This service bulletin provides information on the proper Reflective High Temperature Heat and/or Insulating Tape to use for certain repairs, such as Wiring Harness Repairs.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
severe 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 31 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 31 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.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 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 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.
The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Colorado's electrical system shows a pattern of interconnected failures. Ignition key sticking appears early (25,000+ miles) and occurs frequently enough that one dealer acknowledged it as a "chronic issue"—yet no recall exists. Owners report needing to restart engines repeatedly or manipulate shifters to extract keys, and one owner's battery drained while stranded at work waiting for a jump.
Wiring harness chafing and rodent damage emerge as a persistent theme. Owners describe Multiple warning lights (Stabilitrak, 4x4, Check Engine), limp-mode activation, steering lock-up, and complete stalls. One owner's truck sat at a dealership for 8+ months because GM discontinued the required harness part. Technical bulletins exist for this defect, and repair costs run $4,000–$7,000.
The infotainment system exhibits ghost inputs—touchscreens change radio stations, switch display modes, and call contacts without user touch. Screen replacements and module swaps fail to fix it. Separately, Stabilitrak warnings and traction control lights trigger with intermittent power loss or power steering failure, sometimes set off by high-beam or window operation alone.
Alternator failure (one owner reported dangerous 15.8V output) and battery drainage round out the electrical picture. A few owners report cold-weather rear-camera failures and parking brake lever contact with harness causing electrical shorts. Dealers commonly charge diagnostic fees and deny warranty coverage on out-of-mileage vehicles, even for chronic design defects.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition Key Stuck/Won't Release
Key becomes difficult or impossible to remove from ignition switch after turning truck off. Occurs intermittently and without regard to parking position. Owners report having to manipulate gear shifter, steering wheel, or restart engine repeatedly to extract key. One owner reported hearing a relay click near gearshift that correlates with key release.
When: Occurred between 25,000 and 70,000 miles; some owners report issue starting 3+ years into ownership and occurring at least weekly by that point
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn off or stuck in ignition cylinder; Requires multiple engine restart cycles to release key; Intermittent—random occurrence, not consistent; Unrelated to parking angle or vehicle position
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer estimates require drive shaft and steering column detachment. One dealer replaced shifter knob without resolving issue. Repairs not covered under manufacturer warranty on vehicles beyond ~42,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed repair not covered under warranty; dealership staff acknowledged it as a chronic issue seen frequently, yet no recall issued
Engine Wiring Harness Chafing/Chewing
Wiring harness develops worn spots or is chewed by rodents, causing exposed wires. Results in intermittent electrical shorts that trigger multiple warning lights and limp-mode activation. One vehicle required wiring harness replacement; another case involved a dead squirrel found in engine preceding the failure. Steering wheel lock-up and complete stall reported.
When: 25,000–57,000 miles; one case took 2.5+ months for initial diagnosis, then part became discontinued and unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning lights: Check Stabilitrak, Check 4x4, Check Engine; Vehicle enters limp mode with jerky acceleration; Steering wheel locks up; Engine stalls completely; Intermittent shorts causing erratic electrical behavior; Burning smell noted in one case
Codes mentioned: P-code related to Stabilitrak and 4x4 (specific codes not listed in narratives), 53 fault codes via 11 modules reported in one pre-repair scan
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement cost $4,000–$7,000; one harness discontinued by GM, leaving truck unrepairable for 8+ months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin PIT5626D issued for this model; other TSBs exist for same issue on other engines; manufacturer awareness confirmed in one case
Alternator Failure with Dangerous Output Level
Alternator output drops to critically low levels (15.8V reported), creating fire hazard risk. Vehicle stalls repeatedly in traffic when alternator cannot supply sufficient power. Owner believes dealership knew of defect before selling vehicle but did not repair it.
When: Early in ownership; stalling occurred 3 times within 5 days of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls in traffic on highway; Lack of electrical power; Service Theft Deterrent System warning light on continuously
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator output measured at 15.8V (below safe operating range); alternator replacement required
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; owner issued master key fob after complaint
Battery Drain and Low Voltage Issues
Battery becomes depleted while vehicle is parked or from repeated key-on/off cycles due to stuck key. Voltage fluctuations and door unlock issues linked to low battery voltage in at least one case.
When: 31,000–59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Dead battery after short parking periods; Doors unlock independently while driving; Temperature gauge fluctuates between high and normal; Repeated ignition cycles to free stuck key drain battery
Repairs/costs cited: Battery test performed; dealership addressed low voltage in one case but issue recurred
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Infotainment System Malfunction—Unresponsive and Ghost Input
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive or exhibits ghost input, changing radio stations, switching apps, making phone calls, and adjusting display functions without user command. Screen jumps between display modes and removes critical driving information (speed display). Issues persist or worsen even after module or screen replacement. One case linked to battery disconnect/reconnect cycles.
When: Before 26,000 miles in one case; appearing in multiple 2017 models
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen unresponsive to input; Radio volume and channels change by themselves; Display jumps between radio, navigation, odometer, and audio settings; Driver info center switches away from speed reading; Behavior repeats after screen turns off and back on; Temporary improvement when battery disconnected
Repairs/costs cited: Screen replacement and module (HIM) replacement attempted; issue persists across multiple repair attempts
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealers charged $185 diagnostic fee and refused warranty coverage
Radio/Infotainment System Beeping and Uncontrolled Functions
Radio system generates repeated beeping as though buttons are being pressed. Screen modes and radio stations change by themselves. System exhibits uncontrolled operation while vehicle is in motion.
When: Multiple reports across various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated beeping from touchscreen control head; Screens change and modes shift without input; Radio stations change by themselves; Behavior occurs while driving, creating distraction
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives
Stabilitrak/Traction Control Warning Lights and Power Loss
Stabilitrak and traction control warning lights illuminate, sometimes accompanied by sudden electrical power loss, loss of power steering, or both. One case linked to high-beam activation; another to window operation. Issues appear intermittent and unpredictable.
When: 57,000 miles in one case; various mileages for others
Symptoms owners cite: Stabilitrak warning light illuminates and stays on; Traction control warning light on; Sudden brief loss of electrical power; Loss of power steering capability; Power steering becomes unresponsive intermittently; Electrical flickering triggered by specific actions (high beams, window operation)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented at time of complaint; one owner's manual notes system is safe to drive with reduced speed
4x4/Four-Wheel Drive Warning Light
Four-wheel drive warning light illuminates while driving. Vehicle diagnosed with rodent-chewed wiring that required harness replacement. Failure recurred after initial repair, requiring second service call.
When: 25,547 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 4x4 warning light illuminates while driving at normal speeds; Vehicle remains drivable to destination
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness and unknown wire replaced; rodent damage to wires confirmed. Failure recurred and required horn replacement on second repair attempt
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer informed of failure
Rear Camera Failure—Temperature Dependent
Rear backup camera fails intermittently, displaying blue screen with 'Service Camera' message. Failures correlate with cold temperatures and appear to resolve as vehicle warms up. Camera reprogramming and replacement both failed to permanently resolve issue.
When: Multiple occurrences December 2019; appears seasonal in colder climates
Symptoms owners cite: Rear camera displays blue screen instead of video feed; Service Camera warning message appears; Camera activates inconsistently when shifting to reverse; Failures more frequent in cold temperatures; Normal operation returns as vehicle warms
Repairs/costs cited: Camera reprogrammed 12/16/19, failed 12/17/19. Camera replaced 12/18/19, failed again 12/19/19
Parking Brake Lever Contact with Wiring Harness
Parking brake lever contacts and wears against wiring harness bundle during normal operation. Wear creates exposed wires, leading to electrical shorts that disable dashboard. Poses fire hazard.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard becomes inoperable due to electrical short; Exposed wires in harness bundle; Potential fire hazard from electrical arc
Repairs/costs cited: No repair information provided
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Malfunction
Front passenger airbag display shows 'OFF' regardless of whether seat is occupied. Dealer refuses warranty coverage and charges diagnostic fee to investigate.
When: Before 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Passenger airbag indicator always shows OFF; Indicator does not change based on seat occupancy
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer charges $185 diagnostic fee; repair not covered under extended warranty
Front Left Airbag Impact Sensor Failure
Front left airbag impact sensor becomes faulty after less than three years of ownership. Repair cost exceeds $900 and is not covered under warranty due to mileage.
When: Less than 3 years ownership; beyond warranty mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Front left airbag impact sensor faulty
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost over $900 at dealership; not covered under warranty
Engine Stall and Power Loss While Driving
Engine cuts out and shuts off while driving at various speeds (parking lot at 10 mph, freeway at 65 mph). Vehicle computer system goes black and exhibits erratic behavior (changing radio stations, freezing). Engine light illuminates. Issue worsens over time.
When: Started 6 months prior to complaint; worsening trend
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts out and shuts off while driving; Dashboard computer screen goes black; Radio changes stations and freezes uncontrollably; Steering column display changes on its own; Check Engine light illuminated; Behavior worsens over time
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented at time of complaint
Wire Chafing on AC Lines—Reduced Power and Non-Start
Wiring chafes on air conditioning lines, causing engine to reduce power output during highway driving and forcing vehicle into safe mode at 35 mph. In some cases, chafed wires prevent engine from starting. Extreme safety hazard.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power while driving highway speeds; Vehicle goes into limp mode and limits speed to 35 mph; Engine will not start due to chafed wires; Safety hazard to all drivers on road
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair costs documented in narratives
HVAC Temperature Control Malfunction
HVAC system blows cold air when set to heat or auto function on high setting, regardless of temperature dial position.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Blows cold air when set to heat or auto on high; Temperature control knob does not function as expected
Intermittent Battery Connection/Power Loss
Electrical power cuts out intermittently; power returns when battery terminal is wiggled. Indicates loose or corroded battery connection or internal connection failure.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent loss of electrical power; Power returns when battery is wiggled
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Performed a full pre-repair scan Health Check with the GM GDS2 scan tool. Fifty-three fault codes were reported through 11 modules via "Automotive electronics is one of the major problems in this areas. Understanding the control buses that have replaced wiring looms in vehicles. CAN bus is the most important of these – but many vehicles now use both CAN and LIN buses for cost reasons. Solutions…
Rear camera does not work 100% of the time, this has been happening for several weeks. It goes blue with no picture and a service camera message. Camera was reprogrammed by dealer on 12/16/19, camera again failed on 12/17/19 - same issue. Vehicle returned to dealer on 12/18/19 - camera was replaced, the morning of 12/19/19 - camera failed again. This happens when vehicle is placed in reverse…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 31,810 and 42,000 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 31,810; a quarter make it past 42,000. 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 $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/2017/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.