Problems · by component
2004 Chevrolet Colorado electrical system problems
88 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado cite electrical system, 24% of all 361 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
88
24% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
Reported by owners
What owners say about the electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“One day, after I turned my truck off, I noticed that my taillights and overhead cargo light remained on. Key was out, truck was off, but the lights stayed on. So for the time being, I disconnected the battery. I brought it to a mechanic, who ran the codes that came back that the rear driver turn signal was high, the rear passenger turn signal was high, and the overhead cargo light was high. He checked the entire truck for a short, replaced the taillights, replaced the fuse box, replaced the body control module, and numerous other attempts at a repair, with no success. I was without a vehicle for many months, since I can't afford the absurd prices of the current vehicle market and was hopeful it could be fixed. Reading through some other complaints/online threads, this seems like a fairly common problem with these vehicles. Electrical issues that affect my ability to use a turn signal are a huge safety concern and this needs to be addressed.”
“Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you’re driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.”
“Body Control Module, BCM. Controls everything. Air bag can deploy, breaks can lock up. Mine, the hazards were staying on. Chevy Dealer says they are on National Back Order and GM is canceling those orders after so long placed. “We can get you one from a junk yard for $350 but GM won’t let us properly program them with correct codes, and so many times they won’t take, and I can’t return the part”. My response to GM already and to Congressman Westerman, BBB, and the WH. A part such as the on board computer, SAFETY first, should never come from a junk yard and if GM doesn’t want to supply the part AS we all know they need them for newer cars right now….. You, the NHTSB and all of us are in danger. There is an expiration date on our cars, but we’re not being told. A computer that controls EVERYTHING in a vehicle is more important than a safety belt. Me not wearing it kills me. Me being told by the dealer I could leave my fuses out and put my arm out the window. Boy I hate being a retired SGM, cause I ain’t allowed to put my boot in a six.”
“I'VE HAD TO REPLACE 2 HEATER BLOWER RESISTORS DUE TO A MELTDOWN, THIS IS A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND SHOULD BE PUT ON A RECALL NOTICE. I WAS DRIVING AROUND 40 MPH AT THE TIME .”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR LIGHTING, DOOR CHIME, AND RADIO DID NOT TURN OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MAYSE AUTOMOTIVE GROUP (2032 S ELLIOTT AVE, AURORA, MO 65605) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WIRES RUNNING FROM THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR HAD TO BE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR WERE NO LONGER BEING MANUFACTURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.”
“IDLE CONTROL VIA ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY RAISES RPM VERY HIGH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED, CAUSING UNCONTROLLED ACCELERATION OF VEHICLE DURING COASTING OR WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED. TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF WITH THE KEY IS THE ONLY ACTION THAT HAS RESULTED IN A CESSATION OF EXTREMELY HIGH IDLE. AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SYMPTOM IS GONE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATES NORMALLY. THIS BEHAVIOR IS ERRATIC AND INCONSISTENT, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIFFICULT TO DUPLICATE DURING DIAGNOSIS. ALL TESTING AND INSPECTION OF THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE BODY, WIRING HARNESS, CONNECTORS, AND FUNCTIONS WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPUTER HAS SHOWN NO DEFECT OR INDICATION THAT A WIRING FAULT, DIRTY THROTTLE BODY, OR OTHER "WEAR AND TEAR" ITEM IS THE CAUSE OF THIS INTERMITTENT REVVING AT IDLE. THE MOST RECENT EVENT OCCURRED ON AUGUST 9TH 2017. THIS HAS BEEN OCCURING FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS, ON AVERAGE ONCE A MONTH IN FREQUENCY.”
Showing 6 of 88 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.