2018 Chevrolet Colorado: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 21, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I purchased the truck at the end of March 2025. Within a few weeks I was noticing different issues in the transmission. It would occasionally shudder, have jerky or long shifts, would jump gears and lose power. The shudder was random but mostly on the highway, the jerky or long shifts would mostly occur when the egjne was cold and more often in cold weather. The lose of power and jumping gears would occur when towing and when I was in the mountains, once losing power as I was turning onto a major highway. I took the truck in three times to get diagnosed but they couldnt replicate the issue or find a code. I finally decided to pay for a flush with the fluid that was recommended by a TSB. After the flush the issues were then replicated by the service techs. I have an extended warranty. The representative then inspected the truck and found the same issues and approved a transmission replacement. I took the truck in on June 22nd 2026. As of July 21 the dealership is still waiting for the replacement transmission to be shipped from GM.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Acceleration, Electrical · OR

My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving me unable to maintain normal speed or accelerate safely. I lost power needed to pass traffic and had limited ability to respond to road conditions. The problem has happened several times. It has also occurred while I was towing my boat, which left me unable to continue the trip safely and created a hazardous situation because the truck could not maintain normal towing power. The issue appears related to the diesel particulate filter/emissions system and repeated DPF/regen or exhaust aftertreatment problems. I am concerned that a design, calibration, or emissions-system defect is causing sudden power reduction during normal driving and towing. This creates an unreasonable safety risk, especially on mountain passes, two-lane highways, and while towing. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this as a potential safety defect involving the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel DPF/emissions system and reduced-engine-power strategy. I am also requesting that this complaint be considered with any similar complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, or emissions campaigns related to DPF regeneration, particulate matter sensor diagnostics, reduced engine power, or limp mode on the 2.8L Duramax Chevrolet Colorado.

Filed Jan 17, 2026 · Fuel system · IN

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 engine

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Engine · MO

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.

Filed Apr 2, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · 90,369 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and the driver observed a high pitch sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and turned off. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had fractured and there was a fractured bolt inside the cylinder head that needed to be replaced. Additionally, diagnostic trouble codes: P0089, P228C, and P2c1F were retrieved using a DTC machine. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,369.

Filed Jan 31, 2025 · Transmission · FL

Suddenly losing power, shifting hard, slipping between gears, causing shuddering while driving, and surging forward while accelerating.

Filed Jan 9, 2025 · Steering · ND

The power steering quits working intermittently. It has always been extremely cold when it happens. So far, it has only happened when the vehicle has been started, then driven. Turning the ignition off, then on, does not fix the problem. So far, it eventually starts working again at a later start up. When it happened before, the problem had resolved itself when I took it to the dealership and they could not determine the cause & simply replaced the battery. Losing power steering is definitely a safety issue if turning a corner, etc., when it goes out. The last time, I drove 45 miles directly to the dealership and they put a code reader on it while it was happening. I'm taking it to them for repair(?) tomorrow. There have not been any inspections to-date. The "service power steering" warning did show up when the vehicle was started.

Filed Jun 3, 2024 · Transmission · WA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? It appears to be a piston failure, as there is compression and diesel in the crankcase. Engine is still in the vehicle but once removed it will be available for inspection if needed. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Power loss on a busy highway requiring lane changes without available engine power is dangerous. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not yet Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? P0266 code and engine light set immediately after the failure. But there were no warnings prior

Filed Oct 16, 2019 · Electrical, Transmission · 19,214 miles · MT

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chevrolet colorado. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle lost power, downshifted, decelerated to 20 MPH, and the brake lights went out. The contact pulled into a ditch to avoid a semi truck behind his vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact called ressler motors at (866) 623-5535 (located at 8474 huffine ln, bozeman, mt 59718) and was informed to bring the vehicle to the shop. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and needed to be towed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 19,214.

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Transmission · 9 miles · HI

When I drive up hill the vehicle starts to jerk back and forth and has lost of power.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 5,000 miles · NY

The torquer converter its the problem I find out a day on highway I was driving and the truck lose power it takes time to move to other gear and make a weird sound I take the truck to the chevy dealer and they just flush the transmission fluid and they said will fix the problem but after that get it worse it claps when put it in reverse or drive it use to shakes when you driving even at not high speed. The problem is not solve and the guy from the dealer told me gmc will not let them change the part is his own words. He said you have a good warranty don't worry but I need solution and the dealer doesn't show any interest to fix my truck problem, I have to rent a car apparently was cover for my insurance but a week later they call me because they have a issue with the car I rent and just rented for 24 hours. Is why I'm doing this complaint to find someone can help me and finally my truck get fix.

Filed Aug 16, 2019 · Transmission · 36,000 miles · KY

Transmission exhibits intermittent hesitation, jerking and shaking when taking off from a stop and reverse lurching while at highway speeds. The transmission fluid has been changed per the bulletin without success. The truck has been to the dealership 4 times where they typically report "unable to duplicate problem" and therefore do nothing. The latest comment from gm customer care was to blame all these issues on my tires (36000 miles). Loss of power equals a tire issue?