Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado a bad year?
216 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 107, 11× a quiet Colorado year.
Keep it, but watch the transmission
Half of the transmission complaints for this year were filed at 11k–38k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 1 of 107 filed since 2016.
The verdict moves with mileage: the same car reads differently at 30,000 and at 150,000 miles.
What 2017 Colorado owners report, by mileage
Each system owners named in five or more complaints, with the mileage range where the middle half of those complaints were filed. Read at 20,000 miles.
| SYSTEM | COMPLAINTS | MIDDLE HALF FILED AT | TYPICAL US REPAIR BILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission and drivetrainSTANDS OUT | 107 (50%) | 11k–38k miles · around this mileage | CV axle / CV joint replacement (one side) $300–$1,500 · Automatic transmission replacement $2,500–$7,000 |
| Electrical systemSTANDS OUT | 41 (19%) | 16k–44k miles · around this mileage | 12-volt battery replacement $100–$400 · Starter motor replacement $350–$1,200 |
| Engine | 28 (13%) | 6k–50k miles · around this mileage | Valve cover gasket replacement $110–$500 · Timing chain replacement $1,000–$4,000 |
| Fuel system | 16 (7%) | 10k–62k miles · around this mileage | Fuel pump replacement $220–$1,500 · Fuel injector replacement (one injector) $300–$1,200 |
| Brakes | 12 (6%) | 8k–63k miles · around this mileage | Brake pad replacement (one axle) $115–$390 · Brake pads and rotors replacement (one axle) $200–$1,084 |
| Speed control | 6 (3%) | 5k–40k miles · around this mileage | — |
| Steering | 19 (9%) | 40k–101k miles · ahead | Steering rack and pinion replacement $700–$2,100 |
| Air bags | 9 (4%) | too few with a mileage | — |
| Seat belts | 7 (3%) | too few with a mileage | — |
Bills are typical US ranges from the sources named in the tool (J.D. Power, Kelley Blue Book, CarParts.com and others), printed only for systems that stand out or sit at or ahead of 20,000 miles. Not a quote.
What owners reported alongside their complaints
Of 216 complaints: 5 mention a crash · 4 report an injury · 10 say the car was towed.
16 complaints were filed in the last 12 months, the newest in Aug 2026.
Counts of what owners wrote in their complaints, not verified by anyone.
In owners' own words
Truck bogs down, looses power when taking off from a stop. Front tires feel like they are skipping even though truck is in 2 wheel drive especially up hill.
8-SPEED automatic transmission in indecisive when it comes to shifting between lower gears while driving. Transmission making clunking "Thud" Sound when shifting out of park and into reverse.
Shudder and slipping in the gears caused by bad fluid and torque converter.
Unedited excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, chosen by mileage (nearest 20,000 miles), not by content. Unverified.
Recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado: 1
The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line. A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
A recall may cover only some cars of a model year; the campaign size counts every model and year it lists. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls: dealers fix open recalls free.
Service bulletins from Chevrolet: 525
Repair instructions Chevrolet sent its dealers for symptoms seen in the shop on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. Ask a dealer or mechanic for a bulletin by its number.
Normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal…
Diagnostic aids for a no start or DTC'S following a transmission replacement
Transmission Adaptive Functions and Correcting Low Mileage Harsh Shifts, Slips, or Flares
Delayed engagement into drive, shudder at a launch, or the transmission is slipping when shifting into 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gears
Neighbouring years
2016 Colorado: 710 complaints, keep it · 2018 Colorado: 183 complaints, keep it, but watch the transmission.
Every Chevrolet Colorado year
2004 · 2005 · 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · 2026 · All Colorado years side by side
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Questions
Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado a bad year?
216 owner complaints to NHTSA. Transmission complaints: 107, 11× a quiet Colorado year. At 20,000 miles the tool says: Keep it, but watch the transmission. Half of the transmission complaints for this year were filed at 11k–38k miles, where you are now. Few of them say the car was towed: 1 of 107 filed since 2016.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
By owner complaints to NHTSA: transmission and drivetrain (107), electrical system (41), engine (28), fuel system (16), brakes (12). Half of the transmission complaints were filed between 11k–38k miles.
How many recalls does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado have?
1 recall campaign list this model year: Fuel system (NHTSA 18V-358). A recall may cover only some cars; check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Method: counts of unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA, compared only with other years of the same model (sales volumes are unknown, so no failure rate is computed). A system stands out at 40+ complaints and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share across every vehicle of that model year. The mileage range is the 25th to 75th percentile of the mileages owners reported. Data received by NHTSA through November 5, 2026. Repair prices are typical US ranges from named sources, not quotes. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Check this car at your own mileage.