2016 Chevrolet Colorado: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado ranged from $20,100 to $28,515 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/colorado
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-colorado-reliability-and-common-probl…
Known issues
-
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.
widespread · 576 NHTSA complaints · typically 56k–199k miles · steering
-
Some 3.6L V6 trucks develop engine misfire and intermittent stalling attributed to worn valve seats.
occasional · 10 NHTSA complaints · engine
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $20,100 | $32,400 | 2.5L 4-cyl (200 hp) | 22 |
| WT | $22,435 | $32,400 | 2.5L 4-cyl (200 hp) | 22 |
| LT | $25,980 | $36,000 | 2.5L 4-cyl (200 hp) | 22 |
| Z71 | $28,515 | $44,600 | 3.6L V6 (305 hp) | 21 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (4)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2016-chevrolet-colorado-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/36590
- online.carshttps://www.online.cars/blog/get-to-know-the-second-generation-chevy-colorado…
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/36591
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($20,100). Higher trims started higher (up to $28,515), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $1,000–1,100/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 22 MPG) | ≈ $1,745/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/maintenance
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
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.
How much did the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado cost new?
Between $20,100 and $28,515 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Chevrolet Colorado expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,000–1,100/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.