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7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,810
Average Mileage:
16,900 miles
Total Complaints:
58 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (30 reports)
  2. flush trasmission and replace transmission fluid (13 reports)
  3. replace torque converter (9 reports)
  4. transmission flush (5 reports)
  5. replace transmission (1 reports)
2018 Chevrolet Colorado transmission problems

transmission problem

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2018 Chevrolet Colorado Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #58

Jan 312024

Colorado 2.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,682 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Took the vehicle to Chevy in 2021 for a shutter it had 56K on the odometer, they replaced the torque converter. The problem started again after it was out of warranty in Nov 2023 with 77k on it. took to dealer and they informed me that the transmission was shot and I had to eat the cost due to being out of warranty..$.7808 ..this seems to me to be considered a reoccurring problem and they should replace it on GMs dime.

On the bright side GM gave me 1500 assistance which the dealer told me If a waited for GM to send that money it would take 6 weeks to get it back with a 12 /12k warranty. Now if I pay the 7808 it will get the car back in a week and a half with a 36 10000mile warranty, the dealership will put in for my 1500 assistance to be sent to me. My decision was a no brainer I went with the 3yr 10000 mile deal ...I am a very unhappy Colorado owner.

- Mike S., Jacksonville, US

problem #57

Aug 012023

Colorado LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

Started to notice the Shudder about 6 weeks ago. I had the oil changed and tires rotated, thinking that would fix the issue. I mentioned it to my mechanic but of course the truck was perfect while he tested it. Over the last week the shuddering got worse and I took it to the dealer. They want to charge me $8100 to replace the transmission. The technician seemed annoyed when I told him what I found online, and what recommendations are. He told me the warranty was expired and would not acknowledge that it is a known issue. When I pushed for the flush and change of fluid he then said the transmission was slipping and the flush wont fix it. I'm currently looking to other dealers to do the flush and change the fluid to Amsoil ATL.

How do I find out if I qualify to join the class action suit? What about the buyback program?

- Judy M., Los Angeles, CA, US

problem #56

Jun 012021

Colorado Z71 2.8L Diesel

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

Does it every time shifts from 2nd to 3rd and then to 4th but yet dealership claims they couldn't get it to do it. I said well hop in, I'll get it to do it. Said they couldn't do that but did reprogram my computer then tried to charge me over $1000 for it. I had to argue about my warranty and then they acted like they did me a favor waiving the cost. Now my extended warranty is gone and it's horrible. Last GM product I ever buy.

- csamm_3, Murrells Inlet, US

problem #55

Oct 242022

Colorado V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2018 Colorado with 62,000 miles. I never thought much of the issue, just thought it was bumpy roads. I received a letter from a law firm stating the problem with the Colorados. Went to Randy Marion Chevy in Statesville NC where my truck has always been serviced and mentioned it, and they checked it out and said it needs a fluid change to fix it. They told me it would be $1250 to fix. Now my truck was there a couple of months before for normal service and of course no one ever mentioned anything about a trans issue with these trucks - and of course the multipoint vehicle check states no issues. Amazing how after the warranty expires, the problem shows up! Getting it fixed I hope tomorrow and I'll deal with legal action to get my money back from this known issue that GM keeps blowing off!

- Bill K., Statesville, US

problem #54

Aug 052022

Colorado WT 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 69,000 miles

The issue started around the first week in August. Had ~69,000 miles on it at the time. I had just put new tires on. Thought the tires might be the issue so I took it back and had them all re-balanced. The problem persisted on the way home. I would feel a vibration during acceleration after 20 MPH. It felt like driving over rumble strips. It would not start vibrating until after the vehicle was warmed up. Had to drive 8 to 10 miles first.

I paid for an extended warranty. Even with this, the $780 repair was no covered. I bought the vehicle used with 16K on it. The dealer found the service bulletin and flushed the transmission. Picking it up later today.

I have been a die hard GM fan for over 30 years. This put me over the edge. Won't buy a Chevy again.

So... is there a class action law suit? Why is this not GM's responsibility?

If flushing the transmission clears the problem, there is either debris in the fluid or the fluid has broken down and doesn't provide lubrication like it should. It's not my fault. I maintain my vehicles very well.

I have seen many other threads on this topic from other websites. Seems to be a common theme.

- itmustbeme, Notown, US

problem #53

Oct 072019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,595 miles

I have a new 2018 Chevy Colorado v.6 crew cab z71 with only 6595 miles on it and it picked up a shudder running down smooth pavement at highway speeds. I was showing my girlfriend who said it feels like running down rumble strips on the shoulder. I called dealership in Pooler Georgia and the service manager was not available. The lady seemed like she never heard of the issue. Funny, I found it right away online and it sounds like it's been an issue since 2015.

Well, I just got off the phone with the service manager and he advised me that because of what I described that my truck will have the fluid changed out next Tuesday. When I asked why it had not been corrected by GM, he said it had. My truck was made in 2017 before the fix and he said in 99% of the trucks that the flush fixes it. My luck has never been that good - when someone tells me 99%, I am the guy that is the other 1%. So I guess until next Tuesday, I have the Chevy shakes as they call them. A lot of posts say the flush does not work - I guess we shall see.

- Brian F., Darien, GA, US

problem #52

Sep 242018

Colorado Z71 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,177 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Long story short, I purchased a 2018 Colorado Z71 with the 3.6 V6 engine. Love the truck, and everything is great except for this transmission issue. Back in late 2018 I noticed the shudder issue so I took it to my local dealership. They knew about it, and they said they were aware of the problem and will order parts. Truck only had about 9100 miles. Parts came in and about 3 days later, I got my truck back.

All was great until last week where I noticed the shudder issue coming back. I have also noticed now 3 times that when I start it, the transmission acts like it jumped in gear and made a bang noise. The truck just turned 17K miles. I'm really disappointed with Chevrolet. First brand new vehicle I purchased in my life. All my other trucks have been used and all of them have been S10 and never have I had any issues with them. Took it to the dealership on Saturday and I will be calling them on Monday to setup an appointment this week.

- The K., Middleburg, FL, US

problem #51

Jan 072019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 3,000 miles

This truck sucks. The transmission rumbled. IF THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM, WHY SELL THE CAR?!!!! The inside froze up over the winter. The transmission rumbled. The breaks started squeaking!!! I traded it in after only 3500 miles. Ridiculous. Chevy did nothing to help at all.

- Dan M., Stow, OH, US

problem #50

Jun 012019

Colorado LT EXT CAB 3.6L Dohc V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

Transmission shakes and bakes as it transits through the gears. Sometimes, the shake is very hard and sometimes not. Usually happens when accelerating to a high speed.

I'm not a drag racer and don't run and gun motors. I drive reasonably.

- power_cord64jm, Cape Coral, US

problem #49

Oct 282019

Colorado LT 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,077 miles

The infamous COLORADO SHUDDER!!!

Started when vehicle was less than a year old... I brought it in around 40,000 and was told it needed a transmission fluid exchange and ref bulletin # 18-NA-355. I've since had it in 2 more times (at least) and have been told nothing is wrong with it... and just the other day a different dealer replaced the fluid again with new & improved fluid and low and behold about 50 miles later its doing it again! The Colorado shudder is back! This is getting very old and worrisome. I would be interested in a class-action if there is one out there. Chevy/GM knows its happening... I'll never buy another Chevy/GM product!

- Geri P., Orwell, VT, US

problem #48

May 062021

Colorado WT V6 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This vehicle has been babied and not hardly worked at all. I had the transmission flushed as recommended and the shop owner said the transmission had an excessive amount of metal shavings in it. I have an extended warranty on the vehicle through 100,000 miles, but the issuing company denied the claim and said it was just a flush and is not covered. I don't even know if the vehicle is now fixed as I have to drive it a few hundred miles to see. If it does the shuddering again, I have to have it flushed again at my expense. This is where I will decide if I keep it or not.

Update from Nov 3, 2021: Had transmission flushed. They noticed abnormal amount of metal filings. These were said to be mostly due to too close tolerances, so parts had some interference. So far the problem has been alleviated but I am out the repair bill.

- Vernon M., Bedford, US

problem #47

Sep 032019

Colorado LT 6-3

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,024 miles

I see several similar posts regarding the transmission shudder. My dealership was accommodating but like several others, I still have concerns. I love this vehicle and have invested in many after market options. I am also over 75 and expected this to be my forever vehicle but I have concerns for its future. I purchased it used with 13,000 miles and the issue wasn't confirmed till 29,000 miles when the trans was flushed. That fixed the shudder but I have several other different concerns. When I slow to stop for a red light that turns green when I get there, and accelerate, occasionally I get nothing and then a lurch. I also had it clunk when I start it unexplainably several times. I regularly feel a throbbing similar to a bulged tire that is not always on the same road but its very subtle and unless you are listening for it, its not obvious. It will do the ripples on a cup of coffee in the cup holder.

ALSO, I'm wondering when others had their trans flush, if the trans fluid info screen reset the mileage. When they flushed mine, the mileage remained the same. First I was told they would reset it and then they said they don't do it??? SO... now of course I am wondering if it had been done once or more already when I purchased it. How did your dealership handle this?

We drive from Michigan to FL each year and while my dealership is understanding, I don't want to be stuck in the mountains or in a strange town with no reservations at a dealership that may be not as accommodating...

- Pat H., JACKSON, MI, US

problem #46

Sep 302019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,000 miles

Took my truck in to service concerned about the vibration. They did a 4 wheel alignment and tire balance, and wanted to do a transmission flush. Told them I would come back for the flush because I had to go to work. I have it scheduled for Monday 21st October. So at home I started the web search on 2018 Colorado vibrations. Much to my surprise there is a long list of others with the same problem. The more I read about it and thought about it I got a little annoyed about the situation. If Chevy knew about the problem, why didn't they fix it before I bought the truck. Now I have to take time off of work again to flush the transmission and who knows how long that will last? I'm very disappointed and thinking I should have waited for the new Rangers to come out.

- soup0916, Bonaire, US

problem #45

Jul 022019

Colorado Z71 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

First time I took it to dealership tech reproduced the problem and flushed the fluids and replaced it with new Transmission fluid. I was fine about a month and problem was back again. Now I also experience hard shift at very low speeds.

I took it back and truck stayed at the dealership for whole month and they came back saying they cannot reproduce the issue. GM needs to do a recall on this truck. Everywhere I read says their quality control is not good anymore.

- Mert C., Austin, US

problem #44

Sep 032019

Colorado LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 12,000 miles

I'm having same problem as others - a shimmy on slight acceleration from 30 to 70 mph. I'm going to report this problem as soon as I can get to dealer.

- Leon B., Sapulpa, OK, US

problem #43

Oct 072019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,595 miles

As much as this truck cost, dealer says 99% of the time fluid flush will correct the issue. My problem is whenever in life I have been told that I was the one they made the 1% for, no joke. I have an appointment next Tuesday the 29th at Pooler Chevy where I bought it. I let start the game - I bought the ten year warranty, so they will get tired of seeing me, I'm sure.

- Brian F., Darien, GA, US

problem #42

Aug 012021

Colorado LX 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

If this is a known problem with this model, why does anyone have to pay $632.00 as a possible solution.

- Burnie R., Lafayette, US

problem #41

Oct 102019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,959 miles

Well, let’s see. I was sold a truck with the dealership knowing the a8 tranny has had issues. The service dept knew and so did management - they had to. They were getting the how-to-repair memos since 2015. There was no warning about the issue before purchasing my 2018 truck and from what I have read online, there’s no permanent fix. They’re still trying to figure it out. So I had to lose a day's work of overtime taking the truck in.

It’s unsafe to drive in my opinion. I almost wrecked twice. I arrived there at 730 am, asked for a vehicle to get around in, then asked how long. The man said 2.5 hours. I said okay, I can wait well and 4.5 hours later, they call saying that I’m ready to go. They flushed the tranny per work order from GM. For this is the first step and cheapest to fix. Now I'm wet from walking in the rain, hungry and ready to just go get my truck back. Well, it has not been detailed or vacuumed out. I can't complain too much about that but knowing a new truck with only 7 k miles on it almost got in a wreck twice is very dangerous to drive and I was feeling unsafe driving it.

I was told they have the autos in there all the time for the same fix. Mine was the first of four for the same issue for that day I took it in. So the only reason I gave such a high score is because I truly don’t think the young lady who sold me the truck had a clue about this issue. I'm scared if what I read is true and this is only a short time repair band-aid. I got lucky the first two times when I almost wrecked because I did not have any vehicles around me when I crossed the center lane from this issue.

GM really disappointed me on this new auto. It's like when I drive, when is it going to come back, how many miles and where will I be when will it get in in a wreck.

PS The flush has been done - we’ll see how long this band-aid holds.

- Brian F., Darien, GA, US

problem #40

Jan 032020

Colorado ZR2 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles

I just bought the truck today and was driving it home (a 1 1/2 hour trip) and that's when I noticed it. Feels like you're driving on the rumble strip off the road. It's actually undrivable, it's so annoying. Drove it right to the dealer on my way home. Have appointment for next Thursday. I'm really depressed and annoyed.

- Jody J., Hinesburg, US

problem #39

Oct 112019

Colorado LT 6-3

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,831 miles

I've had the second transmission flush, and it does not shudder as bad. However, I've driven it over 200 miles & don't think the problem is entirely fixed. My dealership has been helpful and understanding and reassures me I have warranty coverage. I am 77 years old and will be driving from MI to FL next month (with a lot to get done before I leave) and am trying to decide if it will be beneficial to take the truck back to the dealership and add shuffling cars to my to-do list, or if I will be comfortable driving it that distance and away from my local dealership. Any thoughts?

- Pat H., JACKSON, MI, US

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