About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Chevrolet Colorado since 2012, 161 (7%) describe transmission shudder, the second most reported problem we track on the Colorado. The reports cluster on the 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years, and the 2017 drew the most, with 47. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 38,000 miles. 3 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Chevrolet has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Colorado's automatic transmission shuddering at light throttle from the torque converter, and shifting harshly on the eight-speed automatic. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2016, 2017 and 2019 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"Transmission does not downshift properly under any type of acceleration (slow or sudden) especially between 20 mph and 40 mph in normal street traffic and on the highway. It also hunt for gears especially between gears 4 through 6."
2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 2,000 miles
"The transmission has a delayed downshift, causing the truck jump forward during a stop. When coming to a stop, it feels like the truck is being hit from behind, at the same time, making a loud mechanical noise."
2019 Chevrolet Colorado, 4 miles
"This is the third time I have had it to the dealership this time. The first time I was told there was nothing wrong with it. The second time, they replaced the torque converter."
2017 Chevrolet Colorado, 18,625 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Chevrolet has sent dealers 71 bulletins that mention this problem on the Colorado. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
15111 - special coverage.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
This service bulletin provides service /diagnostic information to aid with a Transmission Harsh 1-2 Shift Upon First Start Up/Shift of the Day Under Light Throttle.
This service bulletin provides information on Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares.
This Preliminary information communicates to technicians diagnostics for 8 speed transmission shudders caused by a potential engine concern and/or a possible faulty HO2S sensor 1
This PI communicates diagnostic information to assist Technicians with a possible transmission shudder
Before you buy a Colorado
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have transmission shudder?
Complaints are highest for the 2016, 2017, 2019 model years. The 2017 drew the most, with 47 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 18,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 38,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.