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2018 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering fuel pump. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder during acceleration or shifting.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Campaign #18V358000 · May 31, 2018

Issue: 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.

Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder during acceleration or shifting

POWER TRAIN

56 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-07

“MY VEHICLE SHAKES AND SHUTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO CHEVROLET OF WESLEY CHAPEL FL 3 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE PROCEEDED TO DO A "FLUSH" AND HAVE REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11142091
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470426
“transmission shudders from 20 to 60 under light acceleration. took to dealer and said that needed different oil. dealer stated that a common issue with these vehicles. Cost $500 to replace oil to proper oil”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624742

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key will not release from ignition switch

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

15 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2026-07

“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750525
“Ignition Key can't be removed and will not rotate all the way to the off position. Have to leave key in the ignition and the door unlocked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11422331
“INTERMITTENT PROBLEM WITH IGNITION KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO BE REMOVED. SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE SHIFT LEVER, MOVING THAT BACK AND FORTH CAN USUALLY RECTIFY THE PROBLEM AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS. VEHICLE STATIONARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11330269

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump failure and fuel leak

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2025-06

“The high pressure fuel pump detached from its mounting flange, resulting in damage to the attaching high pressure fuel pipe causing a constant fuel leak”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623578
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667683
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11640337

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment display and backup camera malfunction

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2024-12

“We have been complaining to the dealerships (2) since 2021 about a spontaneous outage of the Infotainment system”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589694
“Rear back up camera at night is extremely bright and blinding to driver. Makes it useless at night and dangerous”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628121
“Electrical problems with Chevrolet Mylink display. A variety of errors include backup camera flashing on at highway speeds, hands free phone calls put on hold, navigation screen flashing random inaccurate destinations”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11442772

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-09 → 2026-06

“Power steering failure, without incident. It started one morning, after turning off truck the previous day. Warning lights displayed as soon as truck was started. Very difficult to turn steering wheel. Too dangerous to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742439
“The power steering on our 2018 Chevy Colorado fails intermittently during driving”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11569796
“While driving my 2018 Chevy Colorado with 42000 miles I noticed my vehicles steering would get stuck while making turns on the highway and local streets”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550950

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of engine power while driving

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2026-08

“MY COLORADO HAS COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN/POWERED OFF WHEN MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN. TWICE NOW”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11362236
“THIS STARTED ABOUT 3 MONTHS AFTER I GOT THE TRUCK AND HAS BEEN DOING IT SINCE. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, TRUCK ENGINE SHUT OFF AFTER STOPPING THEN TURNING RIGHT ON CITY AND NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11413117
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699149

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

Silverado 4WD and Tahoe 4WD: replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles, sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

37 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

3

complaints mentioning a crash

5

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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