Owners have reported 3 crashes, 5 fires and 3 injuries to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints73
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado's power train, particularly involving transmission shudders and vibrations during acceleration, often between 20 to 60 mph. Complaints commonly describe hard shifting, slipping between gears, and a persistent shudder even after transmission fluid changes. These issues typically arise around 20,000 to 60,000 miles, with some owners experiencing problems as early as 22,000 miles. There are safety implications noted, including one crash and two injuries, with reports of sudden power loss and engine shutdowns at highway speeds. Used car buyers should be aware that resolving these issues can be costly, with some owners mentioning repair quotes up to $13,000.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, with common complaints involving ignition problems, erratic touchscreen behavior, and wiring chafing. Many describe difficulty removing the ignition key, often requiring multiple attempts or tricks to release it, which can lead to drained batteries. Touchscreen malfunctions are also frequently noted, with symptoms such as unresponsive displays, random app activations, and backup cameras activating at highway speeds. Wiring issues, including harness chafing that can cause alarms and potential fire hazards, are mentioned, with one report of a fire originating from the rear seat area. These issues appear across various mileages and can affect vehicle safety, particularly when systems shut down unexpectedly or when wiring faults pose fire risks.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints22
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues related to the ignition system, with several complaints describing difficulty removing the key from the ignition, which can result in a dead battery or risk of theft. Another common problem involves the vehicle's infotainment system, which malfunctions and impacts the ability to monitor speed and use navigation. Complaints also highlight problems with the vehicle's heating system, including thermostat failures and heater core issues, leading to inadequate cabin heating and defrosting, especially in colder climates. Safety concerns are raised by two reports of fires starting in the engine compartment shortly after parking, and one incident involving coolant leakage that impaired visibility and resulted in an injury. These issues appear across various mileages and persist over extended periods, indicating potential long-term reliability concerns.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints17
STEERING
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the power steering system, particularly intermittent loss of power steering assistance while driving. Symptoms often include the steering wheel seizing or becoming difficult to turn, with some experiencing this issue during cold weather or after starting the vehicle. These problems typically arise around 40,000 miles, although some reports mention occurrences at lower mileages. Safety concerns are evident, as the sudden loss of steering assistance can lead to loss of vehicle control. Additionally, some owners describe ignition-related issues, such as difficulty removing the key or the ignition locking, which can leave them stranded.
Owner complaints6
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado report several issues related to the fuel/propulsion system. A notable problem involves the high-pressure fuel pump detaching from its mounting flange, leading to fuel leaks; this issue is highlighted by a recall but not all affected vehicles appear to have been serviced. Additionally, there are reports of the fuel feed line rubbing against the AC line, causing leaks, particularly in diesel models around 60,000 to 70,000 miles. Another recurring issue is a blown 7.5 amp fuse to the fuel injectors, resulting in a loss of power. Safety implications are significant, with one report involving a fire after a fuel system leak. These patterns suggest potential safety risks that used car buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints5
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado often report unexpected deployment of side curtain airbags, particularly when driving on sand or off-road at low speeds, with no apparent cause. Some complaints highlight that the seat belt pretensioners also activate during these incidents. One owner reports a crash where airbags failed to deploy after hitting a tree, raising safety concerns. Another issue involves loose parts near the sidewall airbag area, which may affect airbag function. These problems are noted regardless of specific mileage, and owners have faced challenges in obtaining repairs under recalls, with at least one dealership refusing service. These reports suggest potential safety risks associated with the airbag system in certain conditions.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
ENGINE
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues related to the engine, including a notable problem with the engine block heater causing fires when the vehicle is parked and the heater is plugged in. Complaints also describe a rattle noise on cold starts, attributed to a malfunctioning variable timing actuator, which becomes more frequent after the powertrain warranty expires. Additionally, there are reports of significant oil leaks due to defective oil cooler line hoses, with one case occurring at approximately 5,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of fire and potential engine damage, which are critical considerations for potential buyers of this model.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the vehicle's suspension, particularly regarding the Multimatic DSSV dampers. Complaints highlight a tendency for the left rear damper to lose fluid due to leaks, attributed to thin shafts and poorly designed seals, leading to an unbalanced ride. Additionally, multiple owners describe a clunking noise from the front end when driving over bumps or entering driveways at low speeds. In some cases, structural integrity is a concern, as one owner reports the frame bending while towing a trailer on rough terrain, which may indicate a potential safety risk when towing. These issues appear to affect the vehicle's handling and stability, especially in off-road or towing scenarios.
Owner complaints4
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado report several structural issues, with common complaints involving hood movement and body panel distortion. Specifically, one owner describes the hood bouncing while driving, despite attempts to adjust the latch, occurring at approximately 3,901 miles. Another owner notes buckling and rippling of the fender wheel/cargo bed, observed around 69,000 miles. Additional reports include a backup camera that becomes excessively bright at low speeds at night, impairing visibility both inside and outside the vehicle. These issues do not mention any crashes or loss of control, but potential buyers should be aware of these structural concerns and their impact on vehicle usability.
Owner complaints2
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report issues with the braking system of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, specifically involving master cylinder leaks leading to brake fluid contamination of the vacuum pump and subsequent damage to the camshaft. Symptoms include vehicle vibration due to the damaged camshaft. One owner mentions a significant safety concern where the brakes failed to engage during a sudden stop on a freeway, resulting in a collision. No warning lights were noted in this instance. These complaints highlight potential safety risks and mechanical failures that prospective buyers should consider.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
