This service bulletin provides information on proper use of floor mats.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Colorado cruise control problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the cruise control at roughly $600 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See cruise control across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
| Model year | cruise control complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Colorado | 5 |
| 2016 Colorado (this page) | 10 |
| 2017 Colorado | 4 |
When does it fail?
Of the 10 cruise control complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 6 model years of Chevrolet Colorado we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 10.
No new NHTSA cruise control complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 7 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering cruise control 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 vehicles that have a hood that may shake or flutter while driving. Technician will need to adjust the hood bumpers for this concern.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates direction and examples when diagnosing multiple DTCs, one of which includes U**** Byte 71 DTC.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have shudder or chuggle when accelerating at low speeds of 12 to 15 miles per hour or 19-24 kilometer per hour in second gear. Also same shudder or chuggle when accelerating at speeds of 30 to 40 MPH or 48-64 kilometer per hour, when accelerating in 6th gear. Technician will first check latest version of PIP5303 New Service Calibrations For the Engine Control Module and Transmission Control Module. The calibration update may not totally address shudder or chuggle concerns. These concerns are due to normal operation of the automatic transmission and the torque converter clutch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a cluster of transmission and power-delivery failures across 2016 Colorados. The most common complaint involves delayed downshifting: when accelerating from 30–60 mph to pass or merge, the engine revs to 4,000–5,000 RPM but the transmission hangs in a high gear for 2–3 seconds. When the downshift finally happens—as RPM is already dropping—the truck jerks violently. Dealers acknowledge the issue via TSB PIP5547, but GM had no repair solution as of late 2019. Owners also report transmission getting stuck in high gear on downhill grades, with RPM climbing above 5,000 and requiring substantial speed reduction to shift.
Separate complaints describe sudden loss of engine power at highway speeds, with check engine lights and StabiliTrak warnings illuminating. Speed drops from 75 mph to 40 mph or below; restarting restores power, but the light remains. One owner cites a P0201 code and a TSB software update that dealers allegedly wouldn't transparently offer. Diesel models report DPF/DEF regeneration failures leading to limp mode, with speed progressively throttled down to 4 mph.
A few owners report hesitation during acceleration, loud popping from the engine area with simultaneous loss of speed and multiple warning lights, and even inability to correct speedometer calibration after installing larger tires because GM software is unavailable through normal channels.
Failure modes owners describe
Delayed / improper downshift with violent jerk and engine rev hang during acceleration
Transmission fails to downshift promptly when driver accelerates from cruise at moderate speeds (30–60 mph). Engine revs to 4,000–5,000 RPM but transmission stays in high gear for several seconds before downshifting while RPMs are already dropping, causing violent jerk and loss of passing authority.
When: Occurs consistently at 30–40 mph and 50–60 mph; present from early vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 4,000–5,000 RPM without immediate downshift; Delayed downshift occurs 2–3 seconds later while RPMs declining; Violent jerk when transmission finally engages lower gear; Unreliable acceleration for passing maneuvers; Dangerous on highway on-ramps
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed problem exists; GM advised no fix available as of Dec. 2019.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM aware of issue per TSB PIP5547; no repair solution provided
Transmission stuck in high gear on downhill grades with elevated RPM
When descending moderately steep hills, transmission downshifts into a lower gear but RPM climbs above 5,000 and transmission becomes stuck in that gear. Requires significant speed reduction to force another gear change.
When: Occurs during downhill driving
Symptoms owners cite: Downshift to lower gear on hills; RPM climbs above 5,000 and remains elevated; Transmission stuck in gear; Requires substantial speed reduction to change gears; May reach 6,000 RPM if driver accelerates further
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested workaround: use manual shift mode to bypass automatic transmission logic
Loss of engine power and reduced power mode with check engine light
Check engine light illuminates and engine enters reduced power mode, limiting vehicle speed to 35 mph or lower on highway. Issue occurs sporadically; power may return after restart but light remains. One complaint cites P0201 code and references CO2 sensor; another references TSB for software update.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; occurs sporadically without warning
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Engine power reduced mode engaged; Speed limited to 35 mph maximum; Loss of highway capability; Power may temporarily restore after key-off restart; Check engine light remains after power restored
Codes mentioned: P0201 (reported as CO2 sensor issue; likely P0201 is misread or incomplete code)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempted diagnosis; parts store scanner showed P0201 and pointed to CO2 sensor. Owner reports TSB software update was available but not transparently offered by dealer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB software update available per owner report; dealer coverage unclear
Sudden loss of acceleration with StabiliTrak and drivetrain warning lights
Vehicle suddenly loses acceleration and decelerates rapidly while at highway speed (75 mph). StabiliTrak and check engine light illuminate. Condition occurs intermittently and resolves after restart, but check engine light persists.
When: Occurs at highway speed; intermittent with varying frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration; Rapid deceleration from 75 mph; StabiliTrak warning light activation; Check engine light activation; Temporary recovery after key-off restart; Check engine light remains on after recovery; Unpredictable occurrence—runs fine some days, fails other days
Transmission downshift lag and buck / vibration during acceleration from partial throttle
Transmission fails to downshift properly when driver applies moderate throttle to accelerate from a slowed speed (20–45 mph range). Engine bucks, vibrates, and RPM drops to 1,000 or below. Full throttle forces aggressive multi-gear downshift and forward jerk. Problem most acute on secondary roads and during traffic merges.
When: Present since truck was new; 14,500 miles at complaint; varies with speed and road grade
Symptoms owners cite: No downshift when accelerator applied from moderate speed; Engine buck and vibration; RPM drops to 1,000 or lower; Delayed or refused acceleration; Full-throttle triggers sudden multi-gear downshift; Forward jerk on heavy downshift; Dangerous during traffic merges due to unpredictable response
Diesel DPF / DEF system failure and limp-mode throttling
Diesel-equipped Colorado and Canyon trucks (2016–2020) experience premature DPF (diesel particulate filter) and DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) system failures within 20–60K miles. When regeneration cycle fails to complete—especially when vehicle is out of state or unable to complete full regen—transmission enters limp mode. Speed is then severely limited, progressively dropping from 65 mph to 55 mph to 4 mph.
When: Within 20–60K miles on diesel models
Symptoms owners cite: DPF regeneration cycle fails to complete; Limp mode engagement; Progressive speed reduction: 65 mph → 55 mph → 4 mph; No power on hills in limp mode; Failure more likely when vehicle driven out of state or unable to complete full regen cycle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer attempts unsuccessful; parts availability limited for diesel models
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under powertrain warranty per owner report
Sudden power loss with loud engine noise and multiple warning lights at highway speed
While driving at 70 mph, loud popping noise from engine area followed by sudden speed reduction to 40 mph. Steering assist, StabiliTrak, four-wheel drive, and trailer brake system warning lights all illuminate. Failure occurs on multiple occasions but cannot be reproduced at dealer.
When: At 5,700 miles; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping noise from engine; Sudden speed reduction from 70 to 40 mph; Steering assist warning light; StabiliTrak warning light; Four-wheel drive warning light; Trailer brake system warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate or repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no action taken
Hesitation and stumble during acceleration at low mileage
Vehicle hesitates when driver attempts to accelerate at various speeds early in ownership. Failure occurs on multiple occasions but dealer cannot reproduce condition.
When: At 100 miles (very early in ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation on acceleration; Occurs at various speeds; Multiple occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Unable to diagnose or repair at dealer
Speedometer calibration software unavailable for tire size correction
After installing larger aftermarket tires, speedometer reading becomes inaccurate. Dealer states they cannot correct reading and directs owner to purchase software correction from GM, but GM software is not available through standard channels and dealership cannot provide purchase instructions.
When: After tire installation
Symptoms owners cite: Incorrect speedometer reading with larger tires; Driver unable to accurately gauge vehicle speed
Repairs/costs cited: Software correction required but unavailable; previous ability to correct speedometer no longer exists
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM software solution theoretically available but not accessible to owners or dealerships
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
As I was driving my vehicle home from work, my vehicle lost acceleration and the stabiltrax warning came on. I had to pull off of the highway as fast as I could due to the fact that the speed was 75 and my vehicle was decelerating very quickly. I turned my car off momentarily and it magically became normal other then the check engine light staying on. I only have 41000 miles on my truck, so there…
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, a loud popping noise came from the engine area before the speed suddenly decreased to 40 MPH. During the failure, the steering assist, stabilitrak, four wheel drive and trailer braking system warning lights illuminated. The failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken…
Had cruise control trouble with your 2016 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 cruise control problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $600 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, cruise control issues most often appear around 22,883 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2016/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.