This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Chevrolet Colorado powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 83 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 13,451 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Colorado | 40 |
| 2016 Colorado (this page) | 83 |
| 2017 Colorado | 100 |
| 2018 Colorado | 76 |
| 2019 Colorado | 60 |
| 2020 Colorado | 31 |
2crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 83 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 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 83 powertrain 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.
Among the 14 model years of Chevrolet Colorado in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears. This may be due to loose stator support to pump cover bolts causing a leak at the stator support to pump cover gasket. Technician will check for the bolts to be loose. If any of the bolts are loose or the gasket is misaligned or leaking, the transmission pump cover must be replaced and the 1234 clutch plates should be inspected for being distressed and repaired as needed.
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 ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Colorado's 6-speed automatic transmission is the dominant complaint across these 83 narratives. Most owners describe the transmission hesitating or refusing to downshift when accelerating, leaving the engine lugging below 1,000 RPM until finally dropping several gears at once, jolting the truck forward violently. This happens constantly between 20–45 MPH in city traffic, on hills, and when merging or passing. Many owners say it was broken from the first drive; it doesn't improve with time.
Stop-and-go traffic brings out the worst: the transmission hunts between gears, shudders, clunks hard, and can't settle on one. On grades, it upshifts too eagerly into 6th gear, starving the engine, then downshifts so abruptly that RPMs spike to 5,000. Cruise control loses speed before the transmission finally reacts. Some trucks even lose all power at a traffic light or stall at intersections.
A handful of owners report sudden unintended downshifts at highway speed with no warning—dropping into a low gear on a downhill, losing 40 MPH instantly, making the truck hard or impossible to upshift. One truck surged forward when shifting from Park to Drive without the driver touching the gas, striking a golf cart.
Dealers blame drivers ("learn to drive with it"), claim software is current, or perform resets and recalibrations that help for days before the problem returns. Chevrolet offers no solution. The 2017 model year switched to an 8-speed transmission, suggesting GM knew 2016 was broken but provided no fix for existing owners.
Same Chevrolet Colorado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Delayed or hesitant downshift under acceleration
Transmission stays in high gear (5th or 6th) when driver accelerates, engine RPMs drop dangerously low (often below 1,000 RPM), vehicle stutters, lurches, or bogs down. Transmission eventually downshifts abruptly to a lower gear, sometimes multiple gears at once, causing sudden violent acceleration. Happens frequently during 20-45 MPH driving, hills, merging, passing, and traffic.
When: Occurs from early ownership (some owners report it from first drive at <500 miles); worsens over time and mileage. Severity varies with truck speed, road inclination, and driving conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM drops to 1,000 RPM or below while in high gear; Transmission does not downshift when accelerator is pressed; Vehicle stutters, chugs, lurches, or bogs down; Abrupt violent downshift to lower gear(s) after hesitation; Poor acceleration response; delay of seconds before power delivery; Dangerous hesitation when merging, passing, or entering traffic; Engine sputtering or almost seizing sensation
Codes mentioned: None; owners report no codes present or check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer software/calibration updates (e.g., 'new download,' PIP5342B bulletin, transmission shift-point remapping) applied repeatedly without lasting fix. Torque converter replaced on some vehicles at ~500 miles without resolution. Some owners report problem temporarily improves after dealer reset but returns within days. Aftermarket computer/PCM updates rumored by owners to help but not officially offered by GM.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet and GM dealers state 'nothing can be done,' problem is 'normal operation,' or software is 'up to date.' GM rep told one owner the issue is a known software problem with 2016+ Colorado models with new software, acknowledged no fix timeline. Service bulletin PIP5342B issued stating 'NOTE: PERFORMING THIS CALIBRATION UPDATE MAY NOT TOTALLY ADDRESS THE SHUDDER OR CHUGGING CONCERNS.' No recall issued. 2017+ models received 8-speed transmission instead.
Unintended engine acceleration while braking
Transmission downshifts while driver is applying brakes, causing engine to rev and vehicle to accelerate momentarily despite brake pressure. Creates sensation that engine is fighting the brakes or that brakes are losing effectiveness.
When: Occurs intermittently, especially on inclines and in stop-and-go traffic.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates momentarily while brakes are applied; Engine revs as transmission downshifts; Reduced braking effectiveness feel; Sensation of engine fighting the brakes
Repairs/costs cited: None documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Erratic transmission shift patterns and gear hunting
Transmission hunts between gears, cannot settle on correct gear, shifts hard at random, shifts excessively between 4th-6th gears. Vehicle jerks, shudders, or clunks during shifts. Problem occurs in stop-and-go traffic, city driving, and at constant highway speeds with grade changes. Some owners describe transmission as 'confused,' 'jittery,' 'rough,' or unable to decide which gear to select.
When: Present from purchase in many cases; reported as early as first drive through entire ownership. Worsens in heavy traffic, mountainous terrain, and on secondary roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard clunking or banging shifts; Jerky, rough, or random shifting; Transmission hunts between gears; Excessive upshifting and downshifting; Shuddering sensation resembling bad spark plugs or bumps in road; Vehicle unable to maintain steady speed; Transmission loses gear momentarily, acts confused
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer transmission resets, software calibration updates, and PCM reprogramming applied without lasting resolution. Transmission fluid checked and excessive metal particles found in one case; transmission rebuilt. Driving in 'Tow/Haul' mode reported to shift more smoothly. Manual shift mode available to work around issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim transmission is 'acceptable,' shifts are 'normal,' or problem is a software feature for fuel efficiency. Chevrolet does not recognize problem. One owner speculates GM designed transmission this way to meet fuel economy ratings and refuses to acknowledge the defect.
Inadequate upshift behavior and excessive downshift on grades
Transmission too eager to upshift into high gears (5th, 6th), which causes engine to lug at low RPMs on inclines. On downhills and grades, transmission downshifts excessively or unexpectedly without driver input, causing RPMs to spike to 5,000 RPM or higher and vehicle to remain locked in lower gear. When cruise control is active, vehicle loses 4-8 MPH before downshift occurs.
When: Occurs continuously during highway driving with grade changes, mountainous terrain, and inclines. Reported from early ownership to 6,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine lugging at low RPM in high gear on inclines; Excessive unexpected downshift on descents; RPMs spike to 5,000+ on downhill grades; Transmission locks in lower gear and will not upshift; Cruise control loses significant speed (4-8 MPH) before downshifting; Recurring 'bumping' sensation on long uphills; Vehicle feels like engine is about to stall or increase RPM but doesn't on hills
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer software updates and transmission calibration changes attempted without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers state software is current. One owner told the feature is 'torque management' and deemed 'normal' by GM. No recalls or service bulletins addressing this specifically.
Transmission slipping
Transmission slips intermittently at various speeds, engine RPM increases without corresponding vehicle speed increase or power delivery. Condition diagnosed as transmission failure in at least one case.
When: Reported at 88,000 miles and other unspecified mileages.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPM increases without power delivery; Intermittent loss of power under load; Transmission slips at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced in documented case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Complete transmission failure while stationary
Transmission loses all power while vehicle is stopped at traffic light in Drive gear with foot on brake. Engine revs but vehicle will not move. Reverse still functions but does not help. Vehicle sealed and not inspected; only external surface checked by technician.
When: Occurred without warning while parked at traffic light.
Symptoms owners cite: No power when accelerating from stop at traffic light; Engine revs with no vehicle movement; Transmission unresponsive to shift inputs; Reverse gear still functional but unhelpful
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repaired (sealed unit; internal failure not inspected). Vehicle stranded in traffic; owner had to manually direct traffic and vehicle was pushed to private property by strangers and son. Safety hazard due to 50-minute tow response time.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer statement documented, but issue confirmed by certified Chevrolet technician who repaired unit.
Sudden unintended downshift at highway speed
Transmission downshifts abruptly from cruise speed (55-75 MPH) to much lower gear without driver input, usually when vehicle is descending slight or moderate hills on highways. Occurs spontaneously with no warning; vehicle decelerates quickly and RPMs spike. Transmission will not upshift back to proper gear; driver must manually intervene or pull over to reset.
When: Reported at 2,800-3,400 miles and ongoing. Occurs on downhill highway sections during normal driving with no aggressive acceleration or braking.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden lurching downshift from highway speed; Rapid deceleration without driver action; RPMs climb significantly after unexpected downshift; Transmission locks in low gear and will not upshift; No warning lights or messages; Risk of rear-end collision due to sudden speed loss
Repairs/costs cited: None; owner managed by pulling over or using manual mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Inability to remove key from ignition while in Park
Key stuck in ignition when vehicle is in Park with ignition off. Owner unable to remove key immediately; sometimes able to remove after 30 minutes of waiting or after shifting back and forth several times. Gear shifter indicator light also failed to display current gear.
When: Reported at 96,000 miles and at other unspecified mileages beginning around 41,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Key locked in ignition; Key removal only possible after extended wait (30 minutes) or repeated shifting; Gear shifter indicator light inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in reported cases. Dealer confirmed it is a common problem; replacement parts supplied at owner expense (out of warranty) worked for several months before problem reoccurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledges this is a common problem; no warranty coverage or TSB/recall mentioned.
Transmission stalling and loss of power
Vehicle stalls or loses power while driving or in traffic, including while navigating corners, during stop-and-go city driving, coasting, and at red lights. Transmission appears to lose gear momentarily, acts confused, and transmission may bang or jerk as it attempts to reengage. Some episodes involve complete engine shutdown.
When: Reported across ownership period from early mileage onward. Particularly problematic in city/traffic conditions and when cornering.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission loses gear while cornering; Vehicle stalls at red lights and during stop-and-go driving; Transmission bangs or jerks when it reengages; Rough idle; engine wants to stall; Transmission does not know what to do and stalls; Loss of power while driving in traffic or on highway coasting and acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple dealer visits; issue persists despite repeated service attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to determine cause and provide no solution. Chevrolet unable to figure out the problem.
Manual shift lock-in and unsafe low-gear selection
When driver shifts to manual mode and selects 1st gear at highway speed, vehicle cannot be prevented from downshifting to that gear, causing abrupt severe deceleration. Owner's manual states vehicle should not allow unsafe downshift, but it does, potentially disabling ability to upshift out of gear and requiring manual intervention.
When: Occurred at 36,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Ability to select dangerously low gear (1st) at highway speeds; Abrupt severe deceleration when downshifted to 1st at speed; Owner's manual safety feature not functioning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer mechanic duplicated failure but performed no service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No service performed; manufacturer not notified.
Engine sputtering and lack of response to throttle
Engine sputters, hesitates, or seems to have a dead spot when accelerating. Vehicle does not respond to throttle input for several seconds, then suddenly kicks in roughly. Sputtering occurs particularly during low-speed acceleration, entering traffic, merging, or passing. Engine sounds like it is seizing or almost stalling. Fuel injectors checked and cleaned without improvement.
When: Occurs throughout ownership; reported since purchase in some cases (October 2015).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine sputtering during acceleration; Dead spot or hesitation when applying throttle; Delayed vehicle response to pedal (seconds); Sudden jerky acceleration after hesitation; Engine sounds like it is seizing or almost stalling; Sound resembling worn spark plugs; Poor performance entering traffic or merging
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel injector cleaning performed without improvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer blamed fouled fuel injectors; no TSB or remedy provided.
Transmission shift lag and traction control hesitation
Engine lags under quick acceleration, especially when accelerating from a turn, changing lanes, or after brief deceleration. Transmission hesitates to find correct gear when accelerating from low speed or after slowing for turns. Traction management system engages hesitation; one owner received bulletin stating lag is normal part of traction management. Problem worsens as owner approaches higher speeds.
When: Occurs frequently during normal driving; reported at speeds around 20-25 MPH particularly.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine lag under quick acceleration; Transmission hesitates finding correct gear; Jerking and skipping after slow-speed turns; Near-miss rear-end collisions due to hesitation; Traction management system activation causing hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer provided GM service bulletin stating issue is normal traction management behavior; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM service bulletin issued identifying lag as normal traction management system operation. No recall or fix offered.
Unintended 4-wheel drive engagement from accidental switch activation
4-wheel drive engage switch on dashboard is positioned where driver's knee can accidentally brush it while entering/exiting vehicle, activating 4-wheel drive without owner's knowledge. No obvious dashboard indicator that 4-wheel drive is active unless owner notices brief 'engaging' message, creating risk of vehicle hopping on dry pavement during turns, especially at highway speed with potential for rollover.
When: Occurs intermittently throughout ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended 4-wheel drive activation from knee brush; No obvious dashboard indicator of 4-wheel drive status; Vehicle hops on dry pavement when turning in 4WD; Rollover risk if occurs at highway speed during curve
Repairs/costs cited: Owner must regularly check knob position to avoid unintended 4WD engagement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Sudden forward surge when shifting into gear from Park
Vehicle surges forward unexpectedly when shifted from Park to Drive or Reverse without driver pressing accelerator. In extreme case, vehicle shot forward immediately after backing and shifting into Drive, with brakes unable to prevent impact. Vehicle struck golf cart and jet ski trailer, pushing them into lake. Incident occurred within 3-4 seconds after shift, before brakes could arrest motion.
When: Reported on multiple dates: 6/6/16, 6/11/16, 6/17/16, 6/23/16. Occurred at marina/parking lot situations on slight grades.
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended surge forward after shifting into Drive or Reverse; Surge occurs without throttle input; Brakes ineffective at arresting forward motion; Vehicle accelerates from shift alone with tremendous force in extreme case
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Loss of all electrical power and limp-home mode engagement
Vehicle loses all power while driving at highway speed (60 MPH, 75 MPH). Engine continues running but no power to drive wheels. All dashboard lights illuminate as if key were turned to 'on' position before engine start. Vehicle displays 'running at reduced speed' message. After shutdown and restart, lights remain on and vehicle only operates in limp-home/reduced speed mode. Multiple shutdown/restart cycles eventually clear the condition, though check engine light may remain.
When: Occurred at 5,500 miles and other mileages at highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power to drive wheels while engine runs; All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle enters reduced-speed operational mode; Message displays 'running at reduced speed'; Check engine light illuminates and may persist after power restoration
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: None documented in complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner concerned dealer will only reset system and claim it is normal.
Steering wheel seizure and power steering failure
Steering wheel seizes while vehicle is in Park. Service power steering assist warning light illuminates. Vehicle stalls while in Park. Condition resolves after approximately two minutes of waiting.
When: Occurred at 39,980 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks while parked; Service power steering assist light illuminates intermittently; Vehicle stalls while in Park
Codes mentioned: Service power steering assist warning
Repairs/costs cited: None documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed VIN not under recall; manufacturer not contacted.
Audible transmission noise and loss of power while shifting
Loud abnormal noise when shifting into Park or Reverse. Vehicle hesitates before shifting into gear. While driving at 45 MPH, vehicle loses power without warning. Condition occurs in conjunction with key-stuck-in-ignition issue.
When: Occurred at 35,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud abnormal noise when shifting into Park or Reverse; Transmission hesitation before engaging; Sudden loss of power at highway speed; Key unable to be removed from ignition when parked
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Engine lifter failure with power loss
Engine experienced lifter failure causing sudden complete power loss at highway speed (75 MPH). Vehicle decelerated from highway speed to stopped in less than 30 seconds, forcing driver to pull to freeway median. Loss of power caused risk of collision from vehicles pulling trailers and RVs. Initial diagnosis identified fuel pump control module, which was replaced and reprogrammed without fixing issue. Further diagnostics by independent mechanic revealed lifter failure as root cause.
When: Occurred at unspecified mileage; owner reports seeing 'lifter failure' issues common in Chevy vehicles with no recalls.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete engine power loss at highway speed; Rapid deceleration from 75 MPH to stop; Engine dies while driving
Codes mentioned: Fuel pump control module code (incorrect diagnosis)
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump control module replaced and reprogrammed (incorrect repair). Lifter failure identified by independent mechanic; owner states no recalls available and costs covered out of pocket.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for lifter failure despite owner reporting multiple similar complaints in forums.
Speed sensor failure (repeated)
Speed sensor failed and required replacement three times within two years of ownership. Owner reports seeing 'lifter failure' and speed sensor issues as common in Chevy forums with no recall support.
When: Three replacements within first two years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Speed sensor intermittent or complete failure
Repairs/costs cited: Speed sensor replaced three times; no permanent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty support; owner states costs covered out of pocket.
Stability control and power steering intermittent failure
StabiliTrak and power steering system malfunction and stop working while driving, sometimes while cornering. Dashboard warning messages indicate systems are offline. Only remedy is pulling over and resetting computer; no guarantee system will not shut off again during drive. Owner reports this is common in 2015-2016 Chevrolet Colorados and cites recall for 2015 model for same part, but 2016 not included in recall.
When: Multiple instances throughout ownership; owner reports similar complaints from many other 2016 Colorado owners.
Symptoms owners cite: StabiliTrak system stops functioning; Power steering cuts out, especially during turns; Dashboard warning messages indicate system offline; Steering wheel becomes heavy/difficult to turn; System unavailable until computer is manually reset
Codes mentioned: StabiliTrak warning, Power steering malfunction warning
Repairs/costs cited: Temporary fix: pull over and reset computer; issue reoccurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes there is a recall for 2015 Colorado for the same part, but 2016 VIN not included. Dealer states if problem is not occurring at time of service, issue cannot be diagnosed.
Hill descent control unintended activation
Hill descent control activates at all speeds including highway speeds (40-70+ MPH) whenever brake is tapped, even lightly. Causes engine RPMs to spike to 5,000+ RPM without warning. Disabling the hill descent control button does not deactivate the system. Creates risk of severe loss of vehicle control in inclement weather or emergency braking situations.
When: Reported throughout mountainous terrain driving; reported at high speeds on highway.
Symptoms owners cite: Hill descent control activates when brakes applied at highway speed; Engine RPMs spike to 5,000 RPM or higher; Unintended rapid deceleration without warning; Control button disable does not work; Sudden loss of control possible in emergency situations
Repairs/costs cited: None; control button disable ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership offers no solution.
Transmission fluid leak and multiple component failures
Fluids noticed on pavement; diagnostics revealed valve cover gasket and vacuum pump gasket failing. Later, excessive metal particles found in transmission fluid (flare shifts, rough shift, shutter symptoms). Temperature sensor failed causing engine overheating code and idle surge issues. Transmission rebuilt due to metal contamination.
When: Issues documented over time: transmission metal particles at 86,881 miles; temperature sensor failure at 92,885 miles; fluid leaks ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leaks on pavement; Transmission flare shifts and rough shifts with shutter; Excessive metal particles in transmission fluid; Engine overheating code; Idle surge on cold start; Temperature sensor failure
Codes mentioned: P00B7 coolant flow restriction / stuck thermostat, Engine overheating code
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replaced, vacuum pump gasket replaced, thermostat replaced, coolant system flushed, front and rear temperature sensors replaced, transmission rebuilt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Driver seat deterioration
Driver seat has unraveled and separated at stitch line on side closest to door. Small area began deteriorating around 2018, has slowly widened to approximately 6 inches despite owner's careful treatment to avoid stretching. Issue persists without repair.
When: Problem began approximately 2018; widened over years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Seat stitching unravels and separates; Deterioration at side closest to door; Widening seam despite careful handling
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs made.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Transmission failure at high mileage with recurrence after repair
Transmission failed at 142,000 miles while vehicle was stopping, jerking and slipping, and hesitating to shift into gear. Torque converter and other transmission parts were previously replaced, but failure reoccurred. Vehicle unable to be driven; not repaired or diagnosed after failure.
When: Failure at 142,000 miles; prior torque converter replacement at earlier unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks while shifting gears when coming to complete stop; Transmission slipping at slow speeds; Hesitation when shifting into gear; Transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Torque converter replaced previously; failure recurred despite repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; manufacturer not notified of failure.
Transmission/battery fire
Approximately one year after transmission replacement, vehicle began smoking under hood at 65 MPH. Fire department attended and extinguished fire, determining battery caught fire. Vehicle deemed totaled. Earlier, transmission had been replaced due to intermittent slipping; after replacement, battery failed to start vehicle and was replaced at parts shop. Fire department filed report.
When: Fire occurred approximately 88,000 miles, roughly one year after transmission replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke coming from under hood; Battery fire; Post-transmission-repair electrical issues
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replaced earlier; battery replaced after transmission service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer informed contact VIN not included in recall. Manufacturer notified but no response documented.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the torque converter and other unknown transmission parts had…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 83 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 3,248 and 36,000 miles, with the median around 13,451. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,248; a quarter make it past 36,000. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.