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They sure don’t build them like they used to.
That’s what Dallas Tomlinson, a member of the Chevy Colorado/Silverado trucks group Facebook page, is thinking. He’s not alone in his experience.
“I just got an upgrade after 14 years of driving my 2011 Chevy Colorado Boss, and I gave it to my son. I bought a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado six weeks ago and put 2,000 miles on it. I’ve already found these problems:”
- • the windshield cowl gap problem
- • brakes squeak in reverse
- • check engine light came on this morning (my code reader doesn’t read it)
- • and the phone charge pad doesn’t work.
“My 2024 Colorado has 17,000 miles on it. Does anyone else think that’s a lot of shit for a nearly new car? My 2011 Colorado BOSS never had any problems. I’m literally on the verge of getting rid of it, or am I being dramatic? “I want my old truck back.”
“I have the regular 2.7 turbo. I only noticed on the way home that it didn’t have as much punch. I thought all the 2.7’s were the same. I can say I’m bummed a little. I love the truck because it’s way advanced compared to my old one.”
New Truck Blues
When a new vehicle purchase turns from a moment of excitement into a source of frustration, the feeling can be jarring. For Dallas, his story paints a familiar picture of the “new truck blues.”
Having upgraded from a rock-solid 2011 Chevy Colorado Boss, his six-week-old 2024 Chevrolet Colorado has already presented a series of concerning issues: a windshield cowl gap, squeaking brakes, a non-functional wireless charger, and a check engine light at just 2,000 miles. He asks a question many new truck buyers grapple with: “Did I make the right decision?”
In this report, I’ll explore these specific problems, provide meaningful content and actionable insights into their causes, and offer practical takeaways for anyone considering a new generation Colorado. We’ll delve into the reported defects and address the key question of whether the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is a reliable truck.
The Windshield Cowl and Squealing Brakes
The first issue, the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado windshield cowl gap problem, is a known concern within the online owner community. The windshield cowl is the plastic trim piece located at the base of the windshield. Many owners of the 2023-2024 Colorado and its sibling, the GMC Canyon, have reported that it can pop loose or bend when the hood is opened. This is often caused by the hood support arms pressing against the plastic trim, a minor but noticeable manufacturing oversight.
General Motors has acknowledged the issue and, in many cases, dealers are replacing the part with a revised, redesigned piece under warranty that offers greater clearance. The practical takeaway here is to document the problem with a photo and contact your dealer to arrange for the part to be replaced at no cost.
The second issue on Dallas’s list—brakes squeaking in reverse—is often less severe than it sounds, especially for a new vehicle. While it may be disconcerting, the 2024 Chevy Colorado brake squeaking in reverse is a common phenomenon.
A combination of factors typically causes the sound:
Moisture that has collected on the brake rotors overnight, a light dusting of rust on the rotors (which is quickly worn away after a few forward stops), or a small amount of dust and debris trapped between the brake pad and rotor. This is generally considered normal, especially in cold or humid weather.
Actionable insight: Pay attention to whether the squeaking is consistent in forward motion. If it is, or if you feel a pulsation in the pedal, it may indicate a deeper issue, such as a warped rotor or worn pads. Otherwise, this is usually just a minor inconvenience that will resolve itself with everyday driving.
The Check Engine Light and Wireless Charging Glitches
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For many drivers, nothing instills more dread than the check engine light illuminating on the dashboard, especially in a nearly new vehicle. Dallas noted that his “regular” code reader couldn’t read the code, which is a key insight.
Modern vehicles often use proprietary codes that require a more advanced diagnostic tool or specialized dealer equipment to interpret. While it’s impossible to diagnose the exact cause without the code, the online forums and service bulletins for the 2.7L turbo engine point to several potential issues. For example, some early models have reported issues with the fuel injectors or a sensor, which can trigger a code and, in some cases, result in a noticeable loss of power.
“Why is my check engine light on in my new 2024 Chevy Colorado?” is a highly searched question for a reason. While this could be a minor sensor fault, it could also be a symptom of a more significant problem. The most crucial practical takeaway is to schedule a service appointment with a GM dealer as soon as possible. Since the vehicle is under warranty, any necessary repairs will be handled by the Chevrolet dealer. Do not ignore the light, even if the truck seems to be driving fine.
The final complaint, the non-working phone charging pad, is a common electronic gremlin across many new vehicles. The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado wireless charging pad not working fix can be as simple as user error. Factors such as phone cases, improper placement of the phone on the pad, or the presence of a metal object on the phone can prevent the pad from functioning correctly.
Actionable insights: First, remove your phone case and ensure the phone is placed perfectly flat on the pad. If that doesn’t work, try turning the truck on and off, or check for any software updates from your dealer. If the problem persists, it may be a faulty charging module, which should also be addressed under warranty. While frustrating, this is typically a straightforward issue for the dealer to resolve.
The Engine Question: 2.7L Turbo Engine Variations Explained.
Dallas’s post took a turn when he noticed his truck “didn’t have as much punch” as he expected. This leads to a critical point about the new Colorado’s engine lineup. His assumption that all 2.7L turbos were the same is a common misconception, and it directly answers his question about the truck’s performance.
General Motors offers three distinct power levels of the 2.7-liter engine. The base engine, referred to simply as the 2.7L Turbo, is standard on the WT and LT trims, producing 237 horsepower and 259 lb-ft of torque. The next step up is the 2.7L Turbo Plus, which offers a significant bump to 310 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. Finally, the range-topping 2.7L Turbo High-Output (or TurboMax) is also rated at 310 horsepower but boasts a class-leading 430 lb-ft of torque.
“Chevrolet Colorado 2.7L turbo vs turbo plus engine differences” is crucial for anyone researching these trucks. Dallas likely purchased the base model, which has significantly less horsepower and torque than the more powerful versions found on higher trims, such as the Z71 or Trail Boss.
This explains his feeling of a lack of “punch,” which is not a defect, but a product of the specific trim he purchased. It’s a vital takeaway for new buyers to verify the exact engine specifications of the truck they are considering, as this can drastically change the driving experience.
A Final Takeaway for Truck Owners
While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by these issues, Dallas is not being dramatic. The sentiment that a new vehicle with a handful of problems at just 2,000 miles is disappointing is entirely valid, especially when compared to a 14-year-old vehicle that was highly reliable. These common problems with the new generation 2024 Chevrolet Colorado highlight the difference between new technology and a proven, older platform. Modern vehicles are complex machines with dozens of electronic modules and sensors, which can be prone to teething issues in the early stages of a new model’s life cycle.
The frustration is understandable, but the good news is that these issues are the kind that the factory warranty is designed to cover. The question, “Is the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado a reliable truck”? is still being answered. Still, early reports from forums and service bulletins suggest that while some new-generation models have had minor to moderate issues, the vast majority are solid performers. The key is to leverage the warranty and have the dealer address every problem you find.
It’s Your Turn
With a reliable old truck in the rearview and a new one full of surprises, what’s your take: are these “new truck blues” just a regular part of modern vehicle ownership, or a sign that something has been lost in the pursuit of advanced technology?
Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my 2025 Chevrolet Colorado story: 6 Weeks Ago I Bought a 2025 Chevy Colorado ZR2, and I Liked It So Much I Bought My Wife a 2025 Colorado Z71, These Trucks Are Amazing
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Dallas Tomlinson
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Source: torquenews.com
