Wrench.Pro

2020 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Transmission shudder and vibration.” 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 2020 Chevrolet Colorado.

Reported to NHTSA

Transmission shudder and vibration

POWER TRAIN

27 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2026-01

“VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25 AND 80 MPH IN A STEADY STATE OF DRIVING WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT ACTIVELY SHIFTING GEARS. THE VEHICLE SHUDDERS AS IF I AM DRIVING ON RUMBLE STRIPS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420165
“A transmission shudder has developed. It seems to be a known issue that Chevrolet has tried to resolve, but it is present in my vehicle. It started to develop around 60,000 miles ago and has progressively gotten worse”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11582911
“Torque converter shudder. Had dealer do the recommended flush which cost $800 and still has same issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11703534

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Camshaft position actuator or sensor failure

ENGINE

6 NHTSA complaints · 2024-02 → 2026-08

“The component that failed is the camshaft position actuator. My check engine light came on. Had my vvt solenoids replaced and the mechanic told me the actuator needs replacing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11671114
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with camshaft position sensor failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11726345
“The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with camshaft positioner actuator solenoid at #2”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11588866

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss

STEERING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2024-11

“Within the last 2 months, I have had momentary steering problems at low speed. They continue to become worse with time, no longer safe to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11623464
“Electrical connectors within the power steering system are corroding, which is causing the power steering system to stop working”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11606600
“Power Steering suddenly stopped functioning as I was towing a trailer approx 5000 lbs. ‘Service Power Steering Drive With Care’ popped up on dash. No dealership visit as this just happened. Truck is unfit for driving safely”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11417547

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential bearing and gear failure

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-01

“The rear end ring & Pinion bearings are effected. The rear end seems to be defective a high pitch noise is heard this started two weeks after purchase. It’s been repaired twice and it is going back for a third time on 7-17-23 and it barely has 67,000 on it”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11532343
“Heard a humming noise ( spaceship like almost) coming form back of the truck. Took it in and mechanic said there was metal shavings in the differential fluid and gears where bad. Had to get the differential replaced. most cars go their entire life without having this issue”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11648890
“Nov 2021 I took my truck to the dealership with complaints of a high pitch hum coming from the reared- drivetrain. They found metal shavings in the rear end fluid and said they had to rebuild the rear end 11/3/21”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503276

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Ignition key sticking in switch

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-05 → 2024-12

“IGNITION LOCKED UP. This situation is the same as another complaint posted earlier this year by another owner. Ignition key will not turn in the igntion switch. Tried all the internet fixes. Turning steering wheel, bumping transmission lever, tried spare key, etc. Nothing worked”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11630795
“2020 Chevrolet Colorado: Purchased truck in February 2023 w/25000 miles. Since purchasing truck, key would get stuck in ignition. Key gets stuck in ignition frequently and would take several minutes to release, very frustrating”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11539411
“The ignition key can not be removed after putting the vehicle in park and shutting it off. Many attempts are required to jiggle the shifter switch/steering column/key before it will release on most occasions. This is a common issue, going back years, to 2015”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11519839

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake booster vacuum pump failure

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-06

“Vacuum pump seized, causing loss of power assist on brakes. This happened as I was approaching an intersection to make a right-hand turn. When I press down on the brake pedal it felt hard, like it was locked up”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741310
“the power brake booster was found broken on 1/29/2026. Through repairs, i've found vacuum pump race being completely damaged and exhaust camshaft end that linked with vacuum pump is also damaged”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730626
“While driving in grocery store parking lot. The brake booster completely failed with no notice almost causing me to hit someone. I had to throw the truck in park while moving to avoid hitting pedestrians”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722150

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)

20 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.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

3

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 2020 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.

Check another vehicle →