Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Common problems: Transmission problems, structural problems, steering problems, and electrical system issues. One recall has been issued for the 2018 Chevy Colorado and involves the poor attachment of the high-pressure fuel pump to the fuel line. This recall, NHTSA number 18V-358, impacted a very small number of vehicles (895 total).
When buying a pickup truck, safety and reliability are usually big factors that consumers consider. Before purchasing the vehicle, many consumers do research to determine which vehicle would be best for them. However, there is a lot of information available online, and it can quickly become confusing if you don’t know where to look.
In this article, we will be going over the most commonly reported problems with the 2018 Chevy Colorado as well as how you can use the lemon law in your state to be compensated for purchasing a defective vehicle.
Common 2018 Chevy Colorado Problems
- Transmission Problems: Sudden loss of power, hard shifting, gear slippage, shuddering while driving, surging forward
- Structural Problems: Doors getting stuck or refusing to open, key getting stuck in ignition, hood not secured properly, windows causing vibration
- Steering Problems: Power steering goes out, steering getting stuck
- Electrical System Issues: Infotainment system freezes, various infotainment system errors, faulty sensor readings, rearview camera not working properly
2018 Chevy Colorado Transmission Problems
Transmission problems impact the driver’s ability to properly manage the speed of a vehicle and can therefore be very dangerous if they are present.
Without a functioning transmission, or with a malfunctioning one, consumers may find themselves unable to prevent their vehicle from slowing down or speeding up. This makes the vehicle unpredictable for both the driver and for others on the road.
In the 2018 Chevy Colorado specifically, consumers mention the transmission suddenly losing power, shifting hard, slipping between gears, causing shuddering while driving, and surging forward while accelerating. Transmission problems are often serious: treat them seriously by taking them to a mechanic once discovered.
2018 Chevy Colorado Structural Problems
Consumers also described a handful of structural problems with the 2018 Chevy Colorado that may not necessarily be dangerous but are nevertheless frustrating.
The first common problem was the doors getting stuck or refusing to open. This kind of defect could be dangerous if it prevents passengers from being able to exit the vehicle quickly. Next was the key getting stuck in the ignition, which consumers reported very frequently.
This is a significant annoyance, but also is unlikely to be dangerous. Consumers also mentioned the hood flapping up while driving and the windows causing vibration when opened.
Both of these could be dangerous, as the hood could obscure the driver’s view of the road and the vibration could distract the driver or make them believe something else is wrong with the vehicle.
2018 Chevy Colorado Electrical System Issues
Most cars that have advanced electronic systems in them will experience some minor problems with those systems, and the 2018 Chevy Colorado is no different.
Consumers reported the infotainment system having various issues, such as freezing or randomly changing radio stations and volume, as well as the backup cameras not working properly. These are both fairly common problems for cars to run into and can often be fixed through authorized dealer-provided software updates.
What 2018 Colorado Owners Experience
“The key will not come out of the ignition when the vehicle is in park. This presents a safety issue where the driver cannot leave the vehicle because the key is stuck in the ignition. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer and found to be a faulty transmission control assembly. The faulty transmission control assembly has now been replaced twice on my vehicle, once at 19,000 miles and again at 33,000 miles. There were not any warnings or messages, just one day the key won’t come out of the ignition.”
“Transmission shutter at 56k. Had Transmission fluid flushed. GM refused to pay stating it’s maintenance., yet the owners manual stats flush at 72k. They are aware of the problem but refuse to stand behind it. Cost me $ 694 for the flush. Oh ya, the fluid that was installed from the factory is the reason it had to be flushed. It’s replaced with a different fluid that is supposed to fix the shutter. No more General Motors products for me. They are junk.”
“Electrical problems with Chevrolet Mylink display. A variety of errors include backup camera flashing on at highway speeds, hands free phone calls put on hold, navigation screen flashing random inaccurate destinations. These distractions impair safe operation of the vehicle. Dealer verified issues but could not perform diagnostics on a timely basis. Issues continue.”
How the Lemon Law Can Help with Your Chevy Colorado Issues
The lemon law is a regulation aimed at protecting consumers who have purchased or leased defective vehicles that are subject to repeat repairs during the manufacturer’s original warranty. This legislation provides affected consumers with the ability to get a refund or replacement vehicle.
In California, if the consumer prevails in their case, the attorney’s fees and costs are paid for by the defendant, ensuring the process incurs no personal cost to the consumer.
The lemon law process kicks off when a vehicle owner detects a defect. The next step for the consumer is to take the defective vehicle to an authorized manufacturer dealer for inspection and repair.
Lemon law claims hinge on a reasonable number of repair attempts for the same defect. Additionally, a vehicle that remains out of service for 30 days or more due to repairs may also classified as a lemon.
Once a vehicle is deemed a lemon based on the number of repair attempts or the length of time it is out of use, the manufacturer should offer the consumer a refund or a replacement vehicle.
Hiring an attorney to help the consumer navigate the lemon law process is recommended. Experienced lemon law attorneys in state lemon laws and can help organize necessary documents and evidence, communicate effectively with the manufacturer, represent the consumer in legal proceedings, and ensure the consumer receives the maximum possible compensation.
Following successful negotiations or a favorable court decision, the consumer is entitled to either a refund or a replacement vehicle. A refund covers the reimbursement of all expenses related to the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and interest, and may also compensate for incidental costs such as rental car fees or registration renewal fees.
An attorney can help ensure these additional expenses are included in the compensation. Alternatively, a replacement vehicle will be of a similar make and model to the defective one, often a current-year model. Consumer should know that they will be responsible for any difference in price with a replacement vehicle.
The Lemon Law Experts Have Your Back
Even though bringing a lawsuit against a manufacturer can be scary, you deserve to have your rights as a consumer protected. That’s why the Lemon Law Experts have been working with consumers like you since 2009 to ensure they are compensated and protected by the law. Our team of diligent attorneys would love to represent and work with you.
If you are planning on bringing a lemon law claim, don’t wait to contact us today! Lemon law claims can be time sensitive, and the last thing you want is to miss out because you missed a deadline. For a free case evaluation, call (877) 885-5366 or fill out a form on our website!
