YearToAvoid

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

67/100

#6 most-complained of 16 Colorado years

The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado has a Complaint Index of 67 and ranks 6th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Transmission & Powertrain issues make up 50% of its 216 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 19,175 miles.

Complaints
216
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
20.5
19 city / 24.5 hwy

Top 2017 Chevrolet Colorado problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain107 (50%)
  2. Electrical System43 (20%)
  3. Engine31 (14%)
  4. Other24 (11%)
  5. Steering19 (9%)
  6. Fuel System16 (7%)
  7. Brakes15 (7%)
  8. Airbags9 (4%)
  9. Seat Belts7 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (2%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the 8-speed transmission slipping suddenly while cornering, causing the truck to stop abruptly and forcing other drivers to swerve.
  • Some describe the engine revving out of control right after a transmission slip resolves, leading to loss of control.
  • Owners report no clear dashboard indicator for 4-wheel-drive engagement, with only a small LED on the knob partially hidden by the steering wheel.
  • Some report oil leaking from the front right axle area, discovered as fresh fluid pooling under the parked truck.
  • Owners describe airbag and seat belt warning lights illuminating unexpectedly even with seat belts properly latched.
  • Some report a dash-mounted computer module detaching and resting on the accelerator pedal, blocking access to both pedals.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado complaints: complaints filed per quarter172017 Q32018 Q42020 Q12021 Q22022 Q32023 Q42025 Q22026 Q3
281 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2020 Q3 (17).

2017 Chevrolet Colorado recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V358000May 31, 2018Fuel System895 vehicles

    Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

    General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

    Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

    Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

2017 Chevrolet Colorado fuel economy and fuel cost

City
19 MPG
Highway
24.5 MPG
Combined
20.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,575
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Colorado years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Avoid93491721
2016Avoid100707421.5
2017Caution67216120.5
2018Caution60183120.5
2019Caution73150020.5

All Chevrolet Colorado years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
NHTSA data gives the 2017 Colorado a Complaint Index of 67, ranking 6th worst among 16 model years, which earns a Caution verdict relative to other Colorado years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 50% of the 216 complaints filed, with a median failure mileage of 19,175 miles.
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 18V358000) covering the fuel system, involving replacement of the high pressure fuel pump and fuel pipe.
Which Chevrolet Colorado years should I avoid?
Based on NHTSA complaint data, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 carry an Avoid verdict, with 2016 having the highest Complaint Index at 100.
How does the 2017 Colorado compare to the 2018 model?
The 2018 Colorado has a lower Complaint Index of 60 and 183 complaints versus the 2017's 67 index and 216 complaints, though both carry a Caution verdict.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.