This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
severe 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 41 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Owners have filed 41 electrical 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.
Electrical accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 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 ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Colorado electrical cluster centers on a malfunctioning Passlock anti-theft system that won't let owners start their trucks without reason. Owners report the lock icon flashes, fuel pump shuts down, and they must wait 10 to 15 minutes—sometimes up to 80 minutes or multiple restarts in a row—before the engine will turn over again. This happens randomly at work, home, grocery stores, and mid-drive, and it's gotten worse over time (some owners see it three to four times a week by 60–80K miles). Dealers consistently claim they've never heard of the problem, though owners have found dozens of online reports from other 2007 Colorado owners. No recall exists; GM offered special coverage on one case but let it expire.
Blower motor resistor and connector failure is a separate, recurring pattern. The heater/AC blower burns out connectors and resistor pins, forcing the blower to run only on high speed. Owners replace these parts under warranty early on, then pay out-of-pocket when it happens again. One owner had three replacements by 74K miles and found burned terminals requiring wire bypass repair.
Brake light switch failure disables tail lights despite recall 09049 existing for 2004–2009 Colorados—many 2007 models don't qualify. One owner paid $500+ for the first fix and got partial reimbursement; the second failure three years later was denied coverage because special coverage expired.
Ignition switch failure prevents cold starts or causes stalling while driving, with dealer replacements running around $385. Wiring harness breaks in the extended cab door (airbag and speaker wires) from normal use. One vehicle caught fire from a faulty heated seat wire while parked.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Passlock Anti-Theft System Malfunction
The Passlock anti-theft system engages without cause, disabling the fuel pump and preventing engine start. Owners report the system activates even with valid keys and no tampering. Recovery requires waiting 10–15 minutes for a timeout, though some owners report waits up to 80 minutes or multiple consecutive failures. The flashing lock indicator light confirms activation. System sometimes resets after battery disconnect or extended sitting, but the underlying failure persists.
When: Random intervals; earliest report at 35K miles, most frequent by 60–80K miles; one owner reports recurring since vehicle was new (78K miles at complaint); another at 181K miles with increasing frequency (3–4 times weekly)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not turn over or start despite valid key; Flashing red lock indicator light on dashboard; Fuel pump disabled; 10–15 minute wait required before restart attempt; Occurs at rest stops, parking lots, work, home, and mid-drive; No check engine light illuminates
Codes mentioned: Ignition Control Module (ICM) possible fault, Body Control Module (BCM) possible fault, Passlock sensor fault (unconfirmed by dealers), ABS fault (reported alongside Passlock activation in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempts include ignition switch replacement (one owner $385; another advised replacement but no cost given). Dealers often claim no knowledge of issue or blame battery (low voltage diagnosis disputed by owners). One owner cites dealer estimate over $1,000 for piecemeal diagnostics with no guarantee. Battery replacement ($200+) and labor ($100+) do not resolve root cause. No effective fix confirmed in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall number 09049 cited by one owner but does not cover their VIN; owner reports GM offered 'special coverage' reimbursement but coverage expired. No official recall or TSB mentioned for Passlock malfunction. GM dealers consistently claim no awareness of widespread problem; manufacturer has not responded to owner emails or complaints per narratives.
Blower Motor Resistor Burnout & Connector Melting
The heater/AC blower motor resistor and connector experience chronic failure, causing the blower to operate only on high speed (position 4) while low and medium speeds (positions 1–3) fail. The resistor and connector socket pins burn or melt from electrical overstress. One owner reports a fire hazard from the burned connector. The problem recurs even after warranty replacement.
When: As early as 18K miles; repeated failures at 51K, 73K, and 74K miles in one truck; another report at 28K miles with excessive voltage condition; failure reported up to 150K miles
Symptoms owners cite: Blower motor works only on high speed (#4); No function on low, medium, or medium-high speeds (#1, 2, 3); Intermittent blower operation before total failure of lower speeds; Burning odor inside vehicle or at connector; Melted or burned resistor and connector pigtail; Burned terminal or pins in connector behind right kick panel
Codes mentioned: Blower resistor overcurrent condition (excessive voltage reported in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements: resistor only; resistor and connector pigtail; blower motor and resistor; burned connector with wire bypass repair required in one case. Owner out-of-pocket costs after warranty expiration; some repairs performed by owners after research. One owner paid for replacement parts but repair status unclear. Design flaw suspected by owners—poor grounding or improper connector design.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM takes no responsibility despite problem documented in NHTSA database and online forums. Dealers initially replace under warranty; later repairs denied warranty coverage. One owner notes decades of loyalty to GM without resolution to widespread design issue.
Brake Light Switch Failure
The brake light switch fails, disabling brake light function. Recall 09049 addresses this in 2004–2009 Colorados but does not cover all affected VINs. Owners report the switch burns up or wire harness burns, and affected vehicles are excluded from the recall despite having the identical defect.
When: First occurrence varies; one owner reports initial failure, then recurrence in February 2014 after prior repair; testing confirms switch defective
Symptoms owners cite: No brake lights while all other lights function; Brake switch or wires burned up; Cruise control may also be inoperative (shares same circuit)
Repairs/costs cited: Initial repair cost $500+ at dealership for brake switch and wiring replacement. One owner received partial reimbursement under 'special coverage' for initial repair. Second repair (February 2014) denied coverage because special coverage expired 4 months prior and VIN not under recall 09049.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 09049 (electrical) exists for model years 2004–2009 but excludes many 2007 Colorado VINs. GM offered 'special coverage' for reimbursement on first occurrence only; second repair denied. Owners report GM stated VINs do not fall under recall despite identical defect.
Ignition Switch Failure
The ignition switch fails intermittently or completely, preventing engine start or causing stalling while driving. Owners describe difficulty starting after short parking periods or inability to restart after shutdown. One vehicle stalled at 20 mph while driving.
When: Failure mileage ranges 25K to 148K miles; earliest recorded failure at 25K, with recurrence and worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite valid key use; Vehicle stalls while driving without warning; May require multiple start attempts; Intermittent failures without warning
Codes mentioned: Ignition switch defective (dealer diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis and replacement of ignition switch confirmed in multiple narratives. Repair cost for one owner $385. Some repairs completed; others not completed due to cost or other factors.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 14V047000 (Electrical Ignition) exists but does not cover all 2007 Colorado VINs; manufacturer advised owners their vehicles not included. No TSB or recall specifically for 2007 Colorado ignition switch failure mentioned.
Wiring Harness Breakage in Extended Cab Door
The wiring harness between truck body and rear half-door (extended cab) passes through a flexible rubber housing. Wires to the seat belt tensioner (airbag system) break completely mid-way through normal door operation. Radio speaker wires in the same location also break. Airbag warning light remains on permanently; radio speaker fails.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage; problem well documented in online forums across multiple Colorado production years
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light on dashboard stays on permanently; Rear door speaker stops working; Seat belt tensioner wires severed completely; Broken wires in rubber housing after normal door use
Codes mentioned: Airbag system fault (indicated by persistent warning light)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner located problem by noticing dead speaker, then discovered broken airbag system wires in same location. Repair details not provided in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned; owner notes problem is well documented in online forums with multiple Colorado owners reporting identical issue across different production years.
Electrical Fire in Heated Seat
A faulty wire in the driver's heated seat caused the vehicle to catch fire while parked. Fire investigation confirmed the heated seat wire as the cause.
When: Occurred while vehicle was parked; mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle caught fire while parked
Repairs/costs cited: Fire report documented; no repair details provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned in narrative.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
My 2007 Chevrolet colorado ls 4 cylinder 2.9 litre has always randomly won't start. I researched this and every year of the colorado has had this issue of randomly not starting, countless dollars have been spent trying to figure it out, Chevrolet will not say it is an issue and it is a huge issue for almost every single year. Passlock issue? Just costed me 266.00 at the chev garage and my truck…
Engine will not start turns over let sit for 10 minutes to 2 hours will start had checked on computer several times nothing shows up was told it was crank sensor replaced with no change now im told it is security sensor truck has done this since it was new randomly now has 78k miles getting sick of being stranded and late to work gm should have a recall on this
Passlock issues ongoing for over a year..probably closer to a year and a half. Vehicle will not start and thinks being stolen. Passlock shuts down computer. 10 minute wait for computer. Sometimes it takes 1, 2, 3, or 4 times waiting for 10 minutes! With small children it is not fun waiting!! Twice in this time we were on our way to the hospital and had to wait...thankfully the wait did not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that the engine failed. The contact mentioned that after ten minutes of waiting to restart the vehicle, the passlock anti theft system warning indicator illuminated. The failure recurred sporadically. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was…
Truck was stationary, tried to start, turned over but didn't start. Waited 10-15 minutes and started ok. This happens once a week and has something to do with 'passlock'. Once I was on way to hospital, delayed again. Dealer has multiple guesses but no fixes.
Vehicle would not start after parked and shut off engine. Found that the passlock anti-theft system had activated somehow. The engine would not turn over, only a few audible tones and the red "lock" light on. Also it showed an ABS fault. Note- I do not have an aftermarket alarm or locks on my truck, I actually don't have any aftermarket anything on my truck besides tinted windows. I checked…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 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 electrical problem on the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 41 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 34 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 90,400 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 90,400. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2007/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.