Carlexica

2018 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and reliability

1 recall and 180 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (46% of complaints); the 2020 model year looks more trouble-free.

Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2018

1
recalls
180
owner complaints
5
fire reports
19,357
typical failure mileage, mi

All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.

NHTSA crash testOverall ★★★★Front ★★★★Side ★★★★★Rollover ★★★★★
4-star NHTSA overall safety ratingWeak spot: power train (46%)5 fire reportsProblems reported early (median 19,357 mi)

Common problems

Computed from 180 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.

Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)46% · 70 complaints
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)14% · 22 complaints
Steering (steering wheel, rack, power assist)8% · 12 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)8% · 12 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System (fuel pump, tank, lines)5% · 8 complaints
Air Bags (airbags and crash sensors)3% · 5 complaints
Power steering failure, without incident. It started one morning, after turning off truck the previous day. Warning lights displayed as soon as truck was started. Very difficult to turn steering wheel. Too dangerous to drive. Dealer indicated the steering rack should be replaced.Owner report · Steering · Jun 2026
7.5 amp to fuel injectors has blown 2 times unknow reason causing loss of power 1st time on country road then 2nd time on a highway it's a common problem from the Chevy Colorado forums regarding the 2.8l lwn engineOwner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
Luggage and shudders at cruise speed, seems like auto transmission is coming apart. Paid $500 for the trans flush the service bulletin suggests but didn't help, shop quoted a $8000 replacement on a vehicle with 60k miles. This should be a recallOwner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
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.Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2025
Transmission oil leak with only 60,000 miles just bought from a dealership as is 3 days ago and was not informed of the issueOwner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
Clunking sound coming from rear end upon normal acceleration. When I take my foot off of the brake pedal, and depress the gas pedal, A loud clunk appears to come from the differential. If I coast first and then depress the gas pedal, it is not as pronounced. When you slow down to make a corner, and resume speed exiting the corner it is also pronounced. It should be noted that I am a safe adult driver (safe driver module installed in truck) and have 35,800 miles. My truck has always been serviced by my Chevrolet dealership; I am an older gentlemen and never drive recklessly. I'd like to think the rear differential should not be making a clunking sound at this point in its historyOwner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that upon arriving to his destination, he observed gasoline leaking underneath the vehicle near the fuel filler neck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to service the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 47,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 162,000.Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2025
The problem started two months ago, with a loss of engine power and a stability track warning on the dashboard. This happened occasionally while driving, often going away on its own by turning off the vehicle. Two weeks ago, I took it to Chevrolet for an inspection. They did a general inspection and said it was a factory defect. Now, the vehicle has the problem constantly, and there are times when it's undriveable. That's a risk for me.Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2025
The ignition switch will frequently lock when turning off and not allow the electrical system to fully turn off and prevent you from removing the key. It happens randomly but has been increasing in frequency.Owner report · Electrical System · Apr 2025

When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.

Recalls - 1 campaign

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP18V358000 · May 2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Trouble codes owners mention

OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.

Specifications

Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.

Engines2.5L · 2.8L · 3.6L
Cylinders4 · 6
FuelDiesel · Gasoline
Drive type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Body stylesPickup

How other years compare

Check your exact Colorado by VIN

Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.

Open VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

NHTSA has 180 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The most complained-about area is power train (46% of complaints).

At what mileage do 2018 Chevrolet Colorado problems usually appear?

Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 19,357 miles or less.

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have open recalls?

1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.