2018 Chevrolet Colorado: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Chevrolet Colorado? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 173 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2018 Chevrolet Colorado trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program4 variants tested — showing 2018 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC RWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
21.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
21.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado has 173 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Colorado
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 173
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 3/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission and drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, electrical, and engine components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 173 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, the data suggests that transmission and drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported concern, followed by uncategorized problems and electrical faults. However, with low confidence and only one model year analyzed, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission and drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Electrical faults and engine problems are also notable areas of concern.
- Only 3 crash-related complaints were reported out of 173 total.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most common complaint.
- Electrical faults, including potential wiring or component failures, are frequently reported.
- Engine problems appear as a recurring theme in the data.
All 2018 Chevrolet Colorado Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 74 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 34 | — | 3 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 32 | — | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 21 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 17 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Luggage and shudders at cruise speed, seems like auto transmission is coming apart. Paid $500 for the trans flush the service bulletin suggests but didn’t help, shop quoted a $8000 replacement on a vehicle with 60k miles. This should be a recall
7.5 amp to fuel injectors has blown 2 times unknow reason causing loss of power 1st time on country road then 2nd time on a highway it's a common problem from the Chevy Colorado forums regarding the 2.8l lwn engine
Highlighting a materials defect with the rear crankshaft reluctor ring on the 2.8 LWN Duramax, installed in the Army Infantry Squad Vehicle and the 2015-2023 Chevrolet Colorado, from which it is based. When the ring delaminates, due to age, the vehicle engine shuts off and no sta…
transmission is not shfting properly.Truck losses speed and shutters when trying to accelerate.Difficulty climbing hills.Especially dangerous when merging with traffic.Only 33,000 miles on my truck.GM should recall to address this much complained about issue.
All the sensors seem to not be functioning correctly. Doesn't tell me the right measurements for the wheels, gas, over heating. Right front passenger door locks/unlocks when it wants. It chokes up when trying to accelerate. Theres a rattling noise that comes from under the car. F…
Transmission oil leak with only 60,000 miles just bought from a dealership as is 3 days ago and was not informed of the issue
Saturday July 12, 2025: My truck got an ACTION Required notice: "Exhaust fluid Quality Poor See Owners Manual NOW 100 miles until 65MPH Max speed" I turned around and returned home to get a different vehicle to do what i needed to do. Monday, July 14 My mechanic hooked it up to …
The problem started two months ago, with a loss of engine power and a stability track warning on the dashboard. This happened occasionally while driving, often going away on its own by turning off the vehicle. Two weeks ago, I took it to Chevrolet for an inspection. They did a ge…
Clunking sound coming from rear end upon normal acceleration. When I take my foot off of the brake pedal, and depress the gas pedal, A loud clunk appears to come from the differential. If I coast first and then depress the gas pedal, it is not as pronounced. When you slow down to…
The issue is with the transmission not shifting as should. The issue is called Shuddering and seems to be a know isuue. If you google search issues with 2018 Chevy Colorado this is the first issue that comes up. This could cause an accident. If gears aren’t shifting properly and …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that upon arriving to his destination, he observed gasoline leaking underneath the vehicle near the fuel filler neck. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure w…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to service the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately …
Touch screen not responsive, apple carplay unavailable can’t connect phone, will randomly tap apps and puts calls on hold. Will flip pages on its own and even turn the back up camera on when driving down the road
P2738 Pressure Control Solenoid Valve 6 Control Circuit Low Voltage. Whenever you drive, the transmission will go into limp mode every now and then. It will say low oil pressure and throw another code of P0700 MIL Request From TCM. This is a common issue that I have researched an…
The ignition switch will frequently lock when turning off and not allow the electrical system to fully turn off and prevent you from removing the key. It happens randomly but has been increasing in frequency.
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power and the driver observed a high pitch sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The ve…
Fuel system leak and yes, it is available for inspection. My safety was at risk while I was driving the truck and smelled a very strong odor of gasoline enter the cab of the truck while I was driving with the windows rolled up. I immediately stopped the truck and got out and noti…
Suddenly losing power, shifting hard, slipping between gears, causing shuddering while driving, and surging forward while accelerating.
Key can't be removed when the truck is in park. Locks go up and down when vehicle is moving. Transmission stuck in 3rd gear. Stabilitrack and traction control indicator lights appear on dashboard. Exhaust brake and traction control switches don't work.
At around the 105k mile range the truck would make a gear whine sound and shudder between gears at around the 50mph range, speeding up or slowing down a bit would fix the issue. By 110k miles the truck was making the gear whine sound at speeds over 10 miles an hour studdering at …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Chevrolet Colorado Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 173 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (74 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (34 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (32 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 173 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Colorado reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.