Chevrolet Colorado Reliability and Common Problems

If you’re looking for a pickup that’s ready to take on tough roads, the Chevy Colorado is the perfect truck for you. Aside from being a next-level adventure machine, it also has an average resale price of $36,777 according to CarEdge.com, maintaining a residual value of 18% after five years. It is also reported to have decent gas mileage and average ownership costs, making it one of the most economical pickups to maintain.

How Reliable Is a Chevy Colorado?

RepairPal gives the Chevy Colorado a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it fourth out of seven midsize trucks. The annual repair and maintenance cost for this model is estimated to be $600, which is $50 more compared to other midsize trucks. Most Colorado owners bring in their trucks for unscheduled repairs at an average of 0.2 times a year with a 13% probability of having a severe problem.

J.D. Power has also given the 2017-2021 Colorado model years above-average reliability and quality scores. The 2021 model received an 81 out of 100 and ranked second out of six midsize trucks.

Common Chevrolet Colorado Problems

As reliable as Chevrolet trucks are, the Colorado may develop problems that could affect its drivability and safety. Let’s take a look at some of the most common Chevy Colorado issues found across different model years:

Transmission and Drivetrain Problems

Many owners of the 2019 Colorado redesign have complained of delayed transmission shifting. Drivers report that their trucks would take about three seconds before they would go into gear.

There have also been reports of slipping transmissions, which may be caused by worn-out internal components. Friction between parts like the clutch packs may also produce metal shavings and contaminate the transmission fluid.

Some units of the 2018 Chevy Colorado have also had their share of transmission problems like shuddering and excessive vibration at certain speeds. Flushing and replacing the transmission fluid or getting a new torque converter appeared to solve the issue in some vehicles. Unfortunately, others report experiencing the same issues after a few weeks.

Other problems reported for this model year include a vibrating drivetrain, which may be caused by a bent driveshaft, worn-out CV or universal joints, or a damaged engine or transmission mount.

Engine Misfire

Engine misfire has been a common problem found in many 2004-2009 and 2016 Colorados. Owners of affected model years report that their engine would stall intermittently due to worn-out valve seats. These vehicles are more likely to fail their emissions tests as well.

Many factors may cause an engine to misfire. Some of these include damaged or worn-out spark plugs, faulty ignition coils, and vacuum leaks.

Loss of Power Steering

Loss of power steering has been a commonly reported 2015 Chevy Colorado problem. Some owners of this model year have complained about having illuminated service power steering and StabiliTrak warning lights before losing steering control.

Several factors may lead to power steering problems, such as contaminated power steering fluid, low fluid levels, and damaged belts and power steering pumps. If you suspect a steering issue with your truck, make sure to get it checked by a licensed mechanic for an accurate diagnosis.

Key Stuck in Ignition

Owners of some units of the 2015 Chevy Colorado have complained about difficulty getting their keys out of the ignition. The key may get stuck because of a locked steering wheel, key debris, a dead battery, or a damaged ignition cylinder, among others.

Soft Brake Pedal

Many 2012 Chevy Colorados have been known to suffer from braking problems. Drivers report that their brake pedal feels spongy and needs to be pumped to bring their vehicle to a complete stop.

Damage or air in the brake lines, leaking brake calipers, worn master cylinders or brake shoes, and a malfunctioning ABS hydraulic assembly are some of the most common causes of a spongy brake pedal.

Fuel Level Sensor Failure

Some owners of the 2004-2012 Colorado redesigns have reported about their trucks running out of gas at an alarming rate. Some also noticed that their fuel gauges had stopped working, which prevented them from knowing whether or not their trucks had enough fuel.

According to their mechanics, the erratic fuel gauge operation in the affected pickups may have been caused by a faulty fuel level sensor. Replacing this part can cost anywhere between $50 and $100 plus labor costs.

Malfunctioning A/C Blower

Many owners of the 2004-2010 and 2012 Colorado redesigns have complained of a malfunctioning A/C blower, which would only function at certain speeds or not work at all. These problems were caused by a faulty blower motor resistor block, which can cost anywhere between $15 and $60 to replace plus labor costs.

Keep in mind that even a pickup as reliable as the Chevy Colorado is bound to have problems as it racks up mileage. But by familiarizing yourself with the model’s most common issues and staying on top of its repair and maintenance, you’ll be able to prevent premature wear on its parts and keep it running for a long time.

How to Get Quality Replacement Parts For Your Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado line is built for off-road trails, with many of its models receiving above-average reliability ratings. Unfortunately, even with its tough build, it has a number of common issues to look out for. Some of these, like the transmission and drivetrain problems, can make driving your Chevrolet Colorado more difficult. That’s why if you need to replace any parts, it’s best to do so as soon as possible. Thankfully, CarParts.com is here to help.

The CarParts.com catalog can be set to show parts guaranteed to fit your Chevrolet Colorado’s specific model year, making it a great place to start looking for replacement parts. With its easy-to-navigate website and wide range of quality aftermarket parts, CarParts.com offers convenience coupled with security. Our 60-day return policy and price match guarantee are in place to help you order with confidence.

Place your order on CarParts.com today for a new torque converter or other parts for your Chevrolet Colorado.