This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
severe 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 36 electrical complaints filed for the 2009 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
Electrical accounts for 54% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 36 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.
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 2009 Colorado has a widespread, unresolved PassLock anti-theft defect. Owners describe sporadic no-crank, no-start conditions where the engine simply will not turn over—sometimes weekly, sometimes monthly. A padlock icon flashes on the dash; waiting 10–20 minutes with the key in the ON position allows the light to reset, then the truck starts normally. Replacement of the ignition switch and PassLock sensor does not prevent recurrence, and dealers often refuse to service the truck when the failure cannot be reproduced on demand.
Electrical systems fail catastrophically in some trucks. One owner lost all power while driving 50 mph on a highway; another experienced complete shutdown at 80 mph with the anti-theft light illuminating. A tight ground connector was found in one case but did not stay fixed.
AC blower-fan resistor fires are documented. Two owners report electrical fires originating under the glove box—smoke and flames within seconds—forcing rapid evacuation. One fire was extinguished with a fire extinguisher; the other completely consumed the truck. GM refused out-of-warranty coverage and quoted $1,700 for replacement of a factory part.
A blown ignition fuse caused engine stall at highway speed with no root cause found. One owner reported a faulty ignition switch displaying incorrect key position, requiring repeated start attempts. Headlamp failures are also noted. GM has issued no recall for the PassLock problem despite owners citing it across online forums and YouTube.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent no-crank/no-start – PassLock anti-theft activation
PassLock security system intermittently activates without cause, disabling engine start. Owners report the vehicle will not turn over or crank; waiting 10–20 minutes typically allows the security light to reset and the engine to start. This is widely reported as recurring even after ignition-switch replacement. Owners describe being stranded for extended periods and cite this as a chronic, unresolved defect across multiple model years.
When: Occurs sporadically, sometimes monthly, sometimes every few days; one owner reports 6–8 years of recurrence; others see the issue worsen over time
Symptoms owners cite: Engine will not crank or turn over when key is turned; PassLock security indicator (padlock light) blinks on dashboard; Vehicle becomes operable after 10–20 minute wait with key in ON position; Intermittent and unpredictable; difficult for dealers to duplicate; Some instances report anti-theft light illuminating while driving at highway speed
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships replacing ignition switch, ignition-switch housing (part 15795321), and PassLock sensor; replacement parts are identical to originals and do not prevent recurrence. One repair shop charged $400; another charged $1,700 for blower-fan resistor replacement. Many dealers refuse to service when failure cannot be reproduced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall #08411 (Fuel System Control Module) was issued May 18, 2009, but owner was not informed at point of sale. One owner reports GM offered OnStar subscription and $2,000 loyalty voucher instead of repair solution. Owners cite no official recall or technical service bulletin (TSB) issued for PassLock defect despite widespread online documentation. One complaint mentions TSB 09V310000 for brake-light switch, which dealer refused to honor citing recall expiration and geographic limitation (not in Louisiana or Georgia).
Electrical loss of power while driving
Engine stalls unexpectedly during highway driving; instrument panel dims and/or goes dark. Warning lights (ABS, brake, service engine, traction control) illuminate or go dark. Power is not restored for several minutes; driver must restart vehicle to regain electrical function. Loose ground connections have been identified in at least one case but failures recur after repair.
When: Occurs while driving at highway speeds (40–80 mph); one instance at 50 mph on state highway; failures recurred within 48 hours in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Complete or near-complete loss of electrical power while vehicle is in motion; Instrument panel dims or goes black; Headlights, brake lights, wipers, heat, and air conditioning cease to function; Door locks become inoperable; Engine stalls without warning; Multiple warning lights illuminate (ABS, brake, service engine, traction control) or go dark
Codes mentioned: Service Engine light, ABS warning indicator, Brake warning indicator, Traction Control light
Repairs/costs cited: One dealer diagnosed loose ground harness connector at front passenger-side inner fender below air filter box, tightened connector, but failure recurred within six weeks. Vehicle was coasted to roadside and restarted manually. One owner reports hearing clicking sound from behind left end of dashboard during electrical shutdown. Another reports vehicle needed restart to restore all electrical systems.
AC blower-fan resistor fire hazard
Electrical fire originating at AC blower-fan resistor under the glove box on passenger side. Owners report smelling burning electrical odor, smoke, and flames within seconds. Fire spreads rapidly; one owner had to abandon vehicle with flames spreading to floorboard. Owners cite this as a documented, recurring problem in Chevy trucks since 2005. Dealer refused warranty coverage out-of-warranty, quoting $1,700 repair cost as factory defect.
When: One incident occurred while driving at normal speed on dark night; another on Friday morning during drive to work
Symptoms owners cite: Burning electrical smell; Smoke under glove box (passenger side); Flames visible, often dripping toward floorboard; Fire spreads very rapidly
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,700 to have AC blower-fan resistor replaced; fire was extinguished with fire extinguisher at the scene. Factory part with no owner modifications.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner called GM to file claim; GM refused to cover under warranty due to vehicle being out of warranty. No recall or campaign issued.
Blown ignition fuse
20-amp ignition fuse blows while vehicle is in motion at highway speed, causing engine to stall. No electrical issue is identifiable by independent repair shop; fuse replacement resolves the immediate problem but does not prevent recurrence. Owner could not replicate the fault after repair.
When: Occurred while driving at 55 mph on Indiana Highway 3 with cruise control active; truck had approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving; Will turn over but will not start; Vehicle coasts safely off road
Repairs/costs cited: 20-amp ignition fuse replaced; shop could not get fuse to blow again to investigate root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports no GM service bulletins or recalls available for this issue despite others reporting similar problems online.
Ignition switch malfunction – key-position mismatch
Ignition switch fails to recognize key position correctly. Dash displays ignition in LOCK position when key is physically turned to START. Multiple attempts to start engine required, sometimes taking 10 minutes; spare key does not resolve the issue.
When: Second occurrence since 2010 purchase; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Engine does not try to turn over; Dash indicator shows ignition in LOCK position when it is not; Requires repeated attempts to start over approximately 10-minute period; Spare key does not resolve the issue
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented at time of complaint
Headlight failures (multiple replacements required)
Right-side headlamp fails; owner reports replacing it twice personally without dealer involvement. No detail on whether headlamp itself is defective or wiring harness is at fault.
When: Replacement required multiple times within vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Right-side headlamp inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced right-side headlamp twice without dealership involvement
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
No crank, no start condition caused by defective ignition switch housing (pass lock sensor failure) that can leave owner stranded. This is widespread among gm and Chevrolet colorado vehicles. Gm needs to redesign ignition switch housing and pass lock sensor to prevent failure and issue a recall. There is no recall notice or any indication that replacing the original ignition switch housing…
Driving straight at 55 MPH on indiana highway 3 with cruise on engine died and would turn over but not start.coasted off onto a country road,had the colorado towed to a auto repair shop.repair shop found a blown 20 amp ignition fuse, replaced fuse and engine started up ran fine.repair shop could not get the fuse to blow again.on other internet sites people have had the same problems,but no gm…
Will not start when dash padlock indicator is blinking. After waiting 10-15 minutes the indicator will stay solid and vehicle will start. Does this off and on every week or so. You do not know when it will happen. Dealership would not check it out as it did not occur when I was there. They do not acknowledge this as being a problem but checking online forums a lot of other people have had the…
Vehichle will not start when padlock dash indicator is blinking, if you wait 10-15 minutes padlock dash indicator will stay steady and vehichle will start. This has happened off and on going on 6-8 years now. You never know when the vehicle will do this, when I took it to the dealership it was working fine and they dealer would not look at it. A lot of other people have had the same problem…
On december 6, 2015 I was driving my colorado when I smelled an electrical fire. A few minutes later my passenger told me to pull over. There was a fire on the passenger side under the glove box. It was the ac blower fan resistor. We were able to get to a fire extinguisher and put it out but after some research found that it is a common problem in chevys starting in 2005. I called gm and started…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start after turning the key in the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle must remain parked for ten minutes in order to become operable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact initially believed the failure was due to a dead battery. The contact replaced the battery, but the failure…
No crank/ no start. This is a widesperead and very common issue with all years Chevy colorados and happens intermittently where the engine will not crank (turn over). This can be a particularly unsafe issue for manual transmission models if for some reason the vehicle is stalled in traffic or leaving the driver stranded in some remote area under adverse weather conditions, for example and will…
My colorado would not start sometimes when we stopped for something or would not start in the mornings and I missed work because of it,and it would start later on ,it was getting frightening and discouraging.I taught to trade it but I like to keep it because I love it .I was charged 400.00 to get it fixed(I hope)that,not fair please see if I can get a refund ,cause I am having a rough time right…
Sometimes won't start without waiting 10 minutes because pass lock light is on seems to be becoming more often. Seen online it's a common problem with this model? It can be dangerous depending on the situation you are in especially where I live in indianpolis.
Purchased vehicle used. Within 1 week vehicle failed to start. Dash shows security lock flashing. Vehicle will not start until it is no longer illuminated, takes approx. 10 to 15 minutes. Continues to happen on a regular basis every 7 to 10 days, on occasion has happened twice in same day or 2 days in a row. Called dealership - offered no solution. Has been 2 months now and have been…
Had electrical trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 36 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 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 40,000 and 83,499 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 83,499. 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/2009/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.