2015–2022 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon common problems and fixes

2015–2016 trucks have huge numbers of complaints about suddenly losing power steering (only 2015 trucks were recalled). 2017-and-later V6 trucks with the 8-speed are known for torque converter shudder, and 2.5L trucks for brake vacuum pump failures.

What owners should know

Covers 2015–2022 · 2.5L four, 3.6L V6, 2.8L Duramax diesel · Updated 2026-10-05

The second-generation Colorado and Canyon came with a 2.5L four, a 3.6L V6 (most trucks) or, from 2016, a 2.8L Duramax diesel. V6 trucks got an 8-speed automatic for 2017.

We counted 2,722 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2015–2022 Colorados and Canyons (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 2,171 from V6s, 309 from the 2.5L and 164 from the diesel, identified by VIN. The other 78 had a missing or unreadable VIN. None had a VIN belonging to another vehicle. 2015 and 2016 have far more than any other year. Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

Losing power steering is the most reported problem by far: about 1,110 complaints from 2015–2016 trucks alone.
Transmission shudder on 2017-and-later V6 trucks with the 8-speed.
Brake vacuum pump failures on the 2.5L four-cylinder.

Power steering

About 1,170 complaints across all 2015–2022 years describe losing power steering or very heavy steering. About 1,110 of them are from 2015 and 2016 trucks: 529 from 2015 and 582 from 2016. (We counted complaints that mention power steering, steering assist, or hard, heavy or lost steering.) GM recalled certain 2015 trucks for a poor electrical connection in the steering gear: 16V054000 covers trucks built January 6 to mid-March 2015, and 21V213000 covers more 2015 trucks. 2016 trucks have more complaints but weren't recalled. On ColoradoFans, owners of 2016 trucks describe the same warnings and the same torque sensor repair, paid out of pocket. Have the codes read and the cause diagnosed before any steering parts are replaced.

Transmission

About 225 complaints mention shudder, vibration or a rumble-strip feel, 147 of them from 2017–2019 trucks, and 63 name the torque converter. GM's bulletin 18-NA-355 flushes the 8-speed with a new fluid on 2017–2019 3.6L trucks built before March 1, 2019; on ColoradoFans most owners report it fixed the shudder. Vibration has other causes too, so have the dealer confirm it's the torque converter clutch.

Brakes (2.5L)

About 75 complaints from 2.5L trucks describe a brake pedal that suddenly goes hard or mention the vacuum pump or brake booster. On ColoradoFans, owners trace many of these to the engine-driven vacuum pump that powers the brake booster; some report a seized pump also damaged the exhaust camshaft that drives it.

Recalls to check

Front brake calipers that can leak on some 2015 trucks (15V278000)
High-pressure fuel pump that can come loose on some 2015–2018 trucks (18V358000)
Driver's air bag on a small number of 2015–2016 trucks (17V621000)

Before you buy

Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
On 2015–2016 trucks, ask whether the steering gear has been repaired and look for power steering warnings.
On 2017-and-later V6 trucks, feel for a rumble-strip vibration at steady speed and ask whether the fluid flush was done.
On a 2.5L, make sure the brake pedal feels normal with the engine running.
Bring our used truck inspection checklist.

Researched from owner forums and NHTSA complaints and written by Know Your Truck. These are patterns in what owners report, not a guarantee about any particular truck.

Sources (13)

Common failures & how to fix them

Parts and video buttons search for your 2015-2022 Chevrolet Colorado. Always confirm a part fits using your VIN. Brakes, steering, fuel and airbag work affects your safety, so if you're not sure, have a qualified mechanic do it.

Sudden loss of power steering (2015–2016)
Dealer job
Signs: "Service Power Steering" and StabiliTrak warnings, then the steering suddenly becomes very heavy, often with codes C0545 or U0420.
Fix: Have a dealer or shop read the codes and diagnose it before replacing parts. On the recalled 2015 trucks the cause is a poor electrical connection inside the steering gear, and GM's remedy replaces the torque sensor cover assembly for free (16V054000 covers Colorados built January 6 to March 17, 2015 and Canyons built January 6 to March 19, 2015; 21V213000 covers more 2015 trucks). On ColoradoFans, 2016 owners describe the same warnings and pay for the same repair; a new steering gear is only needed if diagnosis shows the gear or sensor itself is damaged. Recalls cover only specific trucks, so check this VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if it's included and whether the repair was done.
May be covered free by recall 16V054000 / 21V213000. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Transmission shudder (8-speed, 2017 and later)
Best left to a shop
Signs: A vibration like driving over rumble strips at steady speeds between about 25 and 80 mph, with light throttle.
Fix: Have the dealer confirm it's torque converter clutch shudder first; a vibration can also come from tires, driveshafts or engine misfires. For 2017–2019 3.6L trucks built before March 1, 2019, GM's bulletin 18-NA-355 replaces the transmission fluid with a full flush to Mobil 1 LV ATF HP. On ColoradoFans most owners say it works, though some report the shudder returning after about 30,000 miles; a few trucks need a new torque converter.
Shop: Mobil 1 LV ATF HP ▶ How-to videos
Brake vacuum pump failure (2.5L four-cylinder)
Best left to a shop
Signs: The brake pedal suddenly turns very hard and the truck takes much longer to stop. A check engine light for the exhaust cam sensor can come with it.
Fix: Have a shop confirm the cause first: a hard pedal can also come from a failed brake booster or a leaking vacuum hose. If the engine-driven vacuum pump has failed, it's replaced. The pump is driven by the exhaust camshaft, and on ColoradoFans owners report a seized pump breaking its drive and damaging the camshaft, cam sprocket and cam sensor, so ask the shop to inspect the camshaft drive when the pump comes off. Get it fixed right away; the truck is much harder to stop.
Shop: Colorado 2.5 brake vacuum pump ▶ How-to videos

Each year in this generation

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared with the typical truck of the same kind and model year. Open a year for its recalls and complaints.

Chevrolet Colorado

GMC Canyon

Going to look at one?Bring our free inspection checklist, with these known problems added →