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2019 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic transmission shudder and hard 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.

No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic transmission shudder and hard shifting

POWER TRAIN

60 NHTSA complaints · 2019-01 → 2026-07

“Failure of Torque Converter. Transmission flushed. May or may not work. Retest after 200 miles. If failure continues, replace entire Torque Converter”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11752543
“The vehicle shakes badly and shudders during acceleration and causes a brief inability to accelerate, often at higher speeds and with a great deal of rumbling and vibration. No other warning lamps, messages, or symptoms”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11673444
“EIGHT SPEED TRANSMISSION SHUTTERS AND VIBRATES UNDER NORMAL ACCELERATION. MORE NOTICEABLE ON HILLS OR UNDER LIGHT LOAD. CHEVY DEALERS ANSWER: THEY ALL DO IT!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207247

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment screen and backup camera failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-05

“The infotainment system is not functioning. The screen will come on as I turn on the truck, then it goes blank. Sometimes it flashes and then goes black. I cannot use any of my apps or connect to Apple CarPlay”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11738666
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera image was blank, and the message "Service Camera" was displayed”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690718
“The infotainment center goes out, then comes on on a frequent basis causing the loss of navigation system through CarPlay and now will not even connect to CarPlay also loses backup camera”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667671

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vacuum pump failure causing loss of brake assist

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2024-10 → 2026-07

“FAILED COMPONENT: Vacuum pump failed internally; debris damaged the exhaust camshaft. Pump is cam-driven with no shear pin, so seizure cuts brake assist AND sends metal debris into the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748346
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal was stiff”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11618037
“I was driving around 60mph on a highway with cruise control. Heavy traffic resulted in a major accident in front of me. I slammed my brakes, which prevented me from getting involved in the altercation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11637615

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

19 NHTSA complaints · 2020-04 → 2025-05

“Power steering stopped working. Seized and locked up, couldn't turn steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11474147
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that after driving approximately 65 MPH and then with the vehicle being idle, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering assist warning light illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11461102
“Twice now I've had to have the powering steering replaced due to water penetration. After approx 25000 miles both times I've had failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11512287

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key stuck in accessory position

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2025-07

“Key gets stuck in the ignition switch. Will NOT turn all the way to off. Radio keeps playing, lights stay on, key can NOT be removed. Engine does turn off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11518002
“I cannot remove the key from the ignition switch after shutting it off. The engine will shut down but the key stays on the accessories position eventually causing the battery to go dead”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11596547
“Key keeps getting stuck in the ignition apparently talking to the dealership service department, they have no clue either. Many other people complaining and GM not doing anything about it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11429570

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

High-pressure fuel pump and bolt failure

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2020-01 → 2026-08

“While driving the vehicle lost power, would not go over 15 mph. There was a loud rattling noise from the engine. Check engine light came on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11633668
“The High Pressure Fuel Pump detached from engine and snapped off flange and bolt in the head of engine . The part is available for inspection and was removed by dealership”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11580255
“The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while coming to a stop, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the fuel gauge went from full to empty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755005

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in frontal or rear-end crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-07 → 2025-12

“I was travelling at approximately 32 miles per hour when I rear ended a vehicle that was in front of me, the vehicle in front of me was stopped. The airbags did not deploy in my vehicle. Damage to the vehicle was substantial enough to declare the vehicle a total loss”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705406
“I was in a serious car accident and my vehicles airbags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629320
“I HAD A CAR ACCIDENT HEAD ON AND MY AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF I'M AT THE HOSPITAL BUT WONDER WHY THEY DID NOT GO OFF VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION GOING FORTY MILES A HOUR REAR END TRUCK AND AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF M59 AND AIRPORT RD WATERFORD MI”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11230191

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)

34 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues 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 2019 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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