FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Owners have filed 101 complaints about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 13 of 21 worst.

C

FaultScore 48/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Chevrolet Colorado.

How this is worked out

The numbers

101

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

5

Fires reported

5

Injuries reported

13,500 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

60%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 22 vs 50 Severity 56 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Colorado. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2020 compares with every other Chevrolet Colorado

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 25,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 19 18.8%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 36,500 mi

Median failure at 10,000 miles

Steering 9 8.9%

Median failure at 13,500 miles

Brakes 8 7.9%

0 crashes, 2 fires · median 100,000 mi

Electrical System 6 5.9%

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 9,100 mi

Lights 3 3.0%

Median failure at 4,100 miles

Seat Belts 2 2.0%

1 crashes, 1 fires · median 100,000 mi

Fuel & Propulsion 2 2.0%
Stability & Traction Control 1 1.0%

Median failure at 227 miles

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 1.0%
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 1.0%
Suspension 1 1.0%

Median failure at 8,000 miles

Airbags 1 1.0%

Median failure at 26,000 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 4 13.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 5 16.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 8 26.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 4 13.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 10.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 3.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 5 16.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Jun 2020 peak 9 Aug 2026

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Dover, NH Crash

SEAT BELTS

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA complaint #11622876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birdsboro, PA Fire 1 injured

ENGINE

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact's wife advised the contact to pull the vehicle over because black smoke was exiting the rear vents. Simultaneously, the contact noticed white smoke exiting the front vents. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not stop as intended. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact's wife and [XXX] granddaughter were seated in the rear passenger seats. The contact's wife and granddaughter exited the vehicle first. The contact stated that just as the front driver's side door was opened for the contact to exit the vehicle, a big ball of fire entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The Police department arrived on the scene. However, there was not a Police report or fire report filed. The contact sustained a burn to his left eyebrow area and the left arm. Medical attention was provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was a total lost due to the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11590982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Birdsboro, PA Fire 1 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

The contact owned a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the contact's wife advised the contact to pull the vehicle over because black smoke was exiting the rear vents. Simultaneously, the contact noticed white smoke exiting the front vents. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle did not stop as intended. The contact had to use the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. In addition, the contact noticed that the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact's wife and [XXX] granddaughter were seated in the rear passenger seats. The contact's wife and granddaughter exited the vehicle first. The contact stated that just as the front driver's side door was opened for the contact to exit the vehicle, a big ball of fire entered the interior of the vehicle. The contact stated that after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The Police department arrived on the scene. However, there was not a Police report or fire report filed. The contact sustained a burn to his left eyebrow area and the left arm. Medical attention was provided to the contact. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was a total lost due to the fire. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11590982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Haiku, HI 1 injured

STEERING

Power Steering suddenly stopped functioning as I was towing a trailer approx 5000 lbs. ‘Service Power Steering Drive With Care’ popped up on dash. No dealership visit as this just happened. Truck is unfit for driving safely.

NHTSA complaint #11417547 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Shrewsbury, NJ Fire 2 injured

SEAT BELTS

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE WARNING "FAILED SEAT BELT" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE UNDER THE VEHICLE. A BYSTANDER EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS CAME TO THE SCENE AND FILED REPORTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BUT NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11378647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 100,000 miles Shrewsbury, NJ Fire 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE WARNING "FAILED SEAT BELT" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND WHEN PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP AND SMOKE WAS PRESENT IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER COASTING TO A STOP THE OCCUPANTS EXITED THE VEHICLE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE UNDER THE VEHICLE. A BYSTANDER EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS CAME TO THE SCENE AND FILED REPORTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TOWED AWAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED REGARDING THE INCIDENT AND THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BUT NO INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. *BF

NHTSA complaint #11378647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Porterville, CA

ENGINE

a/c control knocks out tempter senor and gauge goes to zero and check engine light comes on, gas mileage goings to hell, turn off engine clutch fan runs for several minutes, can still touch water hoses by hand and not even hot. This is a big safety problem because I'm looking at the gauge and now causing more smog! Chevrolet Merele Stone in Porterville CA had it all day reporting A GM Strat sticking ,it was a brand new gm delco and senor and still doing it . It's a $1000.00 to repair itThey had to jump start my truck went picking it up. tried to charge the battery over night but dead battery, had to replace it $250.00 expense, and $189.00 to denoised. Called GM for a appointment in Visalia to check the problem 42 mile on way from home and showed up to No APPOINTMENT!

NHTSA complaint #11756785 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,500 miles Gillette, WY

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred while driving 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTCs P0024 and P0014 were retrieved, indicating exhaust camshaft position system performance issues for Bank 2 and Bank 1. The contact associated the failure with GM Special Coverage Number: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The dealer swapped the camshaft position sensor actuators between both banks and cleared the codes. The contact was advised that the cause of the failure would be determined if the diagnostic trouble codes returned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the special coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 36,500.

NHTSA complaint #11755484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,500 miles Gillette, WY

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the check engine warning light illuminated. The failure recurred while driving 65 MPH. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where DTCs P0024 and P0014 were retrieved, indicating exhaust camshaft position system performance issues for Bank 2 and Bank 1. The contact associated the failure with GM Special Coverage Number: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust). The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the diagnostic result was confirmed. The dealer swapped the camshaft position sensor actuators between both banks and cleared the codes. The contact was advised that the cause of the failure would be determined if the diagnostic trouble codes returned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the special coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 36,500.

NHTSA complaint #11755484 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Sonoma, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Vacuum pump seized, causing loss of power assist on brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection to make a right-hand turn. When I press down on the brake pedal it felt hard, like it was locked up. After pressing down on it with both feet, I was able to slow the vehicle down enough to turn out of the intersection. If this event happened when there was another vehicle in the intersection or approaching the intersection on the side street that I was turning onto, it would have led to a collision. Not being able to slow down adequately, I had to swing wide in the turn. This incident happened at a relatively slow speed. If it had happened at highway speeds it could have been catastrophic. There was no warning light prior to the incident the check engine light did not come on until after the incident. The Pump seizure caused the connecting coupling between the exhaust cam and pump to shatter. The damage was extended to the exhaust cam and valve cover and leaving metal fragments in the engine. The local Chevrolet dealer has given me an estimate for the repair of over $2400

NHTSA complaint #11741310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Stockton, CA

STEERING

While driving at any speed when steering wheel is at the 1 to 2 o' clock position on a right turn, steering wheel wobbles and regardless of road condition. Stabitrack warning light comes on occasionally.

NHTSA complaint #11738340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Saint Joseph, MI

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Plastic fuel supply line leaked from front of fuel tank area . the vehicle (2020 chevrolet colorado) was towed to the chevrolet service facility, after it was discovered leaking on my driveway. Gas was smelled while I was driving. I do have the failed hose. It was indeed damaged. Possibly chewed through by a rodent, mouse or squirrel. The colorado is allways parked in my blacktop driveway. Safety risk is substantial gas leak without any warning while driving or in a garage potential fire or explosion. Dealer service confirmed and replaced the hose. I reported to Chevrolet by phone on (4/30/2026).I was told report started & put in system. No warning light or alarm occured.

NHTSA complaint #11736649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 102,400 miles San Jose, NM

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact switched to manual driving mode and downshifted the transmission. The vehicle came to a stop after driving over a dirt pile. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to drive to the residence. Upon inspection, the contact discovered that the hydraulic line was rubbing against the parking brake cable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,400.

NHTSA complaint #11730773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Chapel Hill, NC

SERVICE BRAKES

the power brake booster was found broken on 1/29/2026. Through repairs, i've found vacuum pump race being completely damaged and exhaust camshaft end that linked with vacuum pump is also damaged.

NHTSA complaint #11730626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 119,000 miles Benton, AR

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft position sensor failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under a Manufacturer Extended Warranty coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wimauma, FL

SERVICE BRAKES

While driving in grocery store parking lot. The brake booster completely failed with no notice almost causing me to hit someone. I had to throw the truck in park while moving to avoid hitting pedestrians. The brake pedal is completely compressed to the floor as I was stomping the brakes in an attempt to stop. Had I not thought quick enough I would of hit at least 2 people.

NHTSA complaint #11722150 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 26,000 miles West Des Moines, IA

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the air bag warning had been turning off and on intermittently for almost 2 years. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was recently taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

NHTSA complaint #11721768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Umatilla, FL

POWER TRAIN

My truck has been shuddering and when put into gear it sounds like the bottom is falling out of it. Now when I am driving my truck is shuddering very hard and skipping gears. I have been having this issue since I bought the truck with only 47k miles and I have only put 40k miles on this truck in the past 3 years that I have owned it. I keep the maintenance up on my truck and have since I’ve owned it and I have already put a complaint into GM, when I bought the truck it has had electrical issues and the dealership is not helping. My warranty is out on this truck and GM said there is nothing they can do to help with my transmission or electrical problems. This truck has not even hit 100k and I’m so upset that I am having these many problems and no one is wanting to help, they just want my money. I can’t afford an attorney or I would sue this dealership for selling me a Lemon and for GM knowing about there faulty transmission in my year truck and not standing behind it!

NHTSA complaint #11713350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Enfield, CT

POWER TRAIN

Had transmission serviced, was told the transmission was no good and about to fail Quoted $8000.00 dollars to repair

NHTSA complaint #11711885 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wellington, KS

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle has 54,250 miles. Vehicle has a rear differential bearing going out by hearing and feeling the grinding at all speeds and the transmission jerks shafting gears. Both could cause an accident if totally fail. Chevrolet has a service bulletin out from what my local garage says. Mechanic also says Chevrolet will not warranty the product. Vehicle is now being looked at by a Chevrolet dealer. The vehicle is OUT OF WARRANTY. My son, who is [XXX] and not familiar with vehicles thought it was the tires causing the whining and vibration. Took the vehicle in several times to Chevy and they ignored the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11709610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Wilmington, DE

POWER TRAIN

The vehicle experienced a sudden and progressive transmission failure during normal driving conditions. Symptoms included harsh shifting, delayed engagement, loss of power transfer, and eventual inability to reliably propel the vehicle. The failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior while in traffic. The transmission issue was not the result of improper maintenance. The vehicle was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations. The condition worsened over time and ultimately required dealer inspection. A dealership inspected the vehicle and attributed the failure to a transmission defect, characterizing it as a maintenance issue despite no evidence of neglect. The transmission and related components remain available for inspection upon request. No warning lights provided adequate advance notice prior to the functional failure. The issue occurred without driver misuse and under ordinary driving conditions.

NHTSA complaint #11708513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Allen Park, MI

POWER TRAIN

Torque converter shudder. Had dealer do the recommended flush which cost $800 and still has same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11703534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 80,000 miles El Paso, IL

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while accelerating, the vehicle vibrated and shook abnormally, as if driven over ripples on the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the tires were balanced. The contact picked up the vehicle and stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the transmission oil failed to heat up as intended, and condensation had built up in the transmission. The dealer added Mobil 1 transmission oil to heat up the oil and remove the condensation. The contact was informed by the dealer that the vehicle needed to be driven between 200 and 400 miles to remove the condensation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11698954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Dover, DE

POWER TRAIN

Defective Torque Converter at estimated 92k miles even after following all preventive maintenance schedule.

NHTSA complaint #11688248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Indianapolis, IN

POWER TRAIN

Transmission shuttering mostly at interstate speeds but as slow as 35 mph. Under light to medium light pedal acceleration. Truck feels as if it's going over Road ripples. I'm disappointed to find out this is a common problem with Chevy 8-speed Transmissions. It happens every time I drive it. From time to time it'll shake the truck a little violently

NHTSA complaint #11686682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Horseshoe bay, TX

ENGINE

The component that failed is the camshaft position actuator. My check engine light came on. Had my vvt solenoids replaced and the mechanic told me the actuator needs replacing. GM has issued a special bulletin to fix this part for the same year make and model as my truck but my vin doesn’t meet the criteria. I have only owned this vehicle for 8 months.

NHTSA complaint #11671114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rolling Meadows, IL

POWER TRAIN

This vehicle suffers from a torque converter/transmission shudder after the transfer mission fluid heats up. My initial complaint to the selling dealer and they did not follow the GM posted procedure and initially charged me for the service. I’ve changed dealerships and I’ve been told it the temporary fix is to do a flush and there is no permanent fix by GM. I have had situations where and unexperienced driver would have definitely got into a car accident and I don’t let anybody drive my car because I believe it is unsafe. So far the dealer has been accommodating while under warranty but advised I reach out to GM who then advised to review my documents I file an NHTSA complaint. What occurs when the vehicle is not in warranty and the vehicle continues to shudder. I have included the service bulletin and repair invoices.

NHTSA complaint #11662842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cottageville, WV

ENGINE

Unknown. When my truck reaches a certain speed it is jumping or missing, it feels like a brake is sticking but I’m told it is a problem with my transmission, torque converter, going bad. It is getting worse. It cuts the power down on the vehicle. If I can go faster than 60 it doesn’t do it.

NHTSA complaint #11659826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portage, MI

POWER TRAIN

Vehicle began exhibiting an intermittent shake between 45-60 MPH which felt like driving on a wash board road. In addition it would shift hard/bog down between 1st and 2nd gear. Took to a dealer for service and was told a TSB had been issued to flush the transmission, this was performed. Condition returned within months and after multiple additional visits where the dealer claimed they couldn't replicate the issue they finally determined the torque converter needed to be replaced at approximately 70,874 miles. By this time the warranty had expired (60,000 mile warranty) and I was told I would have to pay for it.

NHTSA complaint #11654822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,000 miles West Jordan, UT

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and was diagnosed with exhaust camshaft position actuator failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with exhaust camshaft position actuator failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA complaint #11651848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Vallejo, CA

SERVICE BRAKES

Driving on the highway speed limit 65-70 my truck started decelerating and breaks got hard and could not use break. Had to get home using emergency petal break and drive. My truck is only 2020 model for this type of problem. Want to see if I can get this fixed with the manufacture defect warranty. Took my truck to a Chevy dealer and they are saying it can be a faulty vacuum pump.

NHTSA complaint #11649928 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.