VehicleVerdict

2018 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 238 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Colorado year — the 2018 model ranks #7 of 23 Colorado years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Transmission leads the complaint categories with 75 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

238

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Colorado years?

Colorado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted936 complaints2004: 502 complaints2005: 459 complaints2006: 323 complaints2007: 199 complaints2008: 130 complaints2009: 87 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 54 complaints2012: 59 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 635 complaints2016: 936 complaints2017: 282 complaints2018: 238 complaints2019: 190 complaints2020: 98 complaints2021: 94 complaints2022: 62 complaints2023: 206 complaints2024: 182 complaints2025: 45 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Colorado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colorado years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7532%
Other3515%
Electrical System3314%
Engine229%
Steering188%
Fuel System135%
Airbags73%
Seat Belts52%
Visibility & Wipers42%
Speed Control42%
Body & Structure42%
Suspension42%
Brakes42%
Lighting31%
Driver Assistance31%
Tires & Wheels21%
Latches & Locks10%
Seats10%

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V358000Fuel SystemMay 31, 2018 · 895 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AT APPROXIMATELY 20MPH AND UPPON DECELERATION THERE WAS A LOUD BANG AND ALL FOUR TIRES LOCKED UP AND HAVING NO CONTROL OVER MOVEMENT OF THE TRUCK. NO ERROR CODES FOUND AND DEALERSHIP STATES IT WAS A FAULTY TRANSFER CASE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN SHOP ALMOST A MONTH WILL NO RESOLUTION.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 26, 2019 · crash

“WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND WE STARTED TO SMELL BURNED PLASTIC, WE PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WHERE MY 3 MONTH OLD BABY IN HER CAR SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR SEAT OUT AND FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE SEAT, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 10, 2021 · fire

“WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND WE STARTED TO SMELL BURNED PLASTIC, WE PULLED OVER AND THE SEAT WHERE MY 3 MONTH OLD BABY IN HER CAR SEAT STARTED TO SMOKE, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR SEAT OUT AND FLAMES STARTED TO COME OUT FROM BEHIND THE SEAT, POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 10, 2021 · fire

“A FAULTY ENGINE BLOCK HEATER CAUSED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO CATCH FIRE WHILE THE TRUCK WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF AND THE FACTORY INSTALLED ENGINE BLOCK HEATER WAS PLUGGED IN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 27, 2019 · fire

“Ignition tumbler and steering wheel locked. Could not turn key, could not turn wheel. Truck was is park on flat driveway. Tried all basic instructions (three adults) and then called mobile mechanic. He could not get it to turn either and could not remove steering wheel cover to access ignition…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 17, 2021

2018 Chevrolet Colorado — common questions

Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 238 complaints put the 2018 model at #7 of 23 Colorado years. It is one of the Colorado years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Colorado problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (75 complaints), other (35 complaints), electrical system (33 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Colorado years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Colorado years to avoid are 2016, 2015, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2007. The cleanest record among Colorado years belongs to 2014.

How safe is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.