7.6

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$270
Average Mileage:
9,300 miles
Total Complaints:
18 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (9 reports)
  2. software update? something to make it shift more firm? (6 reports)
  3. aftermarket computer program from trifecta (1 reports)
  4. replace torque converter (1 reports)
  5. trifecta tune (1 reports)
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This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Chevrolet dealer.

problem #18

Mar 222019

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

I have a 2015 Colorado with the same shifting, chugging hesitation issue. Most noticeable on uphill, stop/start traffic. My transmission fluid reached 180 degrees from all the upshift/downshifting issues. Today I took my truck to my local Chevy dealer and within 45 minutes they applied service bulletin update #18-NA-145. My truck has TWICE the initial power and NO shifting issues at all. It's like a brand new truck. This update cost me $130 and was NOT covered by any warranty although the dealer told me that any truck under 80K miles will get the software update free. ECM was also reprogrammed. VERY happy with the results! Hope this helps anyone with identical issues.

- Scott E., Oswego, US

problem #17

Sep 242015

Colorado X71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 13,720 miles

Initially it was a relief to know others had the same problem I was faced with. I printed out the 16 complaints and took them to the dealer. The downshifting issue was not mine alone. The dealership was helpful and researched the manufacture's data base finding a suggested software fix "engine control module reprogrammed with SPS Program SO3A5. So far so good. If it doesn't work I will report back.

- Richard A., Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #16

Sep 012015

Colorado LT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles

I don't know what is up with this transmission and I can't believe they haven't recalled this transmission yet. When I'm doing a lot of stopping and going it's like it doesn't down shift and feels like it's about to stall. I was so happy about this truck but every time I feel it do this it ruins my day because I feel like I spent so much money on a car that is going to end up costing me in the future. I though I wanted to support American trucks but I should have gone with the Tacoma.

- crdude, Spring, TX, US

problem #15

Jun 052015

Colorado LX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,350 miles

I have taken my truck back to the dealer and they say it's a Chevy noise. I said no way, this is the same thing you told me when I had a 2500hd and I won't take that as a answer.

- Stephen B., Owen Sound, ON, Canada

problem #14

Nov 012015

Colorado Z71 6 Cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,800 miles

I spent a ton of money for this truck. Seems as it does not know what gear to be in. Driving in Atlanta slow and go traffic is painful. Stays in high gear even when you slow to turn and try to give it gas. It is by far the worst driving car / truck I have even owned. Not sure how anyone picked this as 'truck of the year'? In fact many times you fell the truck 'lurch' or 'bump' as it tries to move in traffic.

Update from Aug 12, 2016: Just loaded the below. Drove a bit and see a BIG difference in the problems. Quick off the start. No issue w/ the roll and go traffic here in ATL. I will test a bit more. $300 fix. I wish I could get more info on the product. The company seems a bit slow in replies and they have no docs on their software.

http://www.trifectaperformance.com

- billjoyner_99, Suwanee, US

problem #13

Feb 012015

Colorado LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,800 miles

I have a 2015 4x4 Crew Cab with the 3.6L. I was having the same problem with the downshifting from 3rd down to 2nd (between 20-30 mph...real bad when I turned left), with the gurgling, and the RPMs dropping below 500, I thought I was going to stall. My dealership told me the same thing, that it was trying to learn my driving style. Well, I brought her at the end of January, and as of this past Friday I had almost 15,000 on it.

So they finally listened to me, as they were fixing the 4 other recalls, they noticed the problem. IT'S THE TORQUE CONVERTER!!!!!!!!!!!! TELL YOUR DEALER TO CHECK IT.............IT IS DEFECTIVE! I hope this helps. I'm supposed to get her back today, but we shall see!

Update from Oct 5, 2015: After the torque converter was replaced, it seemed to be running fine. For about 1000 miles when it started again. I brought it back, but the trans guy at my dealership said it was fine. I am now in a battle with them. Good this=ng I have the 100000 mile warranty.

- James A., Lyons, IL, US

problem #12

Aug 102015

Colorado Z71 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

Shortly after taking delivery of my special-order 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 double-cab 4x4, I had issues with the way the transmission shifts. I searched online and saw this site, along with others, that said one must give the vehicle a few thousand miles to "learn" the driver's habits. With over 3,000 miles on the odometer, certainly this learning period has been achieved. Yet it still is slow to downshift and on several occasions has really scared me when I needed to accelerate to merge or get through an intersection and it hesitated severely, lugged, acted like it might stall and THEN downshifted and accelerated much more abruptly than expected. I have not taken it to the dealer yet because I've seen online complaints about it with seemingly no solution. I really hope it can be fixed with a software change...as it is I am thinking about getting rid of it because it is frustrating to drive and towing a camping trailer while the transmission hunts and delays if frightening.

THEN today I saw this report on Edmunds...further reinforcing the frustration we're facing: http://www.edmunds.com/chevrolet/colorado/2015/long-term-road-test/2015-chevrolet-colorado-nice-accelerator-but-lazy-shifting.html

Update from Jun 24, 2016: I now have 12,000 miles on my truck and so far no fix from GM/Chevrolet. And if anything, the problem has gotten worse. This past week I had two close-calls resulting from hesitation/stumbling when trying to accelerate at low speed. Another incident took place on the interstate at around 60 mph when I wanted to speed up to get out of the way of something and it stumbled for a second or two and then took off violently. I got home that night and decided "This truck is out of here -- I'm going shopping for a new one!" I was so scared and angry.

But then I did some more research online and found some people had reprogrammed their truck's computer with an aftermarket program from Trifecta. I decided to risk $300 on it to see if it would help. Apart from the shifting issues I really, really like the truck.

Today when I got home the cable and software from Trifecta was ready. It took about 25 minutes to replace the factory software with that from Trifecta. After it was done I took the truck out for a test.

I only drove seven miles -- but what a HUGE change! HUGE! I think the problem is entirely fixed! My only concern is MPG -- it seems to run a tad faster -- though people are reporting an IMPROVEMENT in MPG. I am taking the truck up into the mountains tomorrow -- about 50 miles on the interstate and then up into the mountains. I'll see how that goes. But right now I am so pleased.

This is what I bought from Trifecta: http://www.trifectaperformance.com/forums/store/product/2166-2015-chevrolet-colorado-36l-advantage/

I'll report back.

Update from Jun 27, 2016: This will be my last update. I've driven about 400 miles since installing the aftermarket software from Trifecta. Shifting troubles are gone. I'm happy now. Just grates me that Chevrolet/General Motors did nothing for me and I had to suffer for months and spend $300 out of pocket to solve the problem.

- georgehumphries, Provo, UT, US

problem #11

May 012015

Colorado LT 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,300 miles

I am not sure if this is a transmission or engine problem however the performance or lack there of is very concerning. Under moderate acceleration the engine stumbles and chugs and searches for a gear shift. This truck has been returned to the servicing dealer and the explanation is that it is performing normally. Chevrolet needs to either remap the engine or transmission software so that the engine performs smoothly. If this issue is not resolved I am going to go back to a Silverado that I traded for this truck.

- geneswfl, Bonita Springs, FL, US

problem #10

Jun 012015

Colorado Z71 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,000 miles

I've pretty much noticed the same issue from day 1. Truck does not seem to up shift or down shift when it sure. The most noticeable is when it down shifts going 65MPH down hill on highway....WHY? I see other having same complaint so hopefully this will be corrected soon.

- blafreniere, Athol, MA, US

problem #9

Apr 012015

Colorado LT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,500 miles

Bought into the Motor Trend reviews and bought a Colorado instead of a Tacoma. Looks like I made a mistake. Transmission upshifts fine but seems to get stuck in 5th or 6th gear when coasting down to 20-40 mph and lugs when you try to accelerate. If you punch the accelerator it skips several gears and revs to 4000-5000 rpms. Not the level of refinement I expected. Using "tow" mode really helps but you have to set that every time you start the engine. Very disappointed.

Update from Aug 9, 2015: Been through my first oil change, dealer agrees it is slow to downshift. They explained the whole "adaptive transmission" thing which is insulting.........not my job to train this thing how to shift. They have no fix or programing updates from Chevrolet so reset the controller. So, I'm now at 6200 miles and really punching the accelerator to "train" it. Problem is still there.

- Bob B., Midway, GA, US

problem #8

May 012015

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

Transmission shifting real annoying.. hope someone comes up with some software change to fix this ugly shifting pattern. Suspect GM programmed to stay in 6th. Gear for fuel economy.. have to nearly floor the thing to get it to kick down to lower gear.

- Michael S., Fremont, NH, US

problem #7

Jul 012015

Colorado Z71 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,700 miles

Haven't taken it to the dealer yet, just wanted to inform owners , brakes also squeal really bad.

- Dave S., Allentown, PA, US

problem #6

Jun 102015

Colorado WT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,078 miles

Transmission bucks, almost feels like it's going to stall. Grinds and makes noise on take-off (about 1500-2500 RPM). Won't downshift unless you put the pedal to the floor (IE going up hill). Have been to dealership 4 times, the first two times they drove it and said there was nothing wrong. The third time they reprogrammed the TCM, which caused it to be extremely bad on fuel (17-21L/100 Km on Hwy @110Km/h) and complete loss of power (had to put the pedal to the floor to pass on the highway) and even on takeoff was very slow to make it to 50-60 Km/h even with the pedal to the floor. I will be getting it back today from the dealership, hopefully it is fixed. I will update once I get it back.

Update from Aug 12, 2015: The dealership claims that it fixed the problem by resetting the TCM by removing the battery and putting the new and pos cables together for 15 minutes... I got it back and almost instantly I could tell that nothing had changed. I'm back in today... Getting very frustrated. I took the mechanics for a drive to show them the problem and they claim that the truck "just does that" unreal, I've never had this problem with any other vehicle.

Update from Oct 11, 2018: So I caved and bought the trifecta tune... Best 450$ I've ever spent. My truck finally drives like I've always wanted it to and it was instantly noticeable!

- steve187b, North Bay, ON, Canada

problem #5

Mar 312015

Colorado Z71 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

This transmission is going to kill someone period! Just like the other complaints, the tranny will not shift down when needed and the engine lugs. Going down the freeway at 60MPH, the tranny up shifts without warning revving the RPM to 5500. Almost got rear ended. Going down a hill, it downshifts pushing 4000+RPM. Will not downshift going up hills. Returned to dealership 4 times and they refuse to look at it. They state that the truck is Learning how you drive". BS. Never again will I buy Chevrolet. NEVER,

- Elton H., Puyallup, WA, US

problem #4

Dec 042014

Colorado 2WD WT EXT CAB 2.5L 14, Dii Dohc

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles

Talked with dealer and transmission mechanic. He took it for a drive. They insist it should be like that since it is a 6 speed transmission and that it should self correct once the on board computer learns the driver's style of driving..

- f.hines81, Lexington, KY, US

problem #3

May 182015

Colorado Z71 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100 miles

I am also having a problem with the transmission being sluggish. It won't downshift unless you really get on the gas and then it downshifts too far! It was actually bucking the other day, I thought it was going to stall!! We are going away soon and I am afraid to take it. I hope there is a re-call on them soon. I was also going down a hill and the engine revved really high, thought it was going to blow up. Otherwise I love the truck!!

- Heidi P., Robesonia, PA, US

problem #2

Apr 012015

Colorado Z71 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,600 miles

Since purchasing the truck in November 2014, the dealership says that the truck has to learn my style of driving, that is why it was rough. So I bring it in for my first oil change and they say yes, there is definitely something wrong. They say that Chevy acknowledges that there is a shifting problem with the Colorados and that they are working on a program to fix it. Great...so when will they come out with this program??? No answers provided. Motor Trend vehicle my ass.. Don't believe everything that you see. Clearly the problems for this truck are going to start to mount. I plan on getting out of this truck if they cannot find a resolution to all the problems this truck has. There is no communication on when they plan on figuring this programming problem.

Update from Apr 29, 2015: Just want to point out that this is a 3.6L V6..options were not coming up right for description.

Update from Jul 22, 2015: Took my truck in for its second oil change and the 4 recalls. But I took it to another dealership so that I can get their opinion on the shifting problem. They said there is definitely a shifting problem and thought that the first place to start is to reset the control module. I have to now wait another 2,000 miles before we determine whether or not we should replace the control module or if there is something bigger wrong. At least this dealership did something after they recognized the problem instead of saying we need to wait for programming from GM. Keep you posted if this fixes the shifting.

Update from Sep 23, 2015: Took truck back to dealership because they reset the control module and told me to have it relearn my driving habits. Clearly the truck is not learning anything. It still shifts badly. Had to take mechanic for drive and was able to duplicate all the problems. He said at this time there is nothing he can do about it. He said I can buy an after-market kit to correct it, but that would void my warranty. He said that I will have to wait for Chevy to come out with a bulletin that there is an ECM calibration update....that is all he can do. HE felt bad for me and understood that the problem is serious. Just the other day I was in stop and go traffic and as I braked and then stepped on the gas, the transmission just sat there and then it lurched forward a the same time I had to brake because cars got between me and the original car I was following....almost hit the car. Surely I will get in an accident because of this slow transmission that is always in the wrong gear. Currently, I am at 6,500 miles on my truck and have been having this problem for almost a year now. They have to get their act together and fix this before there are accidents because of it.

- ralbee, Rochester, NY, US

problem #1

Feb 052015

Colorado Z71 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles

My mistake was not taking this for a test drive. Instead I pre-ordered it and it took four months to get it. Now I'm completely unsatisfied with the transmission. Everything else is great on the truck. But when you boast it has 305hp and you get in this truck and step on the gas, it's a kick to the face. I had to open the hood and make sure it was a V6 that I ordered and didn't get the 4 cylinder. I am sure the sluggish and horrible transmission shifting is GM's way of saving gas, but it is a joke.

I stand up for Chevy and I won't dare let anyone else drive it because it's embarrassing. It always feels like it's in a gear or two higher than it's suppose to be. SO around 1000-1500 RPMs, it starts chugging like someone doesn't know how to drive stick and feels like it is about to stall out. One time my wife asked me if we were breaking down and was worried the truck was broke. I am worried about towing anything uphill with the way it chugs with an empty bed and no trailer.

If this is to save on gas mileage it makes no sense. First off it gets horrible gas mileage as it is. A full size pickup with a V8 gets comparable gas mileage. How can GM not make a midsize truck with, lets say, 30mpg with a V6? To GM: Please fix the shifting issues. I know everyone else is fed up with it as well. This is a great truck otherwise.

Update from Jul 8, 2015: My truck is currently sitting at about 6200 miles and this problem is still an issue. Took it in to the dealer for the first oil change and tire rotation yesterday and told them about this transmission issue. They looked into it and took it for a test drive and told me they couldn't find anything wrong with it and told me it just takes it a few seconds to downshift and kick in. I have never experienced this with any other vehicles. If I waited for it to finally downshift before accelerating then I would most likely get rear ended. If this transmission is supposed to adapt to my driving habits then it is a slow adapter. I asked the dealer if there was a software update for the transmission and they said they checked and there were none. Still waiting for a fix.

Update from Oct 5, 2015: Here I am at 10,500 miles and believe it or not, the transmission is still the same POS. Very irritating that I regret my purchase everyday that I drive it. Even more irritating that GM has done nothing for this issue. I don't believe that I am going to own this truck for very long. If anyone finds a fix to this very serious issue please share it asap.

- nnyfan, Canton, NY, US