2019 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Colorado years
More complaints than typical for this model
73/100 1.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.7× 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.
- 61 of its 150 complaints were filed by the end of 2021.
- Most reported problem: Eight-speed transmission shudder and harsh shifts (64 complaints, median 5,400 mi).
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2020, 2021, 2022
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
- 150filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 7,600miles, 62 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl RWD · 20 city / 26 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Most complaints about this model year describe an eight-speed automatic transmission that shudders, hesitates, or shifts harshly, and many owners say they noticed it within the first few thousand miles. A smaller but consistent group reports power steering that binds or cuts out, and some report the rearview camera or infotainment screen going blank. Engine-related reports are fewer and tend to show up at higher mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Eight-speed transmission shudder and harsh shifts
- 64 complaints (43%)
- median 5,400 mi at 0.8 yrs old (38 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2026
Owners describe a vibration or shudder under light acceleration, often likened to driving over rumble strips, plus delayed or hard downshifts when slowing and a clunk or lunge when pulling away from a stop. Many say the dealer flushed or reprogrammed the transmission on a test drive and described the behavior as normal, and some report that the condition returned after the fluid service. A few say the transmission later needed a torque converter or full replacement. Most reports in the sample come under about 20,000 miles, some within the first few hundred miles and often described as worse when cold.
What to check: Ask whether any transmission fluid service or reprogramming has been done and whether the shudder returned afterward. A test drive at steady light throttle around 40-60 mph, plus a slow full stop, is the best way to feel for shudder and harsh downshifts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2019 chevy Colorado zr2- shutters or hesitates before shifting up at 5 / 45 / 65 MPH. Feels like you did not press the gas when accelerating. It is intermittent, so therefore very hard to duplicate for the dealership. Three times to the dealer. #1 tranny flush #2 reprogrammed the tranny #3 sorry ma'am we can't duplicate what you are experiencing. I live in michigan on those 0 degree mornings the truck barely wants to get going. …”
NHTSA complaint #11315458, filed 2020-03, 16,000 miles“I experience harsh shifts from 1-2 gear and when downshifting 2-1. It jolts the whole truck. It sometimes randomly downshifts for no reason when I driving on the highway I am afraid that something is going to fail in the drivetrain when I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11231901, filed 2019-07, 2,100 miles - Steering
Power steering binds or cuts out
- 15 complaints (10%)
- median 11,500 mi at 2.2 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Complaints describe the steering wheel binding mid-turn, needing heavy effort, or the power assist dropping out with a warning message; some say restarting the vehicle restored assist temporarily. Several owners report the dealer could not reproduce the condition, and one repair was described as an internal failure in the steering motor. Spread from a few thousand miles to roughly 55,000 miles in the sample, with no clear weather or speed pattern.
What to check: Turn the wheel lock to lock while stationary and again at low speed in a parking lot and listen for rattling or feel for binding. Ask whether the power steering assist has ever dropped out and whether any steering motor work was recorded.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Steering started making a rattling noise and finally locked up so it could not be turned to the right. Because of the rattling noise, I drove to a nearby Chevrolet dealer (auto nation, gilbert, az) and then as I was working with the service manager, the steering locked up.”
NHTSA complaint #11320742, filed 2020-04, 7,900 miles“I came up to a two lane city street, four way stop intersection and stopped. I turned my steering wheel to the right (in order to make a right hand turn) and stepped on the gas. The vehicle turned to the left, out into the intersection, instead of right. The steering stayed locked to the left and would not turn in in either direction. I had just came off the interstate highway. Had the failure occurred while on the interstate, it would have been catastrophic. The dealer said, there was an internal failure in the steering motor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11340747, filed 2020-07, 15,000 miles - Engine
Fluid leaks and engine noises at higher mileage
- 12 complaints (8%)
- median 35,859 mi at 2.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints include oil visible under the parked vehicle traced to valve cover and camshaft carrier gaskets, coolant leaks requiring heater core replacement, a thermostat failure, and one report of an oil filter adapter insert coming loose during an oil change and dropping oil pressure. Owners describe repeated dealer visits and, in some cases, parts on back order. Mostly reported from about 31,000 to 112,000 miles in the sample, often noticed while parked.
What to check: Check for oil or coolant residue under the engine and along the valve cover, look at the coolant level and heater operation, and ask for service records on gasket or thermostat work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Since shortly after purchasing the vehicle new, I have experienced hard shifting, slipping when accelerating, also experience rough idle at times.I have had the torque converter replaced but I still ha e the problem. I've even had the service manager ride with me and he stated he experienced the lugging sensation, and said it's normal, they still did nothing to help me, and this is noted on their service record! This vehicle has been in the shop several times for the same issue, and I get the same answer as they find nothing wrong.”
NHTSA complaint #11396385, filed 2021-02, 31,719 miles“Thermostat malfunction. Part was nearly impossible to locate. Was without transportation for 5 days. Replacing a thermostat on a 2019 Chevy Colorado is now a major repair. The total cost was in excess of $1100. The vehicle only has 34,800 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11521856, filed 2023-05 - Electrical system
Rearview camera or infotainment screen goes blank
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 39,500 mi at 4.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2026
Owners report a blank or blue rearview image with a service camera message, and screens that cut out and come back, taking CarPlay, navigation, and in some cases turn-signal behavior with them. Some complaints trace it to a failed radio or head unit that the dealer confirmed. Reports in the sample range from about 21,000 to 42,000 miles and are often described as intermittent at first.
What to check: With the vehicle in reverse, confirm the camera image appears and stays up; cycle the infotainment system and check that the screen and turn signals behave normally. Ask whether the radio or head unit has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The infotainment center goes out, then comes on on a frequent basis causing the loss of navigation system through CarPlay and now will not even connect to CarPlay also loses backup camera. In addition I have noted that when the blinker is on to signal a turn, it will stop the blinker system when the infotainment center goes out, which is a safety concern with the use of blinkers to signal approaching rear traffic to the vehicle. I have contacted the dealer and also see there’s an infotainment bulletin out. …”
NHTSA complaint #11667671, filed 2025-06“* The touch screen went blank. After inspection by Dealer, it was discovered the radio failed causing this event to occur. * Without this component, the turn signals did not work properly, the seat belt warning did not sound, there was no access to rear camera, and rear cross traffic warnings and back-up camera did not work. In addition, access to On Star did not work for any emergency situations. * Dealer confirmed the radio caused this issue. * Only the Dealer inspected the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11520829, filed 2023-05
Buying note. Check the transmission carefully on a test drive at light throttle and during slow stops, since that is where most complaints center, and ask for any transmission service records. Also verify the rearview camera, infotainment screen, and steering feel, and look for fluid leaks underneath.
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 150 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. 62 of the complaints include a mileage, and 90% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 7,600 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 12 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 988 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 73 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.
- Electrical system24 16%
- Steering22 15%
- Engine20 13%
- Other or unknown20 13%
- Fuel system11 7.3%
- Brakes9 6.0%
- Suspension4 2.7%
- Air bags3 2.0%
Also reported: Engine cooling (3), Exterior lighting (3), Forward collision avoidance (3), Body and structure (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving at different speeds I get a bad vibration. I have read where a lot of people have this problem with the Colorado. Dealer says to wait for a recall. I would like to have it repaired now. I paid over 30,000 for this vehicle and can't drive it the way I would like to. It will loosen every bolt on the vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11170200, filed 2019-01, 23 milesElectrical system: “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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306223, filed 2020-01, 5,000 milesSteering: “Had my truck towed into a Chevrolet dealer to have power steering module checked since it stopped working. Dealer told me the harness was corroded and there was water build up in unit. Got a call a couple days later when it was supposed to be fixed and now the steering column needs to be replaced due to the steering shaft being rusted out.”
NHTSA complaint #11475857, filed 2022-07Engine: “2019 chevy Colorado with 13125 miles driving st rt 45 lisbon ohio 40 - 45 MPH up slight grade, noticed / smelled smoke in console area between seats, tried to do minor acceleration to get over slight grade and the engine died. Pulled into parking lot to stop and no brakes no power steering ,tried emergency brake still did not stop. Split decision to either crash into concrete barrier or get back onto highway. Light traffic so muscled truck back on highway and bumped curb to try and slow vehicle. Finally slowed enough to try emergency brake again and it worked to stop truck. …”
NHTSA complaint #11329551, filed 2020-06, 13,125 milesMileage when problems were reported
90% of the 62 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,235 and 24,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2019 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 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.4% risk |
| Colorado · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 · 21.2% 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 2019 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2018: same overall rating; 2020: 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 2019 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 automatic | 20 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 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 | 20 | 30 | 23 | $4,150 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 19 | 28 | 22 | $4,350 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl · diesel | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 22 | 19 | $5,050 |
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
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by 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. 988 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.
- 11029950Mar 2, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates to the field on how to diagnosis a GPS issue with the Telematic module with no DTC'ss
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 | 126 | 4,600 | 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
Most complaints about this model year describe an eight-speed automatic transmission that shudders, hesitates, or shifts harshly, and many owners say they noticed it within the first few thousand miles. The issues reported most often: Eight-speed transmission shudder and harsh shifts; Power steering binds or cuts out; Fluid leaks and engine noises at higher mileage.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA recorded 150 consumer complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 65 complaints (43% of the total), followed by electrical system with 24.
Has the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2019 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado (Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 20 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado reported?
Among the 62 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 7,600 miles and the middle half falls between 1,235 and 24,000 miles; 90% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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.