2017 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Colorado years
More complaints than typical for this model
84/100 2.2× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.2× 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.
- 70 of its 216 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Transmission shudder and hard shifting (84 complaints, median 18,944 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020
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
- 216filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 25,547miles, 123 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns 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
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often write about transmission shuddering and vibration, usually described as feeling like driving over rumble strips at steady highway speeds or light acceleration, with hard shifting alongside it. Reporting mileages are typically low to moderate, and the same complaints recur after fluid services or torque converter replacement, so repeated visits are common. A smaller share of complaints covers electrical problems such as the key sticking in the ignition and intermittent loss of power steering assist.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder and hard shifting
- 84 complaints (39%)
- median 18,944 mi at 2.8 yrs old (60 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe a shudder or vibration, often compared to running over rumble strips, at steady speeds around 40-70 mph or under light acceleration, sometimes with harsh or jerky shifts between first and second gear. Many say the symptom eases when the throttle is released. According to the complaints, dealers commonly start with a transmission fluid change or flush, sometimes changing the fluid type, and some owners report a torque converter replacement; several state the shudder returned after these repairs or that the dealer could not duplicate it. Reported from a few thousand miles up into the 80,000-mile range, most often between roughly 12,000 and 60,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive, hold a steady 45-65 mph at light throttle and watch for vibration, and check whether the transmission fluid service described in the service information was done and when. Ask for repair records for the torque converter or fluid changes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Have had issues with transmission since I bought the truck. It continues to do the same thing ,and it seems to be getting worse.ihad it in for the problem and they say all the shift points are right and same says onstar.went online this morning and it seems its the 8 speed trans ,which is what I have.what are my options with dealer ? Can I get in on the class action lawsuit?07”
NHTSA complaint #11375778, filed 2020-11, 10,000 miles“My 2017, Colorado 2 wd, 33,000 miles, began to rumble, intermittently at hwy cruising speeds. It feels and sounds as if I'm driving over hwy rumble bars. Rumbling stops as soon as I take my foot of the accelerator. This phenomenon began as an occasional annoyance but has increased significant to a daily event. I've scheduled a transmission fluid change with the dealer in two days.”
NHTSA complaint #11361888, filed 2020-09, 33,000 miles - Steering
Power steering assist cuts out
- 18 complaints (8%)
- median 26,861 mi at 2.7 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- filed 2017–2024
Owners describe the steering going heavy or locking up, sometimes with a power steering warning message asking them to drive with caution, and in some cases assist returns after the vehicle is shut off and restarted. Some complaints mention steering wheel vibration or jerking while driving. According to the complaints, dealers replaced the rack and pinion assembly, the steering motor or the power steering gearbox, and one owner was told to let the vehicle warm up in cold weather. Reported from around 17,000 to 55,000 miles, with some occurrences in very cold weather at startup and others at speed.
What to check: Start the truck cold and turn the wheel to confirm assist is present, and ask whether the rack, steering motor or gearbox has been replaced. Watch for power steering or stability warning lights on the test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“During extremely cold weather (near or below 0 degrees f), electronic power steering failure has occurred upon vehicle startup. Once the vehicle is thoroughly warmed up during these conditions power assist returns. I was advised two winters ago by a GM service manager to 'let it warm up for a few minutes' before driving off. Fifteen minutes didn't do it two days ago when I left work, and ended up muscling it home - turns from a stop were extremely difficult. …”
NHTSA complaint #11395408, filed 2021-02, 17,125 miles“On 9/10/20 my steering wheel seemed to fight me occasionally while driving to work at 50mph. On 9/11/20 I drove to work without incident. On 9/11/20 while driving home from work (5 miles) 3 separate times while turning at through an intersection at 20-25mph the vehicle steering wheel completely locked in place while the vehicle was in motion and traffic coming at me from two different directions. A complete loss of maneuverability. On 9/16/20 I have an appointment with my mechanic.”
NHTSA complaint #11354601, filed 2020-09, 42,711 miles - Electrical system
Key will not release from ignition
- 11 complaints (5%)
- median 40,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2019–2024
Owners report that after shifting into park the key will not turn fully to the off position or come out of the ignition. Some describe having to restart the truck, work the shifter, turn the steering wheel or push the shifter harder into park before the key releases. Complaints mention dealers either could not find a cause or said the steering column or shifter area needed work. Mostly reported between about 12,000 and 70,000 miles, in everyday parking situations.
What to check: Park the vehicle, shut it off and try removing the key several times, including after rolling to a stop. Ask whether the ignition lock or shifter-related repair has been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Touch screen stops working and goes black all the time. Also having trouble with removing the key. Shift truck into park go to turn truck off and remove key but key doesn't turn all the way. So you have to restart the truck and slam shifter into park hard for it to go into park all the way”
NHTSA complaint #11311639, filed 2020-02, 50,000 miles“First item: when truck is put into park, the steering wheel locks up and the key is not able to be taken out of the starter slot. Second item: the power steering stops working. The steering motor was removed & replaced on feb. Of 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11395783, filed 2021-02, 27,601 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment screen and touch failures
- 41 complaints (19%)
- median 19,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners report the touch screen going black or not responding to touch, sometimes intermittently and occasionally staying dead after battery resets. Some describe it in the same complaint as other electrical concerns. Complaints do not consistently say what the dealer did, and at least one owner reports no fix. Reported in the roughly 19,000 to 50,000-mile range in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Try every screen function, including touch response and backup camera display, and ask whether the radio or display module has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When in motion my car tends to shudder, I've taken this to the Chevrolet dealership before and they told me it was my alignment and I needed to get 4 new tires along with it. The price they quoted me was way too expensive so I took it to les scwab and got two new tires and did an alignment. Months later the same issues, I took it to big o tires and did another 4 wheel alignment and balancing, although this made it a little better, the shuddering continues.”
NHTSA complaint #11340236, filed 2020-07, 30,000 miles“The instrument panel does not respond to touch this stopped working at 19000 miles. I've reset the system disconnected the battery, still doesn't work. Current mileage is 32000 still does not work. The transmission shifts very hard and seems to be slipping, seems to be having trouble finding the next great then has hard feeling of upshot then down shifts.”
NHTSA complaint #11406185, filed 2021-04, 12,000 miles - Fuel system
Fuel odor and loss of fuel delivery
- 20 complaints (9%)
- median 40,950 mi at 3.2 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,250 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe smelling fuel while driving and then finding the fuel gauge reading empty, with the vehicle losing power and having to be pushed off the road. One complaint links the experience to a high pressure fuel pump recall. A separate group of complaints concerns diesel emissions fluid and sensor messages recurring after dealer visits. Described from around 50,000 miles upward in the sampled complaints.
What to check: Ask whether recall 18V358000 (high pressure fuel pump) was completed, and check for fuel smell around the engine bay and under the truck after a drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“For the fifth time my exhaust fluid quality poor indicator comes on I paid $1300.00 a gmc new orleans to fix, but they couldn't find the problem. Since then when it comes on and I drive it until 75 MPH or 55mph max it corrects itself. I don't know what to do because the dealer knows not what's the problem. I met another person with the same problem. Please help me it has come back on here on I-5 near the sf bay area. I must drive back to las vagas. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11317733, filed 2020-03, 77,525 miles“I have a 2017 chevy Colorado diesel with approximately 50,000 miles where the diesel particulate sensor constantly fails. I had it replaced for the 4th time the last week in january and now its failed again. The code received is a p1476. I will have it replaced for the 5th time next week but according to online Colorado diesel forums this is an endlessly failing piece of equipment. As a consequence many owners are working with after-market tuners to remove this emissions control. …”
NHTSA complaint #11399346, filed 2021-03, 51,000 miles
Buying note. Give this model year a careful extended test drive at highway speed to look for transmission shudder and harsh shifting, since that is what most complaints are about and repairs are often repeated. Ask for service records showing fluid services, torque converter work and completion of the fuel pump recall before deciding.
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 216 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. 123 of the complaints include a mileage, and 83% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 25,547 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1,508 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 84 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than 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.
- Transmission and drivetrain107 50%
- Electrical system41 19%
- Engine26 12%
- Other or unknown24 11%
- Steering19 8.8%
- Fuel system16 7.4%
- Brakes12 5.6%
- Air bags9 4.2%
- Seat belts7 3.2%
- Vehicle speed control6 2.8%
Also reported: Suspension (4), Electronic stability control (3), Exterior lighting (3), Body and structure (3), Engine cooling (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “I got a check engine light while and engine goes into reduced power mode. You can't drive in reduced power mode! I have to clear it to move the truck. I did a scan which showed a p2138 code. But its just in memory and the dealer wont fix it unless its an active code but can't drive to the dealer in reduced power mode. Its a catch 22”
NHTSA complaint #11258572, filed 2019-09, 29,000 milesElectrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11053516, filed 2017-12, 11,000 milesEngine: “The original owner of my vehicle successfully had GM buy back this truck. The nox sensors and wiring harness had been replaced three times which cleared the codes and allowed the vehicle to appear to be in proper working condition. When GM bought the vehicle back from the original owner, GM went through and supposedly fixed the issue and branded the title as a manufacturer buyback and put the vehicle back on the market to the general public. I purchased this vehicle knowing all of this and trusting that if GM said they fixed the issue, they had really fixed it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11317002, filed 2020-03, 59,000 milesOther or unknown: “I was turning into an apartment complex parking lot in noted vehicle when the vehicle suddenly accelerated sending me into the side of the apartment building. I was in the process of applying the brake when this occurred. There was no time to react or avoid the side of building and I incurred damage to both my vehicle and the side of the building.”
NHTSA complaint #11288422, filed 2019-12, 19,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
83% of the 123 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,000 and 40,000 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 2017 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 · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% risk |
| Colorado · extended cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.4% risk |
| Colorado · extended cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 22.0% risk |
| Colorado · crew cab RWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 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 | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,850 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,150 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 22 | 20 | $4,800 |
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
- 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2016–2018, GMC Canyon 2015–2018, Chevrolet Malibu 2016–2018 +6 more
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…
Recall details for the 2017 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. 1,508 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037555Sep 26, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides Diagnostics tips on how the LIN bus works and how to diagnosis it.
- 11037550Sep 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11035340Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. PI to help diagnose A/C concern
- 11035308Jul 21, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11032777May 14, 2026Other or unknown. This PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027689Jan 12, 2026Other or unknown. This PI communicates the proper part numbers for transmission connectors and internal harness to prevent confusion when ordering
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 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Owners of this model year most often write about transmission shuddering and vibration, usually described as feeling like driving over rumble strips at steady highway speeds or light acceleration, with hard shifting alongside it. The issues reported most often: Transmission shudder and hard shifting; Power steering assist cuts out; Key will not release from ignition.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA recorded 216 consumer complaints for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 107 complaints (50% of the total), followed by electrical system with 41.
Has the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado (Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 19 city and 26 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado reported?
Among the 123 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 25,547 miles and the middle half falls between 11,000 and 40,000 miles; 83% 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.