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Chevrolet Colorado fuel gauge problems

15 of the 3,667 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Colorado describe wrong fuel gauge reading, most of them for the 2005 model year.

owner complaints
15
worst model year
2005
typical mileage
27,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    2
  • 2022
    2
  • 2019
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    2
  • 2008
    1
  • 2006
    1
  • 2005
    2

What owners say

Filed Aug 5, 2026 · Fuel system · 60,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the fuel gauge went from full to empty. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the fuel pump control module. The contact stated that his two son-in-law's vehicles, which were the same year, make, and model, also had the fuel pump control module failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Dec 24, 2025 · Electrical · VA

Starting on [XXX] while driving the truck, the gauge cluster and radio went completely out (black screen) and the five red automatic emergency braking LED's illuminated and stayed on for up to 5 minutes. This happened about 8 times on my commute home. This happed again on [XXX] after the dealership did a software update to resolve the issue. The truck was serviced again on 09/11/2025 and I was told that GM has no software fix for this at this time. On 09/25/2025 again the truck was serviced again to try and fix the issue. This time the radio came on and I could not turn it off or adjust the volume. I went straight to the dealer and showed the issue to the service manager James Mask. The cluster and radio to this day continue to go out (black screen), no speedometer, gauges of any sort for a period of time from 15 seconds to 30 minutes. This leaves me with no way of obeying the speed limit, fuel level, oil or temperature gauges. GM is being blasé about this. They have admitted they know the issue exists but can't or won't offer a fix for the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 18, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · NY

While driving my 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, both the infotainment system and the instrument cluster reboot unexpectedly. During these reboots, the speedometer, fuel gauge, and warning lights are unavailable for at least 30 seconds. This has occurred multiple times at highway speeds, creating a serious safety concern because I cannot see my speed or critical vehicle information while the system resets. Restarting the vehicle sometimes restores functionality, but the issue recurs intermittently. I have checked with my dealer, and no permanent fix or recall has been issued by GM at this time. This defect poses a risk to driver and passenger safety and should be investigated promptly.

Filed Oct 20, 2025 · Fuel system · LA

On October 3, 2025 the driver of the 2016 Chevy Colorado we own, left our house and drove .5 miles where he stopped for a red light. The light turned green and he accelerated to make a left turn. At that time, the gas gauge dropped to "E", the truck engine turned off, and gas emptied from the gas tank. The driver managed to coast the truck onto the curb and out of traffic. The gas smell was overpowering. This could have ended badly in many ways. Had he been driving on interstate, he would have been trapped, and any spark could have ignited the truck. Even the tow truck driver knew there was a gas leak without even examining the truck. The truck was towed to our house until arrangements were made tor the repair. The truck was towed again to the Chevy dealership (Total Tow Charges $344.85 invoices not available at this time). The repair shop found both the fuel pump and fuel feed cracked allowing gas to spew out. The VIN number was searched for the federal safety agency recall number 18V‑358 and the Chevy recall number 18188 and was not found. There were no warnings of the impending failure and no one was injured due to the failure. The vehicle repair was completed on October 15, 2025. Removed parts are available for inspection. We contend that the problem is related to the recall for the fuel pump in above recall numbers.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Electrical · 4,600 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the fuel gauge was providing an inaccurate fuel reading. The contact stated that the fuel gauge indicated that there was more fuel in the tank than there was. Additionally, the contact stated that the fuel gauge read Empty(E) intermittently while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fuel sensor kit was replaced several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 4,600.

Filed Feb 24, 2024 · Electrical, Fuel system · CO

Fuel Guage will not move until there is about 200 miles after filling up. When filling up at the 320 miles the pump will shut off at 10 gals. The miles to empty will show that I can go anywhere from 400 to 500 miles. (This is impossible) this also does not match with the fuel gauge reads. Have taken this to the chevy dealer and they could not find anything wrong. It passed the sweep test and they drove it for about 200 miles and stated there was nothing wrong. Vehicle has 19000 miles. First time this happened was when it was at around 10000 miles. Issue is that I don't know and can't drive this very far due to not knowing how much fuel I have used. I have to rely on my phone gps to track how far I have driven and bounce it off of what is on the miles driven display. This has been going on for the last year.

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Fuel system · 52,000 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the contact smelled an abnormally strong fuel odor. The odor became more intense while driving. The contact stated upon arriving at the residence, the fuel gauge indicated that the fuel tank was empty. Additionally, the contact noticed a puddle of gasoline underneath the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the fuel pump. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

Filed Jun 1, 2022 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while her husband was driving 50 MPH, he smelled an abnormal fuel odor coming from the vehicle. He pulled over and noticed that the fuel gauge had indicated that the fuel was empty. With the help of his co-workers, her husband was able to push the vehicle into his job's parking lot. The contact then called the dealer where she was informed that they could not inspect the vehicle for another three weeks. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V358000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) which she linked to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and informed her that her vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a co-worker’s home where he was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump was defective and the part was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 5,000 miles · OH

The gas tank/gauge will be on "full", then-while driving, the gas gauge will go to "e" and the dash will alert you as to no fuel. Upon taking this vehicle to the dealer the first time, the dealer could find no issues through the computer. The "second" occurrence-the vehicle was taken to a different dealer, and they stated the fuel level sensor needed to be replaced. The "third" occurrence-the gauge went to "e", while driving, the dealer claimed it was now a cord/wire that attached to the fuel level sensor running the length of the vehicle under the truck. Since it "appears" the resolution to this issue is questionable, and the dealer(s) have not fully corrected the issue, how can I be confident the vehicle actually has fuel? Also, there is an issue with the blue tooth linking to "I-phones/ios systems (only), not android phone/systems,as call/text notifications may not always alert while you are in the vehicle. The first dealer stated they contacted gm, but so far-there is no final resolution from gm regarding the blue tooth issue with I-phones/ios systems. I do have all receipts for all actions taken regarding this vehicle.

Filed Dec 8, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 11,000 miles · TX

I own a 2017 chevy colorado z71 4x4. Once back on the highway after off-roading on the beach, while forward driving at roughly 50 MPH I ran over a chopped piece of fire wood in the road. The piece of wood contacted the skid plate, which then collapsed the hollow skid plate bracket welded to the front cross section/axle of the chassis, which then flattened into the plastic power steering module(s) connected to the electric power steering (eps) rack. This caused immediate loss of power steering, loss of ABS vehicle control, loss of electrical charge from the alternator to the battery, loss of ability of the vehicle to show correct speed, random transmission shifting (into and out of gears, as well as throwing vehicle into neutral) as well as intermittent loss of all cabin electronics (including tachometer relaying speed and rpms, odometer, fuel gauge, battery voltage gauge, etc.). Due to this being a road hazard incident, as well as poor manufacturer design/placement of a plastic electric power steering rack, I was forced to have the vehicle towed and file a claim with my insurance company. Repairs have been ongoing for 3 weeks and are still incomplete as the vehicle's computer cannot recognize the new oem part. Attached photos show damage with the skid plate removed. Mathematical measurements will prove the collapsible bracket, if flattened in a similar directional manner, will most definitely make contact with and impact the electric power steering rack. This plastic rack also includes other modules that impact the aforementioned performance issues. Gm has failed to acknowledge my concern of design after multiple attempts and conact with their

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump: mounting plate/flangeReported June 28, 2024 · 8,622 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak during a crash.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and fully lock the fuel tank lock ring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, or GMC Customer Call Center at (888) 988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242451330.

Recall number 24V491000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pumpReported May 31, 2018 · 895 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.

Recall number 18V358000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 6, 2009 · 27,188 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 27,188 my 2009 cadillac escalade, escalade hybrid, escalade esv, and escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, suburban, tahoe, tahoe hybrid, and colorado; and gmc yukon, yukon hybrid, yukon xl, and canyon vehicles. The fuel system control modules may have a condition in which an adhesive separation of the room temperature vulcanizing (rtv) seal between the seal and the housing may allow water to seep into the module.
Risk
Water in the module could cause a short or open circuit, illumination of the service engine soon lamp, setting of diagnostic trouble codes or the engine may be hard to start, may not start or may stall increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new fuel system control module free of charge. The recall began on may 18, 2009. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V154000 · Recall details

Questions about the Chevrolet Colorado fuel gauge

Which Chevrolet Colorado years have wrong fuel gauge reading problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2005 (2 complaints), 2016 (2 complaints) and 2017 (2 complaints).

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