2008 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Colorado years
Typical for this model
44/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× that of a typical Chevrolet Colorado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 20 of its 81 complaints were filed by the end of 2010.
- Most reported problem: Blower motor and connector overheating (14 complaints, median 98,200 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2009, 2010, 2011
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 81filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 53,000miles, 71 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 2.9L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado most often describe electrical troubles, especially a Passlock anti-theft system that intermittently prevents the engine from cranking, and rear brake performance issues. Air bag warning lights, broken door-harness wiring, and blower motor connector heat damage also come up repeatedly across a wide mileage range.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light on / air bags not deploying
- 12 complaints (15%)
- median 57,600 mi at 5.1 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2019
Owners report the air bag warning light staying on steadily or intermittently, sometimes linked to a broken seat belt retractor or wiring in the door-to-body harness. Some complaints describe air bags not deploying in a collision, and others mention the passenger weight-sensing system failing to recognize a light occupant so the air bag and belt reminder do not activate. Dealers reportedly found no faults or cited wiring quality. Spread from near-new to about 120,000 miles, with many reports between 30,000 and 90,000 miles.
What to check: Verify the air bag light cycles normally at key-on and stays off, check that both front seat belts retract and latch, and ask whether the seat belt retractor or harness wiring has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle pps fails to work when my wife is in the passenger seat. The air bag system and seat belt alarm fail to function, my wife is a slight woman weighing approx. 95 lbs. Dealer checked system found no faults it was went to zero but still fails to work, no one seems to know what minimum weight is required to activate system. Chevrolet says NHTSA has that info can you help?”
NHTSA complaint #10227966, filed 2008-05, 300 miles“Sitting in a parking lot none within 100 feet of me my keys were on passenger seat when the air bag exploided then on january 2019 battery went dead put new battery in it then on february 13 lost all power to dash still had all other power but when I turned it off will not do anything had it towed to dealer said it the body control module put it in and still nothing I think it all goes back to the air bag”
NHTSA complaint #11180464, filed 2019-02, 91,000 miles - Brakes
Rear brake noise, drag and hard pedal
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 30,000 mi at 2.9 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2008–2014
Complaints describe rear brake squealing and screeching, dragging or grabbing, and a pedal that becomes hard and requires extra force to stop. Some owners report the ABS warning lamp coming on and stopping distance lengthening until the vehicle is restarted. Dealers reportedly cleaned and adjusted the rear brakes or replaced drums and hubs, but several owners say the noise returned. Mostly reported between about 4,500 and 105,000 miles, often noticed in wet or damp conditions.
What to check: Test braking at low speed after the truck has sat in damp weather, listen for rear squeal, and ask for service records showing rear drum, adjuster and wheel-speed sensor work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The rear brake adjusters are faulty on the 2008 chevy colorados. Gm has issued a TSB for this issue #07-05-24-001b. The symptoms are squealing rear brakes, high rear brake wear, rusting on drums and more. The TSB is only good until 36,000 miles. Many dealerships will not perform the TSB repair which is free. They will instead charge the customer for a rear brake clean and adjust which only temporarily eliminates the squeal until the adjusts fail to adjust the shoes properly again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10300266, filed 2010-01, 28,000 miles“Brake pedal becomes hard to apply, vehicle will slow but not stop. Abs light comes on. Stop vehicle and restart vehicle brakes works no ABS light. Has now happened about 10 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10563842, filed 2014-02, 30,000 miles - Electrical system
Blower motor and connector overheating
- 14 complaints (17%)
- median 98,200 mi at 7.2 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2009–2019
Complaints describe the heater and A/C blower stopping on some or all speeds, with melted connectors, burnt wiring or a burning smell from the passenger side. Some owners report smoke, and in a few cases fire, traced to the blower motor, resistor or heater fan relay. Repairs replaced the harness, resistor or relay, and at least one owner says the connector melted again after a few thousand miles. Reported from about 47,000 to 144,000 miles.
What to check: Run the blower through every speed setting and smell for a burnt odor near the passenger footwell. Inspect the blower connector, resistor and relay for discoloration or melted plastic.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ac blower motor works intermittently and now does not work. Other people on the web have had small fire melted wires. This has been a problem with the Chevrolet colorados. I had 2004 with the same problem. So as you see it is a 4 year old problem. When are you folks going to address it with GM since we as the people have some much invested in them.”
NHTSA complaint #10471200, filed 2012-08, 75,106 miles“The pass lock system will not let the truck start has left me stranded many times. Heater blower motor stopped working on 1, 2, & 3 settings. Blower motor resistor and plug were burnt, started a minor fire could have been worse. When I turn the vehicle to the right makes a large vibration and the vehicle shuts down can't get it to turn back on.”
NHTSA complaint #11271747, filed 2019-10, 100,000 miles - Electrical system
Truck will not crank (Passlock anti-theft fault)
Mentioned in 5 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the engine failing to crank or start intermittently, with dash lights and accessories still working. Some owners say the Passlock security indicator appears and that waiting 10 to 20 minutes, or cycling the reset period, sometimes lets the truck start; others report being stranded repeatedly. Several say multiple shops and dealers could not find a cause, or replaced parts without a lasting fix, and a service bulletin on intermittent no-crank with a security light and specific body codes is on file. Reported from roughly 23,000 to 134,000 miles, with several cases occurring at random regardless of temperature.
What to check: Try starting the truck several times, including after it has sat overnight, and ask whether the Passlock/ignition switch has been serviced. Scan for body codes B3055 and B3060 before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The pass lock system will not let the truck start, I have had this same complaint/problem for many years, have had in many shops for same issue, yes each one replaced something/fixed it for a sum of money. It happened again yesterday leaving me stranded once again. If I can get it running it appears my only fix is to sell/trade it and pass this very problematic truck on to other.any help would be greatly appreciated.”
NHTSA complaint #11244356, filed 2019-08, 134,000 miles“Intermittent problems wihere the passlock anti-theft system is activated without intervention and truck will not start. I am the new owner of this vehicle (3 weeks) problem began 10 days ago. Has occurred 4 times (twice in one day). Research online shows this is not an isolated problem.”
NHTSA complaint #11097780, filed 2018-05, 23,723 miles - Exterior lighting
Brake lights and cruise control stop working
- 6 complaints (7%)
- median 101,850 mi at 9.4 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2019
Owners report the brake lights failing to illuminate while the cruise control also stops working, sometimes with no warning lamp. Several mention the vehicle had already been repaired under a brake light switch recall but the problem returned, or that their truck was not covered by the campaign. Reported from very low mileage up to roughly 115,000 miles.
What to check: Have someone watch the brake lights while you press the pedal, and check whether the brake light switch recall 09V310000 was completed for this vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake lights on my 2008 chevy Colorado are not working ,a few years ago I had the same problem and took it to the dealer for repairs , the problem came up again but this time I see there is a recall for vehicles like mine , except it looks like the repairs are not covered by the manufacturer because the vehicle was sold in california. Recall#09v310000”
NHTSA complaint #10862122, filed 2016-04, 30 miles“I had the stop lamps fail on my 2008 Chevrolet Colorado, there was a recall issued for these trucks from 04-09 but my truck was not included, I called GM and got no where with them as far as taking care of this common problem. There are obviously other Chevrolet Colorado trucks having the stop lamp problem that may not have been recalled and should be.”
NHTSA complaint #10605712, filed 2014-06, 84,572 miles
Buying note. A 2008 Colorado is worth an extra mechanical inspection focused on the electrical system and brakes: confirm the truck starts reliably over several attempts, the brake lights and cruise control work, and the blower connector is not heat-damaged. Records showing prior repairs to these items are more useful than a clean visual inspection alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. 71 of the complaints include a mileage, and 49% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 53,000 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 7 a fire, 4 an injury, 2 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 951 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Chevrolet Colorado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 44 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system32 40%
- Brakes16 20%
- Air bags14 17%
- Engine8 9.9%
- Exterior lighting7 8.6%
- Engine cooling6 7.4%
- Seat belts6 7.4%
- Fuel system5 6.2%
- Other or unknown4 4.9%
Also reported: Suspension (4), Vehicle speed control (4), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Steering (3), Body and structure (3), Tires (3), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “The truck goes dead every time you apply the brakes so I'm afraid to drive it is been parked since late november when I took the truck into the chevy dealer for the same problem they charged $350 change the plugs and clean the injectors and said it was fixed. I drive it once a week about 5 miles to take the trash off. …”
NHTSA complaint #10584832, filed 2014-04, 88,800 milesBrakes: “A few years ago, noticed my cruise control wasn't working. I took it to a certified repair shop and found out the part was under recall, and that my brake lights weren't working either. The problem was fixed, until this week. I noticed today that while driving, the cruise isn't working. When I parked my truck, I tested my back brakes in a reflection- not working either! Again! Is this part under recall still?”
NHTSA complaint #11181476, filed 2019-02, 115,000 milesAir bags: “Received a safety letter several year ago (told number was 14609), I called the dealer when I got the letter (approximately 2014) and was told since my airbag light was on even though my seat belt didn't retract properly, I was not valid for the fix. Move forward to today, my airbag light came on a couple weeks ago (intermittent at first, then steady), my seat belt hasn't retracted properly for years. I took it to a mechanic for repair and they replaced the seat belt retractor. So 2 fold, I find out the letter was just an extended warranty which I missed by date but not by miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #11140552, filed 2018-10, 116,347 milesEngine: “Vehicle accelerates on its on, very scary when in parking lots. Stops while cruise is on. Its been doing this since august 2016. We have tried cleaning throttle body. But since it doesn't do it while the cruise is on. We have to assume their is an electrical issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10915479, filed 2016-10, 120,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
49% of the 71 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,700 and 100,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado · extended cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · sedan RWD/AWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · regular cab RWD/AWD | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2008 Chevrolet Colorado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 22 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Child seatCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2011, GMC Canyon 2004–2011, Isuzu I-290/I-370 2007–2008 +1 more
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split…
- 09V310000Jul 29, 2009Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2009, GMC Canyon 2004–2009, Isuzu I-290 2007–2008 +3 more
Gm is recalling 185,903 model year 2004-2009 colorado, gmc model year 2009-2004 canyon, model year 2006 I-280, I-350, model year 2007-2008 I-290, and I-370, passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of alabama, arizona…
Recall details for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 951 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 5,800 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 28 | 56,106 | 1 | 4 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 125 | 4,500 | 3 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 138 | 6,750 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 56 | 20,275 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 80 | 44,250 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 88 | 24,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 150 | 7,600 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 73 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 183 | 14,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 216 | 25,547 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 715 | 43,000 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 498 | 52,200 | 7 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 42 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 42 | 54,000 | 5 | — | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 29 | 47,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 67 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 20 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 81 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 140 | 58,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 236 | 52,600 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 356 | 51,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 361 | 56,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Colorado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?
Owners of the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado most often describe electrical troubles, especially a Passlock anti-theft system that intermittently prevents the engine from cranking, and rear brake performance issues. The issues reported most often: Air bag warning light on / air bags not deploying; Rear brake noise, drag and hard pedal; Blower motor and connector overheating.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA recorded 81 consumer complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 32 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes with 16.
Has the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado (Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado reported?
Among the 71 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 53,000 miles and the middle half falls between 26,700 and 100,000 miles; 49% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.