My 2020 Colorado at 14k miles, the dealer did the transmission oil flush and it helped till the warranty ran out. Now I have the same problem again at 32k miles. I bought the truck because GM said the problem with 8L/45 trans was fixed in 2019. To my knowledge there has been no update to the slipping clutch in GM's torque convertor. If I were to replace the convertor with another one just like it I could have the same problem. My Dealer ([XXX])says my lifetime warranty (that I got with my new Colorado) doesn't cover the transmission? And that if they do another $600 oil flush they don't guarantee it will fix anything. I think when the flush is done, they don't change the trans filter. I'm sure the clutch particles that are left behind after the flush are probably stopping up the filter. I just replaced the DOD/AFM cam and lifters in my GM car's 6.2 liter. It's a shame that manufacture's can get away with these kind of problems. Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Chevrolet Colorado slipping problems
33 of the 3,667 owner complaints about the Chevrolet Colorado describe transmission slipping, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 33
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical mileage
- 37,000
By model year
Often reported together
Shudder 7Jerking 7Harsh shifting 6Hesitation 4Transmission failure 3Sudden acceleration 1Won't shift 1Stalling 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was made aware of a technical service bulletin which included replacing the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that recently the transmission started slipping and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer determined that the transmission torque converter and the transmission valve body needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 39,200.
After purchasing my 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 (approx. 113,000 miles) from Avalon Honda in New Jersey, steering began to exhibit an intermittent, jerky, “cog‑like” feel—almost as if slipping or catching. It’s unpredictable but recurrent, raising serious concern for sudden loss of control and potential collision. A repair shop replaced the front passenger‑side control arm, but the issue persists. It comes and goes, making it difficult to diagnose. I believe this may be a hidden steering defect that needs formal investigation.
The contact stated the company they work for owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission would slip intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the transmission failed. The transmission was replaced. When attempting to start the vehicle it failed to start. They had to jump-start the battery to start the vehicle. The battery was replaced by O'Rileys, a battery specialty shop. Approximately a year later, while another employee was driving at approximately 65 MPH when smoke began coming from underneath the vehicle's hood. The driver pulled over and exited the vehicle. The fire department came and put the fire out. The fire department informed the contact that the cause of the fire was because the battery caught fire. The fire department filed a report. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. There were no injuries or need for medical assistance. The contact spoke with the dealer who informed them that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
Suddenly losing power, shifting hard, slipping between gears, causing shuddering while driving, and surging forward while accelerating.
The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving and coming to a complete stop, the vehicle jerked while shifting gear. Additionally, while driving at slow speeds, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle hesitated while shifting into gear. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the torque converter and other unknown transmission parts had previously been replaced, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving 60-70 MPH, the transmission was slipping, and the vehicle decelerated and shook before slamming into gear and then continuing to accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that after stopping, the vehicle proceeded to move off in another gear other than 1st gear, then abruptly downshifted into 1st gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a complaint was filed, the contact was added to a list, and then referred to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The contact stated that when the gear shifter was shifted from park to drive, the vehicle jerked excessively. In addition, the contact stated that while driving uphill, the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine service and the dealer was made aware of the failure however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,100.
Transmission is slipping, vibrating, jerking. Bought the truck used. It started on 12/28/2023. There is no open recall or anything.
Transmission slips when starting on steep grades, and transmission hesitation/shuttering between first and second gears.
Related recalls
Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect," and federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft protection." these vehicles may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not retain the shift cable in the correct position. If the shift cable is not in the correct position, the prndl shift lever may not accurately reflect the position of the transmission gear. The driver could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park."
- Risk
- The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 19, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463.
Recall number 11V337000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chevrolet Colorado slipping
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have transmission slipping problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (12 complaints), 2017 (8 complaints) and 2016 (5 complaints).
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