CHEVROLET Complaints

My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 cannot receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates because the gateway module is still running outdated firmware (XXX.mnf). General Motors issued Service Update XXX to correct this defect by performing a vehicle-wide programming update. However, GM’s system incorrectly shows the bulletin as “closed” for my VIN even though the gateway module was never updated. The truck was sold to me by Tyrell Chevrolet in [XXX] with this safety-related service update not completed properly. The dealership has confirmed they cannot perform the required update because GM’s system will not authorize it until the bulletin is reopened. GM corporate has been contacted multiple times, but after several days they have not reopened the bulletin or provided a resolution. Because the gateway module remains on outdated firmware, the vehicle cannot receive critical OTA updates related to safety, diagnostics, and module stability. This condition has been reported by other 2023 Colorado owners and has previously been associated with battery-drain issues caused by software modules failing to sleep properly. GM has acknowledged the defect by issuing Service Update XXX, but they are refusing to reopen the update for my VIN despite the incomplete firmware and the vehicle’s inability to receive OTA updates. I am filing this complaint so the defect and GM’s refusal to correct it are formally documented. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Upon purchasing a used 2023 Silverado, on the first night of ownership, I found the headlight on the passenger side to be defective. The high beams activated approximately a full second slower than the driver's side. It took me a few days to confirm what I was seeing, where I immediately reached out to help from the Chevy dealership it was purchased from. After back and forth, the dealership refused to fix this saftey item as it was "still operational just not 100%" or something to that affect (not a direct quote). The extended warranty company doesn't typically cover headlight housing. The dealership locally says both headlights need replacement. Chevy Corp is involved, under claim 104164057. I've brought to their attention that I have found several reports of this defect online for similar vehicles and model year. My contention is that, particularly due to being the passenger side, this malfunction could lead to accidents and collisions due to distraction of troubleshooting, and the delay of lighting on the side where animals and night hazards typically come from. I've read online reports of these headlights may take up to 3 seconds between sides to both activate, with one side running slower than the other, and eventual failure where the switching mechanism will get stuck. A Chevy dealer confirmed the defect and recommended replacement of both headlights, at my cost, for approximately $4000. Chevy is still investigating and trying to find a conclusion with the dealership, but I contest that I have malfunctioning saftey equipment that could lead to harm or injury, and at the moment, both dealer and manufacturer have been unwilling to resolve the issue. The failure occurs both in auto-headlight and manual modes.

The contact owns a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced hard shifting. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was examined, and the contact was informed that the transmission or the transmission valve body had failed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined, and the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in an extended warranty coverage related to the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

While driving my 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM), the engine developed an internal valvetrain failure resulting in misfires, rough running, and reduced engine performance. The vehicle was diagnosed by a Chevrolet dealership as having failed lifters associated with the DFM system, requiring major engine repairs and replacement of internal engine components. The failure occurred at approximately 81,000 miles and resulted in the vehicle entering a reduced performance condition, creating a potential safety concern when merging, accelerating, or operating in traffic due to the inability to maintain normal vehicle speed and power. The vehicle was inspected and repaired by an authorized Chevrolet dealer. Research shows numerous similar reports from owners of GM 5.3L and 6.2L engines equipped with Active Fuel Management (AFM) and Dynamic Fuel Management (DFM) systems involving lifter and valvetrain failures.

Dear Sir or Madam, I am submitting this complaint to request that the Federal Trade Commission investigate General Motors (Chevrolet) regarding what appears to be a known engine defect affecting the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado and the company's handling of this issue. I own a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado. In September 2025, when my truck had only 45,494 miles, I experienced an engine misfire consistent with a defect that has been widely reported by other owners. Through my research, I discovered that General Motors was aware of this issue and, rather than correcting the underlying mechanical defect, reportedly issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) instructing dealerships to reprogram the Engine Control Module (ECM) to reduce or mask the symptoms instead of permanently repairing the root cause. Now, less than one year later, my truck is experiencing the same engine problems again. Although my vehicle has relatively low mileage, it is no longer covered under the factory warranty because of its age rather than its mileage. When I contacted Chevrolet Customer Assistance, I was advised to work with my local dealership to determine whether I might qualify for a "goodwill" repair. I do not believe it is fair for consumers to rely on discretionary goodwill assistance when the manufacturer was allegedly aware of a design defect before or during the time these vehicles were sold. Based on my research, properly repairing the underlying cause of this engine failure can cost as much as $15,000. Consumers should not be expected to bear the financial burden of repairing a defect that the manufacturer allegedly knew existed but failed to adequately correct. I respectfully request that the FTC investigate whether General Motors engaged in unfair or deceptive business practices by: Continuing to market and sell vehicles with a known engine defect. Addressing customer complaints with software reprogramming rather than permanently correcting the underlying mechanical issue. Failing

I'm having an issue with the airbag light keep coming on when I drive at times not safe.

Transmission has been slipping since the day I bought the car in 2023 approximately at 90,000 miles, I have been keeping up with the manufactured recommendations on the transmission and march of 2026 I went to move the passenger seat and it no longer moves

3 times during rainy weather my backup camera would display an odd view. The screen would malfunction and turn off. The radio wouldn't work. Climate control wouldn't work. The first time I pulled the fuse and put it back. Other times I turned off the screen for a while. It has returned to working all 3 times.

While driving downhill nearing a stop sign my wife went to apply the brakes to stop and all she had was an extremely hard brake pedal. She panicked that she “no brakes.” She was only going about 20 MPH, and was able to stop the vehicle but it took an extraordinary amount of effort to do so. Had she had to make a sudden stop for a child, another person, or something else, she would not have been able to stop without negative consequences including possible death. There were no warning signs, vehicle pulled out of driveway and brakes were normal. Less than 10 seconds later no more power brakes. The vehicle had the vacuum pump seize which eliminated the power boost and the pump is operated by the exhaust camshaft which also got damaged and needs replaced. Chevy dealership estimated the repair at $2,600. Upon researching the vacuum pump, this is a common failure on multiple GM vehicles resulting in sudden brake loss. The vacuum pump should have been designed with a shear pin, so that if it fails the camshaft does not get damaged. Had the vacuum pump been properly designed and it was the only failing part, the repair cost would be $500 versus $2,600. Also, there should have been a temporary backup system so you would not lose power boost.

While attempting to enter a high-speed expressway, the transmission malfunctioned, preventing normal acceleration. The vehicle could only accelerate very slowly but managed to maintain a limited speed, creating a hazardous situation while trying to merge into fast-moving traffic. I was able to navigate the vehicle off the expressway, at which point the transmission completely failed and the vehicle died. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership service center, where technicians diagnosed a total internal failure of the CVT transmission requiring complete replacement. Mind you, the vehicle is under 6 years old and has fewer than 90,000 total miles, and this is the second time the transmission on this vehicle has suffered a total failure and required a complete replacement. Prior to this mechanical breakdown, there were no warning lights, abnormal symptoms, or performance issues indicating an impending transmission failure. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.