Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Chevrolet Colorado problems
Owners filed 88 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado with NHTSA between Jun 2020 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (33).
Complaints
88
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train33
- Engine20
- Service brakes12
- Steering10
- Electrical system6
- Seat belts3
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Exterior lighting3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
- Service brakes, hydraulic1
- Air bags1
- Forward collision avoidance1
- Visibility/wiper1
- Suspension1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
10
8
2
9
22
16
21
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 10 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 21 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
33 reports
“My 2020 Colorado at 14k miles, the dealer did the transmission oil flush and it helped till the warranty ran out. Now I have the same problem again at 32k miles. I bought the truck because GM said the problem with 8L/45 trans was fixed in 2019. To my knowledge there has been no update to the slipping clutch in GM's torque convertor. If I were to replace the convertor with another one just like it I could have the same problem. My Dealer ([XXX])says my lifetime warranty (that I got with my new Colorado) doesn't cover the transmission? And that if they do another $600 oil flush they don't guarantee it will fix anything. I think when the flush is done, they don't change the trans filter. I'm sure the clutch particles that are left behind after the flush are probably stopping up the filter. I just replaced the DOD/AFM cam and lifters in my GM car's 6.2 liter. It's a shame that manufacture's can get away with these kind of problems. Thanks, [XXX]”
Engine
20 reports1 fire
“2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L, approximately 81,500 miles. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist. There was no warning noise associated with the failure; the brake pedal became extremely hard and required substantially greater pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent professional mechanic. Inspection found that the brake booster vacuum pump itself was not the primary source of the failure. The failure was at the engine exhaust camshaft interface that mechanically drives the vacuum pump. The camshaft drive was damaged and no longer properly operated the vacuum pump, resulting in loss of brake vacuum assist. This is not normal brake-pad or rotor wear. The hydraulic brakes remained functional, but without the vacuum assist the pedal effort increased dramatically, creating a significant braking safety concern. The vehicle has been removed from normal use pending repair. I am reporting this because failure of an engine component that drives the brake vacuum pump can cause sudden loss of power brake assist.”
Service brakes
12 reports2 fires
“Coupling on vacuum pump broke off while in motion. Pieces fell near engine. Camshaft, vacuum pump and brake booster will need to be replace. Vehicle mileage is at 65124 miles. No reason to have such a failure so early”
Steering
10 reports
“While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Colorado through [XXX], the truck began having difficulty accelerating. As I exited the highway and turned into a gas station, the truck suddenly lost power. The steering became extremely difficult, and I lost normal brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard, and I had to apply extreme force to stop the truck and avoid crashing into a wall at the gas station. Fortunately, no collision occurred. The truck was towed to Ed Corley Ford in [XXX] because I was stranded in a remote area with very limited options. They diagnosed a failed/broken vacuum pump and told me replacing it should make the truck operable so I could drive it home to [XXX]. I authorized the repair. After replacing the vacuum pump, they told me they started the truck and heard an abnormal sound. They shut it off, and when they tried to restart it, the truck would not start. They wanted to perform additional diagnosis, but I declined and had the truck transported back to [XXX] for evaluation by a Chevrolet dealership. Huffines Chevrolet Lewisville inspected the truck. Their technician removed the camshaft position sensor and used a borescope to inspect the…”
Electrical system
6 reports1 fire
“The component that’s failing on my truck is the Apple car play and a check engine light (CODE P0024) which indicates Exhaust Camshaft Position, Bank 2. My safety and others safety is put at risk while having these issues: 1.) The Apple Car Play, having to take my focus off of driving to try and unplug my phone and plug it back in to HOPEFULLY fix the issue of using the navigation or phone calls while I’m driving during long road trips is extremely dangerous for myself, my loved ones and others on the road around me. 2.) This error code is extremely unsettling to experience while 500 miles away from home and has caused an incredible amount of stress on multiple occasions. The light constantly turns on and off, leaving me completely clueless as to if I’m going to be left stranded on the side of the road. Both issues have been looked at by an automotive repair shop. And I’ve been advised to seek information to if there are any recalls regarding this issue. Check engine lights display for the Exhaust Camshaft Position Bank 2.”
Seat belts
3 reports1 crash1 fire
“Vacuum pump for brakes failed and damaged the whole engine to be replaced because of faulty vacuum pump design”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.