Chevrolet Colorado engine failure problems

Filed Oct 13, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

While driving, the vehicles internal computer system seized, completely shutting down and restarting itself over the course of 30 seconds. During and after this event, the brakes, power steering, and restraint system all became inoperable. Brakes failed to engage and power steering did not function. The issue resolved itself after turning the vehicle completely off and back on again. Brakes, power steering, and the restraint system have operated off and on over the past week since the event happened

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 65,500 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the engine seized. The contact stood on the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured camshaft. The contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump fractured the camshaft, and the camshaft was fractured in half. The contact was informed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,500.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Brakes · TN

Brake boost vacuum pump failure. While approaching a traffic light that was red, I applied the brakes. The pedal was very hard to press and required me using both feet to bring the vehicle to a stop. Stopping distance was much longer than normal. I removed the vacuum pump and found it had seized and broke apart.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Engine · PA

I was told that my vehicle has a bent exhaust valve, which has caused irreparable damage to the engine and requires a complete engine replacement. The dealership could not determine what caused the valve to bend, but they indicated that it could potentially be a manufacturing defect, although they could not confirm that. My vehicle has now been at the Chevy dealership for more than 30 days, and I was informed that there are currently no replacement engines available from the factory due to a shortage. Given that this appears to be a known parts shortage, I assume other owners of the same make and model may be experiencing similar issues, although I cannot confirm that. The vehicle has approximately 10,000 miles on it.

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Engine · AZ

While driving our 2022 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 (VIN: [XXX]) through an active roadway intersection at approximately midnight, the vehicle experienced a sudden, uncommanded complete loss of motive power and stalled without advance warning. Our teenage daughter was driving, making the abrupt loss of power, steering assist, and vehicle control in live traffic especially dangerous for an inexperienced driver. The stalled truck had to be physically pushed out of active traffic lanes into a nearby gas station for safety and has required flatbed towing for all subsequent transport. In the days prior to failure, an intermittent, unidentifiable mechanical odor was noticed, but zero warning lamps, dashboard messages, or diagnostic trouble codes were displayed, and the vehicle drove normally until the sudden shutdown. At the scene, an OBD-II diagnostic scan pulled DTC P0019-00 (Crankshaft Position - Exhaust Camshaft Position Not Plausible Bank 2). An independent service center subsequently confirmed adequate, safe oil levels (ruling out oil starvation), and independent technicians confirmed catastrophic internal engine failure. The truck is currently at an authorized Chevrolet dealership undergoing formal diagnostics to determine the exact internal failure mechanism (including potential correlation to known bearing/valvetrain defect patterns under GM Bulletin 19-NA-256). The vehicle and components are available for inspection upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 106,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while turning onto an exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, there was resistance to the brake pedal, and an excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that failure might cause the complete engine failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

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 May 20, 2026 · Brakes, Transmission · HI

Brake vacuum pump appeared to fail creating brake system malfunction. Appears determined by mechanics to have seized and caused damage to cam shaft. Driver’s safety issue caused when trying to brake vehicle not functioning. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop. There were no warning signs of impending failure of system. Note that earlier years for this model may have had recalls for safety issue and malfunction.

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine · WA

The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at just over 35k miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy forum, youtube, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. Instead, my local Chevy dealer, since its not a recall item, said they could schedule a time next week for me to LEAVE the truck and then they would get to it in 7-10 days. This is extremely unfair to the consumer who depends on these vehicles. This should absolutely be a recall item. You can find 1000's of examples online and if you can pull GM repair data, I'm sure you'll find 1000's more.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · NM

While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.