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 ↗2020 Chevrolet Colorado powertrain problems
moderate 31 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 31 powertrain complaints filed for the 2020 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
Powertrain accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 5 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 31 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.
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 communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners consistently describe violent shuddering or vibration, especially between 25–80 mph, that feels like driving over rumble strips. Most say no warning lights show up. Dealers typically recommend transmission fluid flushes costing $500–800, which temporarily resolve the problem for some owners but the shudder returns within months. GM has issued service bulletins (TSB 18-NA-355 for 2017–2019 models; TSB 21-NA-047 referenced for 2020s) but no permanent fix. Some owners report torque converter replacement was eventually needed, and one cited an $8,000 transmission replacement quote.
Hard shifting, especially 1st-to-2nd gear in cold starts, appears alongside shuddering in several complaints. Owners also report rear differential grinding and high-pitch whining with metal shavings in the fluid, sometimes requiring multiple repairs.
A pattern emerges: Chevrolet refuses warranty coverage after 60,000 miles despite acknowledging the shudder is a known recurring issue since 2018. Dealers consistently decline diagnosis without lit check-engine codes, and customer-service responses defer to dealers who won't allocate time to replicate drivability problems. One owner described the issue as unsafe due to sudden loss of acceleration during traffic.
Same Chevrolet Colorado powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission torque converter shudder/vibration
Owners report persistent shuddering, vibration, or trembling sensation during light throttle acceleration or steady-state driving, particularly between 25-80 mph. Feels like driving over rumble strips or washboard road. Occurs without warning lights and is unrelated to tire balance or suspension. Often manifests early in vehicle ownership and progressively worsens. Temporary fixes via transmission fluid flush do not resolve the issue long-term; shudder returns within months.
When: Between 10,000 and 92,000 miles; commonly reported within first 3 months of ownership or by 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or vibration sensation at 25-80 mph; Feels like driving over rumble strips or washboard road; Vibration stronger on hills and during light acceleration; Glove box items audibly vibrate; No warning lights illuminated; Worsens over time and with vehicle use
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend transmission fluid flush ($500-800) as temporary fix; some cases require torque converter replacement; one owner cited $8,000 transmission replacement quote after service failure diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 18-NA-355 (2017-2019 models); TSB 21-NA-047 (referenced for 2020 models); GM acknowledges issue but states shaking should be acceptable; no permanent fix identified by GM; service bulletin recommends fluid flush and possible converter replacement; some owners report GM refusing warranty coverage after 60,000 miles despite known issue
Hard shifting and gear engagement delays
Transmission exhibits harsh shifts, jerking, hard downshifts, and delayed engagement between gears. Issues most pronounced in cold temperatures during 1st-to-2nd gear transition. Owners describe loss of power transfer, hesitation, and skip-shift behavior. Condition worsens progressively and creates unexpected acceleration loss during traffic.
When: Present from low mileage (47,000 reported at purchase); accelerates as vehicle ages
Symptoms owners cite: Harsh, jerky shifting especially 1st to 2nd gear; Delayed engagement or loss of power transfer; Significant hesitation in cold temperatures; Hard downshifting; Skipping gears or unpredictable shift pattern; Loss of acceleration when expected
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported transmission replacement necessity after deterioration at 64,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM indicates hard shifting should be acceptable; one owner states GM claims no responsibility after warranty expiration despite known issue
Rear differential bearing failure and ring & pinion wear
Owners report grinding noise and vibration from rear differential at all speeds, including high-pitch whining. Metal shavings found in limited-slip differential (LSD) fluid. One vehicle required three repairs before 67,000 miles with recurring noise and eventual fluid leakage.
When: Two weeks after purchase reported in one case; bearing issues identified around 54,000-67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or high-pitch whining noise from rear; Vibration felt throughout vehicle at all speeds; Clicking loud noise from rear wheel; Metal shavings in differential fluid; Oil leakage from differential housing
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple repairs required (one vehicle required three repair attempts); dealers discovered via service bulletin per customer report
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service bulletin exists per customer statement; one owner states Chevrolet will not warranty the differential; manufacturer refusing coverage despite recurring defect
Crank pulley and harmonic balancer wobble/rattle
Engine rattle and shuddering with visible crank pulley wobble and gap detected between pulley and harmonic balancer at idle. Condition worsens over time without warning lights. One owner reports steering difficulty and hard shifting as concurrent issues.
When: Reported at 88,000-100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent engine rattle and shuddering at idle and during operation; Visible wobble or rattle in crank pulley under hood; Gap noted between crank pulley and harmonic balancer; Condition progressively worsens
Repairs/costs cited: Suspected harmonic balancer failure; specific repair costs not provided in narratives
Transmission fluid condensation buildup
Transmission oil fails to heat adequately, causing condensation accumulation inside transmission. Manifests as vibration and shaking during acceleration. Dealer diagnosis identified the condensation issue and prescribed Mobil 1 transmission oil with extended drive cycles to remove moisture.
When: Reported at approximately 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration and abnormal shaking during acceleration; Transmission oil temperature issues
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer added Mobil 1 transmission oil; vehicle required 200-400 mile drive cycle to purge condensation
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; claim filed and owner referred to NHTSA
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
The vehicle is experiencing a shake and/or shudder during light throttle acceleration between 25 and 80 MPH steady state driving when transmission is not actively shifting gears. The condition is as if I were driving over rumble strips. Tsb 18-na-355 addresses this issue in 2017 - 2019 Chevy colorado pickup trucks with the 8 speed transmission. The 2020 model should be added as it does not…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the abnormal shaking was caused by the torque converter. The dealer flushed the transmission; however, the failure has persisted. The vehicle was not…
COMPLAINT # 11630574 Transmission Shudder, took to dealership on 09/28/2023 had transmission flushed and changed fluid to new style transmission fluid, per GM under warranty. I was told that if it needed done again that i would have to pay to have it done and would cost approximately $400- $500. On 12/13/2024 the truck is shuddering again at 48,700 miles.
There is a known issue with my truck, where the Transmission will all of a sudden lock up and then it shutters. The truck shakes violently and happens randomly. There is no rhyme or reason why this happens. Of course I'm barely over my warranty and Chevy in Austin states that it will be 3-5 days before they can review my truck. They won't provide a rental car or any help with a rental, so I'm…
Torque converter shudder. Had dealer do the recommended flush which cost $800 and still has same issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle vibrated and shook abnormally, as if driven over ripples on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were balanced. The contact picked up the vehicle and stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it…
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 30-50 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed and the dealer became aware that the vehicle was shuddering at 35 MPH. The dealer recommended a transmission fluid flush and refill. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
The Automatic 8-Speed Transmission completely deteriorated after 4 years/64,000 miles exactly after the Power Train Warranty. No warning lights or signals identified me of the problem, only a noticeable shuddering when driving at highway speeds. This vehicle is currently at the dealership where they have confirmed I will need a new transmission to replace the faulty original manufacturer's…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 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?
Based on the 31 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 46,500 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 $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/2020/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.