Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2018 chevrolet Colorado powertrain problems

moderate 73 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500

Complaints
73
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500

What owners are reporting 10 most recent

powertrain · filed 12/05/2020

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, I STARTED GETTING A SLIGHT SHUDDER IN MY TRANSMISSION SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THEY COULDN'T GET IT TO SHUDDER. SEVERAL TIMES I'LL BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT OR AROUND 45MPH AND THE TRUCK WILL START SHUDDERING SO BAD I FEEL LIKE I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD. EVERY TIME I TAKE IT TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR I END UP LOSING MY TRUCK FOR A DAY AND THEY TELL ME THEY CAN…

powertrain · filed 12/04/2022

My 2018 Colorado Z71 (40,000 miles) suffers from transmission shudder intermittently. Dealer took it for a 14 mile test drive and was unable to duplicate. Blamed it on the tires. Refused to flush transmission fluid in accordance with GM TSB 18-NA-355. Shudder becomes worse when trailering boat. Known issue to GM, however, dealers refuse to perform the solution provided by GM in the absence of …

powertrain · filed 11/19/2020

WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY, TRANSMISSION SHIFTING AT SPEEDS OF 25MPH,45MPH,55MPH START VIBRATING ALSO COMING TO A STOP FEEL LIKE A REAR END BUMP.

powertrain · filed 11/18/2018

I HAVE A 2018 CHEVROLET COLORADO LT 4WD CREW CAB. MULTIPLE TIMES ON A COLD START THE ENGINE IS MISFIRING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIKE COMES ON, THE VSA, AND T/C LIGHTS ALL COME ON AND A NOTIFICATION ON THE DASH SAYING STABILITRAK IS DISABLED. THE VEHICLE SHAKES TERRIBLY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL FLASH AND THEN GO SOLID. I AM AN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN. I KNOW THAT A MISFIRE SHOULD SET A HARD DTC.…

powertrain · filed 11/16/2019

THE TRUCK'S DRIVETRAIN/TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY SHAKES, SHUTTERS WHILE DRIVING. IT HAPPENS PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT THE RPM RANGES.

powertrain · filed 11/13/2025

Highlighting a materials defect with the rear crankshaft reluctor ring on the 2.8 LWN Duramax, installed in the Army Infantry Squad Vehicle and the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado, from which it is based. When the ring delaminates, due to age, the vehicle engine shuts off and no start, rendered dead lined, as the ECU can no longer "see" the crank position. Requiring the transmission to be removed to …

powertrain · filed 11/12/2024

transmission shudders from 20 to 60 under light acceleration. took to dealer and said that needed different oil. dealer stated that a common issue with these vehicles. Cost $500 to replace oil to proper oil.

powertrain · filed 11/11/2025

transmission is not shfting properly.Truck losses speed and shutters when trying to accelerate.Difficulty climbing hills.Especially dangerous when merging with traffic.Only 33,000 miles on my truck.GM should recall to address this much complained about issue.

powertrain · filed 11/08/2017

I HAD TRUCK STATIONARY PARKED ON A SLIGHT INCLINE ON A DIRT ROAD FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES WHEN I HEARD A ODD SOUND LIKE "ARRRRR CLUNK" AND MY CAR ROLLED DOWN A HILL. I HAD MY CAR ON PARK WHILE ON 4LOW WITH THE ENGINE OFF. I DID NOT HAVE MY PARKING BRAKE ON THOUGH BUT THE INCLINE WAS SO SLIGHT I FEEL I DID NOT NEED IT. MY TRUCK WAS NOT LOADED WITH ANY EXTRA WEIGHT OR ANYTHING TO CAUSE IT TO ROLL DOWN TH…

powertrain · filed 11/05/2020

THE TRUCK VIBRATES , STUTTERS SOME TIMES WHEN DRIVING. WENT TO DEALER HE SAID IT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN TRUCKS. HE SAID THICKER TRANS OIL SHOULD FIX IT. IS THIS JUST A BAND AID FOR A BIGGER PROBLEM. WOULD LIKE YOUR VIEW. THANKS.

Common questions

How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2018 chevrolet Colorado?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 73 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?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

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.

Other problem areas on this vehicle

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. 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.
Get a free warranty quote →