2018 Chevrolet Colorado Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 78about this part
- Share
- 43%of 183 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 18,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 78 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, 43% of the 183 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 18,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The transmission in my truck shakes, shimmies, vibrates, shutters when driving and shakes, shimmies vibrates even at idle. I took the truck to the dealership and they removed all of the transmission fluid and replaced with new fluid as per Chevrolet corporate mandate. The truck remains in shaking, shimmies, shutters and vibrating.”
NHTSA complaint #11320055, filed 2020-04, 11,000 miles“When the truck is put in auto 4wd mode while parked, instead of the 4wd engaging as necessary, it engages immediately upon motion. This makes the auto 4wd option obsolete.this was first noticed when I used 4wd auto mode for the first time in october 2018. I've notified the dealer but they don't seem to think anything is wrong or not functioning properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11182845, filed 2019-02, 6,000 miles“When coming to stop from any speed the truck downshift hard that it feels like you've been hit from behind. Also when using remote start and you put the key in the ignition and turn it on the transmission does a little jump like the truck is going into gear. We have taken it in for repairs 3 times and the last time we were told the issue could not be fix and that it was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11242981, filed 2019-08, 22,000 miles“My 2018 Chevrolet zr2 started to hard shift between first and second gear. It also sounds like it is running over rumble strips when driving between 50-75mph. When I researched this issue, I found thousands of issues online that matched this problem 100 percent. It is called the chevy shake or the gmc shutter. Mind you, the dealership verified that they have been sent kits from GM to correct these issues. It's called the tcc shudder.”
NHTSA complaint #11342383, filed 2020-07, 80,346 miles“Ignition switch fully won't turn to off position. Engine does turn off, but key can't be removed. Happens frequently and so far, starting it, putting it into drive or reverse and move a bit, then back into park will work. At some that might not work and I'd have to leave the key in the ignition and leave the truck unattended. I could still lock it, but if some kids see it or break into it, they could drive it away. Chevy knows about this. There is a service bulletin #pi1429b.”
NHTSA complaint #11415678, filed 2021-05, 37,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11019516Apr 17, 2025This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
- 11014622Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014621Mar 2, 2025This Preliminary information communicates Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
- 11014353Feb 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
- 11014044Feb 3, 2025This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that may have a delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011989Nov 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11011436Oct 10, 2024This Preliminary information communicates for Technicians installing a Service Replacement Transmission Assembly to contact Technical Assistance to make sure unit is not suspect…
- 11009756Sep 17, 2024This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% |
| 2024 | 13 | 10% |
| 2023 | 9 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 5% |
| 2021 | 13 | 16% |
| 2020 | 33 | 38% |
| 2019 | 65 | 43% |
| 2018 | 78 | 43% |
| 2017 | 107 | 50% |
| 2016 | 97 | 14% |
| 2015 | 45 | 9% |
| 2012 | 2 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 5% |
| 2010 | 3 | 10% |
| 2009 | 2 | 3% |
| 2008 | 7 | 9% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 15 | 6% |
| 2005 | 27 | 8% |
| 2004 | 27 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
36 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsEngine
24 complaintsSteering
18 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology