2020 Chevrolet Colorado: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · IA

2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L, approximately 81,500 miles. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist. There was no warning noise associated with the failure; the brake pedal became extremely hard and required substantially greater pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent professional mechanic. Inspection found that the brake booster vacuum pump itself was not the primary source of the failure. The failure was at the engine exhaust camshaft interface that mechanically drives the vacuum pump. The camshaft drive was damaged and no longer properly operated the vacuum pump, resulting in loss of brake vacuum assist. This is not normal brake-pad or rotor wear. The hydraulic brakes remained functional, but without the vacuum assist the pedal effort increased dramatically, creating a significant braking safety concern. The vehicle has been removed from normal use pending repair. I am reporting this because failure of an engine component that drives the brake vacuum pump can cause sudden loss of power brake assist.

Filed Sep 1, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · TX

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Colorado through [XXX], the truck began having difficulty accelerating. As I exited the highway and turned into a gas station, the truck suddenly lost power. The steering became extremely difficult, and I lost normal brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and I had to apply extreme force to stop the truck and avoid crashing into a wall at the gas station. Fortunately, no collision occurred. The truck was towed to Ed Corley Ford in [XXX] because I was stranded in a remote area with very limited options. They diagnosed a failed/broken vacuum pump and told me replacing it should make the truck operable so I could drive it home to [XXX]. I authorized the repair. After replacing the vacuum pump, they told me they started the truck and heard an abnormal sound. They shut it off, and when they tried to restart it, the truck would not start. They wanted to perform additional diagnosis, but I declined and had the truck transported back to [XXX] for evaluation by a Chevrolet dealership. Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville inspected the truck. Their technician removed the camshaft position sensor and used a borescope to inspect the camshaft. They documented that the camshaft is damaged at the end where it connects to the vacuum pump and stated the actuator pin was most likely bent due to the vacuum-pump failure, damaging the camshaft and causing it to be slightly out of time. I have also been informed of engine damage. The truck remains inoperable and is currently available for inspection. I am concerned this is a safety defect because the vacuum-pump failure resulted in a sudden loss of normal brake assist while I was driving and was followed by camshaft/engine damage. I am asking the federal safety agency to investigate this failure and similar Chevrolet Colorado complaints. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 1, 2026 · Brakes · CA

Vacuum pump seized, causing loss of power assist on brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection to make a right-hand turn. When I press down on the brake pedal it felt hard, like it was locked up. After pressing down on it with both feet, I was able to slow the vehicle down enough to turn out of the intersection. If this event happened when there was another vehicle in the intersection or approaching the intersection on the side street that I was turning onto, it would have led to a collision. Not being able to slow down adequately, I had to swing wide in the turn. This incident happened at a relatively slow speed. If it had happened at highway speeds it could have been catastrophic. There was no warning light prior to the incident the check engine light did not come on until after the incident. The Pump seizure caused the connecting coupling between the exhaust cam and pump to shatter. The damage was extended to the exhaust cam and valve cover and leaving metal fragments in the engine. The local Chevrolet dealer has given me an estimate for the repair of over $2400

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Transmission · DE

The vehicle experienced a sudden and progressive transmission failure during normal driving conditions. Symptoms included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, loss of power transfer, and eventual inability to reliably propel the vehicle. The failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior while in traffic. The transmission issue was not the result of improper maintenance. The vehicle was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The condition worsened over time and ultimately required dealer inspection. A dealership inspected the vehicle and attributed the failure to a transmission defect, characterizing it as a maintenance issue despite no evidence of neglect. The transmission and related components remain available for inspection upon request. No warning lights provided adequate advance notice prior to the functional failure. The issue occurred without driver misuse and under ordinary driving conditions.

Filed Nov 4, 2024 · Steering · FL

Within the last 2 months, I have had momentary steering problems at low speed. They continue to become worse with time, no longer safe to drive. Dealer has vehicle now and informs me that it will cost $3000 for a known/existing corrosion of electrical connections in the power steering assembly. Via the internet, the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly needs to be replaced. Because this cover assembly has leaked, the wiring harness also has to be replaced. 7 hours of labor, front end alignment, etc! The loss of power steering in a turn has nearly caused several accidents till I got it home. Dealer confirms what I experienced in test drive, internet has many examples of same problem and solution. There are no warnings of impending loss of control, one minute everything is fine, the next you are fighting for control.

Filed Mar 16, 2023 · Engine, Steering · 11,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was experiencing a loss of power steering. The contact stated that the vehicle also lost motive power with unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the key was stuck in the ignition switch, and after several attempts, the contact was able to turn off and restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer on several occasions however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred and that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission control module (TCM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted, and the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.