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
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train33
  2. Engine20
  3. Service brakes12
  4. Steering10
  5. Electrical system6
  6. Seat belts3
  7. Engine and engine cooling3
  8. Exterior lighting3
  9. Fuel/propulsion system2
  10. Service brakes, hydraulic1
  11. Air bags1
  12. Forward collision avoidance1
  13. Visibility/wiper1
  14. 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
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
202010
20218
20222
20239
202422
202516
202621

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.

03 —Owner reports

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]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Power trainODI 11764099

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11773602

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Service brakesODI 11769830

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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 1, 2026Steering, Service brakes, EngineODI 11761467

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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 25, 2024Electrical system, EngineODI 11621866

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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Seat belts, Service brakes, EngineODI 11773175
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.