109 of the
4,906 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Colorado
are about the throttle and cruise control —
2% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2016.
109
Complaints
2%
Share of all complaints
7
Crashes
0
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
My 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel has had repeated diesel emissions/DPF-related failures that cause the vehicle to enter reduced-power or limp mode. This is a safety issue because the truck suddenly loses power and cannot accelerate normally. The most serious incident occurred while driving over Santiam Pass in Oregon. The vehicle went into reduced-power/limp mode on a mountain highway, leaving me unable to maintain normal speed or accelerate safely. I lost power needed to pass traffic and had limited ability to respond to road conditions. The problem has happened several times. It has also occurred while I was towing my boat, which left me unable to continue the trip safely and created a hazardous situation because the truck could not maintain normal towing power. The issue appears related to the diesel particulate filter/emissions system and repeated DPF/regen or exhaust aftertreatment problems. I am concerned that a design, calibration, or emissions-system defect is causing sudden power reduction during normal driving and towing. This creates an unreasonable safety risk, especially on mountain passes, two-lane highways, and while towing. I am requesting that NHTSA review this as a potential safety defect involving the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado diesel DPF/emissions system and reduced-engine-power strategy. I am also requesting that this complaint be considered with any similar complaints, recalls, technical service bulletins, or emissions campaigns related to DPF regeneration, particulate matter sensor diagnostics, reduced engine power, or limp mode on the 2.8L Duramax Chevrolet Colorado.
NHTSA complaint #11748528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L, approx. 49,000 miles) experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power involving the 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sets codes and the vehicle drops into limp mode, capped at roughly 45 mph, without warning. The most dangerous symptom is a total loss of acceleration from a stop, especially on inclines — pressing the accelerator produces no response. On one occasion, stopped on a slight incline, the vehicle rolled backward toward the car behind me when it failed to move forward on accelerator input. I narrowly avoided a collision. On a separate occasion, after pressing the accelerator with no response, the vehicle then suddenly lurched forward into cross traffic; repeated presses produced inconsistent, delayed engagement, nearly causing a collision. To climb inclines I now have to hold the brake while applying throttle and slowly release the brake to prevent rollback. These are unpredictable loss-of-control events that create a serious crash risk in traffic. I believe this relates to a known issue affecting the GM 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle is currently at a GM dealer and I have an open GM Customer Care case. No crash, fire, or injury has occurred yet, but two near-collisions have.
NHTSA complaint #11744039 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle intermittently lunges forward during the 2nd-to-1st downshift, even while the brakes are being applied. When this occurs, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerates or surges forward slightly, travels farther than anticipated, and feels similar to being bumped from behind. Because the condition occurs at low speeds, often in tight areas such as parking spaces, stop-and-go traffic, or before a crosswalk, it creates a risk of collision with pedestrians, vehicles, or objects. The issue has been reported to Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton, Florida multiple times, but continues to happen.
NHTSA complaint #11741859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while using the cruise control at 60 MPH, the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact was able to depress the brake pedal to avoid a crash. The cruise control was restarted and set to 50 MPH, and the vehicle accelerated again without warning. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 832.
NHTSA complaint #11740775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado with intermittent safety defect at highway speeds. Vehicle displays P215B along with Service ESC, Service Traction Control, and Reduced Acceleration. Speedometer becomes erratic and the vehicle loses reliable speed signal at highway speed. Dealer kept vehicle for 15 days, stated repairs were made, but the same issue returned within about 2 miles of pickup on the highway. Vehicle was returned to dealer immediately. As of April 2, total days out of service will be 21. I do not believe the vehicle is safe to drive or safe to transport my family in. GM case has been opened. This is an ongoing safety issue involving loss of speed signal and reduced acceleration during highway operation.
NHTSA complaint #11727922 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my family home on a hot 90+ degree day. My 2016 Chevy Colorado suddenly has a power loss engine died and i went from 75 to parked in less than 30 seconds. Luckily I was able to pull off the freeway to the median. We were almost hit by two vehicles pulling a trailer and the other pulling a RV. I had to have someone pick my kids up due to the hazards of being stranded on the side of the freeway. We had to have the truck towed. The code we got was for a fuel pump control module. We replaced and had it programed. This did not fix the issue. After further diagnostics from a auto mechanic shop, which we had to pay out of pocket. We learned it was a lifter failure. I have see numerous forums and people sighting "Lifter Failure" in Chevy Vehicles. Where most of us owners have to cover all cost out of pocket. Yet still "NO RECALL" for this issue that seems to be worth a recall. Next Issue the speed sensor which we have replaced it 3 times now in less than 2 years.
NHTSA complaint #11727045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle accelerated on its own at a stop and then at highway speeds. Took it to dealership who experienced the same thing and confirmed the issue and could not find the reason why.
NHTSA complaint #11693513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cruise Control I was nearly in a severe accident because of the way Chevrolet Cruise control works when I was on the highway and traffic slowed down briefly and my vehicle continued to run at the set miles and didn't slow down when I was approaching the vehicle in front of me. When I purchased the vehicle (2025 Chev Colorado) I was not informed that 'Gap' detection does not work as it does in most other modern vehicles. This feature is only available in higher end vehicles in what they call Adapter Cruise Control. My pamphlet "Getting to know your 2025 Colorado explains how to use ACC with no mention it is an option only available on higher end vehicles. I consider it a safety hazard that Cruise Control in its normal setting does not use the Gap setting as most modern vehicles do making it a safety issue, especially when you have a 2nd vehicle that works this way automatically. It was only after 2 service visits that I was told that how it works and that even though it is an option, it is not something that Chevrolet can install in my vehicle. Making it even more confusing the 'GAP' setting is available on my steering wheel controls making the user think this option is actually available when, in fact it is not. I feel Chevrolet needs to fix this potential safety issue by making the Cruise control work in the same manner other manufactures have done for several years.
NHTSA complaint #11685268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? To my knowledge, which is limited on vehicle diagnosis, the engine valve body is having an issue finding a gear when starting from a stop. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle engine will sputter and jolt forward and attempt to go to a higher or lower gear when approaching the stop . Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?The problem is reproducible, but the dealership is stating i would need a check engine light to have it serviced or seen. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No visible alerts of fault when issue occurs or thereafter.
NHTSA complaint #11679443 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The high mounted stop lights and the cruise control do not work. A recall for this was issued (NHTSA 06V13900 and NHTSA 09V310000) but when I enter my VIN it says I'm not included in the recall. Also, a dealer said my vehicle was not in the recall. If I have the problem stated in the recall why am I not included? I am the original owner. First noticed problem about six months ago. Did not know about the recall until yesterday.
NHTSA complaint #11671995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Received a P2138 Throttle/Pedal position sensor/switch "D"/"E" voltage correlation code while driving that caused "Reduced Power" and "stabilitrak" errors. The reduced power mode it went into made the truck unable to accelerate in a safe manner and made the truck "jump" wildly as it attempted to accelerate.
NHTSA complaint #11670872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Stibilitrack in the truck went out just after 20 minutes of driving in 34 degree rainy weather at 65 mph. Found out that it was the passenger front bearing reluctor had chipped away, which is what the wheel speed sensor reads. Once one those go out, you lose Stibilitrack and ABS. I believe that this is a significant safety issue, and a poorly engineered/designed system. The rear system reads gear which is what should be in the front should have as well, not a "magnetic ring". This should be fixed so that noone gets injured or killed. It's also a waste of consumer money that you have to change out an entire wheel bearing hub assembly to fix the issue. Shame on the company. In the photos, notice that half the black ring (the reluctor) is missing.
NHTSA complaint #11632897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I just bought this truck. While driving it on the first day we were in stop and go traffic and I pressed the throttle and nothing happened, when I pressed it further it all of a sudden squealed tires and jumped forward causing me to almost rear end the car in front.
NHTSA complaint #11606935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Date: [XXX] | Location [XXX] Leaving Costco 1 ½ after entering entrance headed to Savannah. I was traveling at approximately 60 miles a hour with heavy traffic alongside me and a tractor trailer behind me when I felt my Truck quickly de-accelerate on its on. Then I saw the “Sudden Warning on Dashboard, “Reduced Acceleration – Drive with Care” then the 2nd Warning on Dashboard, “ Service Traction Control.” I was almost REAR ENDED by the Tractor Trailer. I was never so startled but I keep my nerve….got over to the right lane at slowed speed (It was weird. Speed slowed but felt like I was in high gear….) I droves about a ½ mile …. got off at next exit and pulled over at gas station. I turned car completely off and tried to reset computers, but it would not. I decided to drive under 35 miles a hour on side streets to Dan Vaden dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11585938 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Power steering went out, impossible to steer, no warning, able to force off road. H ad happened several times before at intervals would return after several minutes of car motor off. Saw at dealership originally but no answer found till yesterday when it happened again. Dealer" internal fault with steering gear".
NHTSA complaint #11583882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The computer screen jumps around with the dash data when you are driving. The radio changes functions and channels. This is a huge distraction and dangerous when driving. Additionally, when you turn the radio off the screen keeps jumping around to different functions and channels.
NHTSA complaint #11551441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was sitting at a traffic light stopped when all of a sudden the truck tried to accelerate, I stood on the brakes to get it to stop then all of a sudden it was like i was giving it gas again and I hit the car in front of me again but harder the second time.
NHTSA complaint #11549877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I turned my vehicle on and noticed the instrument panel screen was completely off. I tried to turn it off and on again and it stayed off. I had to drive home with no instrument panel. after 5 hours I turned on the truck and it finally came on
NHTSA complaint #11549577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A known wire chaffing problem for this make/model caused vehicle to loose all transmission power. Doors unlocked and locked on their own while moving the vehicle. Had two young children with me in 100+ degree weather. Truck finally moved in first gear at 20 mph max to get home on the road with other traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11541545 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We purchased a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado December 2022. Beginning in January 2023 to current month July 2023 the vehicle has been at the dealership 4 times for the same occurrence: SERVICE STABILITRAK and ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED A warning “ding” sounds (the same noise as seatbelt, door ajar, etc) simultaneously with the messages “SERVICE STABILITRAK” and “ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED” The vehicle immediately is jerking or lurching, the engine no longer runs smoothly and is misfiring. The engine power reduced does not allow safe acceleration, and the vehicle is unstable (as it moves it feels like driving over a thousand speed bumps over and over), the engine misfiring is heard from the exhaust and the vehicle is visibly vibrating, on acceleration the maximum speed is 20 mph. All 4 times this has happened while driving the vehicle on highways in traffic. We are left unable to get out of the way of moving traffic, unable to accelerate, change lanes or make turns safely. Three of the four times we had the vehicle towed to the dealership. The last time the vehicle did this fortunately I was near our local dealership and drove it less than a mile so the service people could “witness” what I had been trying to explain what’s been happening with this vehicle. This is a very serious issue! My husband is 75 and very ill. I have to drive him 100+ miles for treatments on a regular basis. We cannot continue to be put in danger because of this vehicle default. We need this problem fixed not only for ourselves but for the safety of others, including unsuspecting drivers and innocent passengers, young, elderly, disabled, some simply misunderstanding our vehicles “failures to perform” in traffic on the roads. A trusted vehicle is very important. A stabile vehicle with sufficient engine power is a must if we are going to put it on the roads. “SERVICE STABILITRAK” and “ENGINE POWER IS REDUCED” is not new. General Motors needs to take action to correct this problem and educate dealers.
NHTSA complaint #11533983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.