2021 Chevrolet Colorado Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 26,530miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, 16% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,530 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In May 2025, I took my truck to the dealership due to a severe whining noise from the rear. They said the rear differential had failed and needed a full replacement, costing me $1,800 since the warranty didn’t cover the entire amount. By late September 2026, while driving on the highway, the whining returned—this time with vibrations under my feet whenever I accelerated. Back at the dealership, I was told the rear differential had failed again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11768860, filed 2026-10“While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: After the removal of the valve cover, the tech found the pump in pieces, and the end of the exhaust camshaft was damaged, as presented in the photos. …”
NHTSA complaint #11748403, filed 2026-07“I purchased a brand new Colorado earlier this year. The vehicle currently has about 9,000 miles on the odometer. On two recent occasions within 1 1/2 weeks of each other while driving at highway speeds, there was a clunk noise and the transmission acted as if it had been shifted into neutral. The truck would not accelerate, and the RPMs were very high as I was pushing the accelerator and the vehicle was not responding but the engine was revving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11428819, filed 2021-08“I have 2021 Chevy Colorado pickup truck. Put the truck in park and unable to turn off and remove the key. This is the third time this has happened this week . The first two times I moved the shifter from park to drive and back and it released. The last time I had to sit in my drive way for twenty minutes with the truck running before I could turn the key to shut off the truck. This is a very dangerous situation if there was every an emergency and not being able the shut off the truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11517312, filed 2023-04“I have taken my vehicle into the shop twice for an issue with the transmission. The first time they did a software update on the vehicle. They said that that would fix the issue. The vehicle was working fine for a week I took the vehicle back to the shop because it was making a clunking noise again when I put it in reverse. I recorded the incident of the clunking noise and I provided it to the service manager. They kept the vehicle for two days and stated that they were unable to replicate the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11484356, filed 2022-09Related 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 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
21 complaintsEngine
19 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology