cited: No permanent repair documented. Owners report workarounds: one uses wooden blocks behind wheels instead of parking brake; another does not use parking brake and relies on manual transmission engine braking.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM refuses warranty repair and states no problem exists despite owner's 10-year history. No TSB or recall issued.
Front brake caliper lockup with overheating
Front brake caliper (driver side or both sides) locks up during normal driving, causing extreme brake temperature, smoke emission, and loss of steering control due to hard pull to one side. Overheating brake rotors steam when water is applied.
When: Can occur repeatedly during single drive or intermittently over months; one case ongoing since vehicle was new (13 months old)
Symptoms owners cite: One or both front wheels lock and overheat during normal driving; Hard pull to one side (usually left); Severe wheel overheating; unable to touch wheel for more than a few seconds; Smoke and steam from wheels; Black powder (brake dust) accumulation after highway driving; Steering wheel vibration and shaking under braking; Brake pulsation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced master cylinder, power brake booster, both front rotors, and brake shoes on at least one vehicle (narrative #11) without resolving issue. Vehicle returned to dealer four times with no diagnosis or fix. Caliper rebuild or replacement not yet performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented. Vehicle still in dealer's shop; no diagnosis provided.
Soft brake pedal, reduced braking, or pedal to floor
Brake pedal loses firmness, requires excessive pressure to stop vehicle, or extends fully to the floor without providing adequate braking force. Vehicle may fail to stop at intended stopping point or may not stop at all.
When: Low mileage (2,000 miles reported) to higher mileage; one case at 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Soft or spongy brake pedal action; Brake pedal extends to floor; Reduced stopping power; Delayed brake response; Vehicle overshoots intended stop point; Loss of all braking ability in severe cases; Brake and ABS warning lights may illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Brake fluid contamination, brake hose burst (one case at 10,446 miles), and master cylinder issues suspected but not always confirmed. One dealer replaced brakes 17 times due to premature wear, with most recent replacement wearing out after 2 weeks. Cause undetermined in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific response documented in these narratives.
Rear brake grab/lock-up during normal braking or wet conditions
Rear brakes grab, lock, or seize during normal braking or on wet/humid roads, causing temporary loss of vehicle control. Issue persists or worsens even after re-lining (brake shoe replacement) performed multiple times.
When: After brake re-lining; recurs within 1,000 miles; starts around 30,000 miles in some vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brakes lock or grab unexpectedly during braking; Loss of vehicle control on wet surfaces; Grinding or squealing noise during braking; Brakes lock worse in wet or humid conditions; Drum scored or egg-shaped; blue discoloration on drum; Rear brake cables frozen or stuck
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake drums and shoes re-lined multiple times (two instances documented) with same locking problem recurring within 1,000 miles both times. Drums found egg-shaped and glazed. Rear brake cables and parking brake actuator replaced in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware of the condition (per narrative #16) but states no TSBs or recalls issued.
Brake pad uneven or accelerated wear
Brake pads wear unevenly across wheels (e.g., outer pad on one side wears to metal while other pads remain good) or wear prematurely, requiring replacement at unusually low mileage or short intervals.
When: As early as 7,000 miles; also reported after only 2 weeks of driving; fronts replaced at 20,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: One brake pad worn to metal while others remain serviceable; Premature brake pad wear requiring replacement; Pad wear-out within 2 weeks of replacement; Metal-on-metal squealing during normal braking
Repairs/costs cited: Brake pads and shoes replaced multiple times; one dealer replaced brakes 17 times without determining cause. Front pads replaced at 7,000 miles, then rear drums re-lined, then brakes replaced again multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states pad wear is customer responsibility; one dealer unable to determine cause of accelerated wear.
EHCU/ABS control module failure with driving conditions
Electronic Hydraulic Control Unit (EHCU) or ABS control module fault activates during turns or specific driving conditions. Test results show motor malfunction, ABS channel impulses too long, and loss of communication with body control module.
When: Every 1 to 3 days when making left or right turns
Symptoms owners cite: EHCU fault warning on dash; ABS light comes on during turns; Motor malfunction detected by scanner; Loss of class 2 communication with body control module; ABS channel impulses reading too long; Vehicle loss of control during turns (one case: flat tire resulted)
Codes mentioned: Motor malfunction code, Right front antilock brake system channel impulses too long, Loss of class 2 communication with body control module/driver information module
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. Owner unplugged ABS sensor as temporary fix to stop daily ABS activation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Noticed after driving on freeway for a while that small vibration in steering wheel occurred with low cabin rumble. First time the vibration was enough to make me think I had a tire coming apart. What was actually happening is my front brakes had applied themselves slightly and were getting very hot. Upon braking steering wheel shook back and forth very hard. Has been going on since vehicle…
ABS fault light comes on. The ABS sensor seems to malfunction causing the ABS brakes to pulsate and then fault. This is a known problem on the edmonds forum, but the manufacture has not been any help. I have had both rotors and the ABS sensors replaced twice. The error does not occur all the time. To stop the error, you must pull over, turn the car off and restart the car. The vehicle has…
ABS fault problem 2005 Chevy colorado. *tr
When we would start the truck in the morning the ABS fault light would come on and when you pushed on the brake it felt like the rotors were warped then the brakes would lock up. In slick conditions the truck would lose control. *tr
Had brakes trouble with your 2005 Chevrolet Colorado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 83 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 69 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 33,000 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 70,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chevrolet/Colorado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.