Chevrolet Colorado: best & worst years

Here is every Chevrolet Colorado model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every Chevrolet Colorado year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Caution 6 The automatic emergency braking and forward-collision system activates unexpectedly with no obstacle present, causing sudden deceleration at speed and a rear-collision risk.; Sudden loss of motive power and transmission limp-mode in the 8-speed automatic, with total acceleration failure reported between roughly 39,000 and 52,000 miles.; Brake pedal sinks to the floor or becomes unresponsive, in some cases at very low mileage, with at least one crash and injury reported. Full report ↗
2023 Caution 6 The automatic emergency braking and forward-collision system activates unexpectedly with no obstacle present, causing sudden deceleration at speed and a rear-collision risk.; Sudden loss of motive power and transmission limp-mode in the 8-speed automatic, with total acceleration failure reported between roughly 39,000 and 52,000 miles.; Brake pedal sinks to the floor or becomes unresponsive, in some cases at very low mileage, with at least one crash and injury reported. Full report ↗
2022 Caution 6 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.; Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 6 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.; Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 5 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D). Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Electric power-steering assist fails suddenly with Service Power Steering and StabiliTrak warnings, leaving the wheel very heavy to turn; traced to the torque-sensor assembly. Recall 21V213000 covered 2015 but many 2016 VINs were excluded.; Some 3.6L V6 trucks develop engine misfire and intermittent stalling attributed to worn valve seats. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 5 Electric power-steering assist fails suddenly with Service Power Steering and StabiliTrak warnings, leaving the wheel very heavy to turn; traced to the torque-sensor assembly. Recall 21V213000 covered 2015 but many 2016 VINs were excluded. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard. Full report ↗
2005 Caution 5 Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.; Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.; Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard. Full report ↗

Chevrolet Colorado problems by year

2024 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

All-new and Motor Trend Truck of the Year, the 2024 Colorado pairs a strong 2.7L turbo and big towing with strong reviews, but first-year radiator-hose leaks, false AEB activation and brake complaints warrant a careful inspection.

  • The automatic emergency braking and forward-collision system activates unexpectedly with no obstacle present, causing sudden deceleration at speed and a rear-collision risk.
  • Sudden loss of motive power and transmission limp-mode in the 8-speed automatic, with total acceleration failure reported between roughly 39,000 and 52,000 miles.
  • Brake pedal sinks to the floor or becomes unresponsive, in some cases at very low mileage, with at least one crash and injury reported.

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The 2023 redesign drives well and tows hard on its new turbo-four, but as the launch year it carries the most teething issues: frequent false forward-collision braking, upper-radiator-hose leaks and 8-speed power-loss reports.

  • The automatic emergency braking and forward-collision system activates unexpectedly with no obstacle present, causing sudden deceleration at speed and a rear-collision risk.
  • Sudden loss of motive power and transmission limp-mode in the 8-speed automatic, with total acceleration failure reported between roughly 39,000 and 52,000 miles.
  • Brake pedal sinks to the floor or becomes unresponsive, in some cases at very low mileage, with at least one crash and injury reported.

2022 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The final gen-2 Colorado is the most mature: lowest complaint volume and above-average reliability ratings. Watch for the lingering 8-speed shudder, brake-vacuum-pump failures and stuck-key defect, but a well-kept 2022 is among the better used picks.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A high point for the generation, J.D. Power rated the 2021 Colorado near the top of the midsize class and complaint volume is low. Recurring brake-vacuum-pump and stuck-ignition-key issues are the main asterisks.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2020 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A refined, capable midsize truck with the 8-speed shudder less prominent than earlier years; brake-vacuum-pump failures and power-steering-connector corrosion are the items to check on the 2020 Colorado.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

Well-regarded for ride and towing with above-average J.D. Power quality, the 2019 Colorado still draws transmission-shudder and power-steering complaints; inspect transmission behavior and service history.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2018 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The 2018 Colorado is a capable, comfortable midsize truck but the 8-speed automatic shudder (TSB 18-NA-355) is its defining complaint, alongside stuck-ignition-key and power-steering reports.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2017 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The first year of the 8-speed automatic brought the heaviest transmission-shudder complaint volume, plus engine-wiring-harness chafing and stuck-key issues; otherwise a well-rounded 2017 midsize truck.

  • Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
  • The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
  • Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).

2016 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A class-leading drive let down by reliability: the 2016 Colorado saw a flood of electric power-steering failures that were largely excluded from the 2015 recall, plus some V6 valve-seat misfires.

  • Electric power-steering assist fails suddenly with Service Power Steering and StabiliTrak warnings, leaving the wheel very heavy to turn; traced to the torque-sensor assembly. Recall 21V213000 covered 2015 but many 2016 VINs were excluded.
  • Some 3.6L V6 trucks develop engine misfire and intermittent stalling attributed to worn valve seats.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The reborn 2015 Colorado earned praise and Motor Trend Truck of the Year, but it was rated below-average for reliability, headlined by electric power-steering failures (recall 21V213000).

  • Electric power-steering assist fails suddenly with Service Power Steering and StabiliTrak warnings, leaving the wheel very heavy to turn; traced to the torque-sensor assembly. Recall 21V213000 covered 2015 but many 2016 VINs were excluded.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A simple, durable final-gen-1 Colorado with low complaint volume; the chronic Passlock no-start and extended-cab door-wiring airbag faults remain the watch items, along with frame rust in salt regions.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems.

2011 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

An aging but durable body-on-frame truck; the 2011 Colorado is mostly free of major mechanical defects beyond the well-known Passlock no-start and door-harness airbag wiring issues.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems.

2010 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A durable, simple midsize truck with low complaint volume; the 2010 Colorado shares the generation Passlock no-start and salt-belt frame-rust concerns but the 3.7L five and V8 are long-lived.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.
  • Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The 2009 Colorado adds a 5.3L V8 option to a durable lineup; the Passlock anti-theft no-start is its dominant complaint, with blower-motor fire and frame-rust reports to inspect.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.
  • Wiring harness in the extended-cab door breaks from repeated door cycling, triggering airbag and seat-belt-tensioner warning lights and disabling those systems.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A tough, basic work truck whose 2008 record is dominated by Passlock no-start, blower-motor-resistor fire risk and salt-belt frame corrosion; mechanically simple and long-lived if rust-free.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.

2007 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The 2007 Colorado gains the improved 3.7L five-cylinder that fixes the earlier valve-seat issue, but Passlock no-start, frame rust and brake-light-switch failures keep it a caution.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.

2006 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

A durable but flawed early Colorado: the 3.5L five-cylinder valve-seat/cylinder-head problem causes misfires, compounded by Passlock no-start and serious frame corrosion on salt-belt trucks.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.

2005 Chevrolet Colorado Caution

The launch-year 2005 Colorado is mechanically simple but carries the most complaints of the generation: frame rust, ABS and brake faults, blower-motor fire risk, Passlock no-start and 3.5L valve-seat issues.

  • Passlock/anti-theft system intermittently disables engine starting; owners must wait 10-15 minutes for it to reset before the truck will crank. A chronic, widespread GMT355-era complaint that GM never recalled.
  • Premature frame and rear-subframe rust, with owners reporting holes and structural failure on relatively low-mileage salt-belt trucks; can render the truck unsafe or a total loss.
  • Heater blower-motor resistor and connector overheat and melt, a documented fire hazard with flames reported at the floorboard.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Chevrolet models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.