Last Updated: October 2022
The 2017-2022 Chevy Colorado and the 2017-2022 GMC Canyon comes with a 2.5 liter 4 cylinder engine. This engine can either be upgraded to the 2.8 liter 4 cylinder DURAMAX turbo-diesel, or the 3.6 liter direct injection v-6, rated at 308 hp and 275 lb/ft of torque, coupled with a 6 speed manual transmission. Most Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks were purchased with the optional 8 speed automatic transmission. Starting in 2020, the 6 cylinder manual transmission was no longer available, leaving buyers to choose between a 6 speed automatic and the 8 speed automatic, depending on which engine choice was made. The GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado is known to have engine and transmission problems.
If you think that your GMC Canyon or Chevrolet Colorado may be a lemon, contact a lemon law attorney today. We will evaluate your case for you free of charge and if we take on your case, GM will pay for all of our attorney’s fees and costs so there is no cost to you for legal fees.
Common Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon Transmission Problems
Engine Revs but the truck does not move:
Your Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon may have problems that prevent the transmission from engaging. When you press the gas, the truck may rev but it does not immediately go into gear. This can be a result of a defective torque converter, low transmission fluid, contaminated transmission fluid from internal wear, or internal transmission system failure. Other issues may include worn axles, worn motor mounts, or worn CV Joints. Do not wait for the problem to get worse – bring your truck to the dealership immediately for warranty repairs.
The Transmission struggles to find a gear:
Your Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon may have problems selecting a gear or staying in gear. This could also be due to a transmission fluid leak, loss of communications to the TCM or computer. In some instances, this hard shifting may be accompanied by a burning smell and a humming noise coming from the transmission housing. This may be evidence of worn bearings, low transmission fluid quality, or worn internal gears. Please, bring the truck to the dealership immediately for repairs, save all correspondence with the dealership, and keep your repair documents in a safe place.
Torque Converter Shudder:
Your Chevrolet Colorado or GMC Canyon may be shuddering under light to moderate acceleration between 25 and 80 MPH while the transmission is holding a gear. This is due to the fact that the torque converter is not slipping as designed and instead is vibrating and shuddering. This may be misdiagnosed as wheel or tire vibration, driveshaft vibration, alignment issues, etc. The fix may be as simple as a transmission fluid flush or fill, but real damage may have already occurred, requiring a torque converter replacement, or transmission rebuild or replacement. Do not wait for the problem to get worse -bring your truck to the dealership immediately for warranty repairs.
Common Colorado and GMC Canyon DURAMAX turbo-Diesel Engine Problems
Check Engine light:
Your Check engine light may come on with or without an accompanying “reduced power warning.” This is most likely to occur while pulling a trailer or other heavy load while accelerating up a hill. Do not pull over and wait for the lights to turn out. Drive or tow your truck to the dealership immediately. This may be something as simple as a loose clamp or cracked hose, but it may be something more serious. Do not allow this scenario to occur over and over without taking the truck to the dealership. Bring your truck to the dealership immediately for warranty repairs.
Clogged Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve (EGR):
The DURAMAX EGR valve is exposed to high heat, and is thus subject to failure. Some symptoms may be Check engine light coming on, gas smell in the cabin, stalling while idling, poor performance and poor fuel economy. The fix could be as simple as cleaning or replacing your engine’s EGR valve, but could eventually lead to something much more serious. Do not ignore the problem. Bring your truck to the dealership immediately for warranty repairs.
Turbo Failure:
Chevrolet’s 2.8 Liter DURAMAX Turbo Diesel is a high revving, hard-working 4 cylinder engine. Even with proper maintenance, the turbo may fail during the warranty period. Signs your turbo may be failing, are 1.) loss of power, 2.) vacuum loss, 3.) quieter or low-pitched whining, 4.) Check engine light or other warning lights may be illuminated, 5.) increased smoke coming from the exhaust. Do not wait for the problem to get worse – bring your truck to the dealership immediately for warranty repairs.
Not sure whether your new, used or leased GMC Canyon or Chevy Colorado can be considered a lemon under the California Lemon Law?
We will evaluate your case for you free of charge and if we take on your case, GM will pay for all of our attorney’s fees and costs so there is no cost to you for legal fees.
The California Lemon Law Group works only with California residents.
