2018 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
One known issue worth checking: 8-speed automatic (8L90/8L45) — torque-converter shudder & harsh shifts. 1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 43% about transmission & drivetrain.
A rumble-strip shudder at light throttle 30–50 mph, clunky 1–2 or 2–3 shifts. Ask whether the fix-flush or a valve body / trans replacement was done.
Known problems on the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
8-speed automatic (8L90/8L45) — torque-converter shudder & harsh shifts $300–$3,500 to fix
If equipped with the 8-speed automatic (many of these years still used a 6-speed), it shudders (a 'driving over rumble strips' feel around 30–50 mph) and can shift harshly. GM issued repeated fluid-flush and valve-body TSBs and faced a class action; some got a transmission replacement.
Check for: A rumble-strip shudder at light throttle 30–50 mph, clunky 1–2 or 2–3 shifts. Ask whether the fix-flush or a valve body / trans replacement was done.
Basis: GM 8-speed TSBs; class-action litigation; NHTSA complaints
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Fuel systemFire risk
A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Details 18V358000
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: Certain vehicles may have a 12mm diameter hole on the top surface of the front differential housing.
- Doors and locks: During service, certain vehicles equipped with OnStar (RPO UE1), may have received an incorrect and partially programmed/configured replacement OnStar module.
- Engine: Certain Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles equipped with the 3.6L LGZ engine may experience a loss of engine oil caused by high oil pump pressure in cold weather start conditions.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
183 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Chevrolet Colorado years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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