Chevy Colorado Years to Avoid: Complete Mechanic’s Guide

Okay so Ive been working on Chevy Colorados for probly like 14 years now maybe even longer I kinda lost track honestly and if theres one thing I can tell you its that not all Colorado model years are created equal trust me on this. Just last month I had this customer come in with a 2015 Colorado and the transmission was completly shot at only 68000 miles. Cost him like 4500 bucks for a rebuild. He was so mad cause he thought he was getting a reliable truck.

The Chevy Colorado has been around since 2004 and over the years Ive literaly worked on probly over 150 of these trucks maybe more. Some years are absolutley fantastic and will run forever if you take care of them. Other years especialy 2015 are just problem after problem after problem. Ive seen it all from engine misfires to transmission shudders to complete power steering failures.

So let me save you from making an expensive mistake. This guide is everything Ive learned from actualy working on these trucks every single day in my shop. Im gonna tell you exactly which years to avoid which years are the best to buy what common problems to watch for and how to spot a good Colorado from a bad one. This is real world experience not just stuff I read online.

What Makes the Chevy Colorado Different – My Take

The Chevy Colorado is Chevys mid-size pickup truck and its been competing with trucks like the Toyota Tacoma Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier for years now. Ive worked on all of them and honestly the Colorado when you get a good year is one of my favorite mid-size trucks to work on.

The Colorado has gone through three generations since 2004 and each generation has its own strengths and weaknesses. The first generation from 2004 to 2012 was pretty simple and straightforward. The second generation from 2015 to 2022 had way more technology but also way more problems especialy early on. The third generation started in 2023 and so far its looking pretty good but its stil too new to know for sure.

What I like about the Colorado is the size. Its not as huge as a Silverado but its stil got decent towing capacity and a usable bed. Ive had customers tow campers boats and trailers with these trucks and when theyre running right they do a great job. The problem is some years just dont run right no matter what you do.

Chevy Colorado Years to Avoid – The Complete List

Alright so heres the part everyone wants to know. After working on literaly hundreds of Colorados over 14 years these are the years I tell people to stay away from. Trust me Ive seen enough of these problems to know which years are trouble.

2004-2005 Colorado – Early First Generation Problems

These were the very first Colorados and man did they have issues. I remember when these first came out I was stil pretty new to working on trucks and I saw so many of these come in with problems.

Common Problems I Saw:

• Engine misfires like crazy especialy on the 5-cylinder models
• AC and heater systems failing all the time
• Check engine light that just wouldnt go away
• Worn out valve seats causing all kinds of engine issues

I had one customer with a 2004 Colorado and the check engine light was on literaly from the day he bought it used. We fixed one thing and another problem would pop up. He finaly got rid of it after spending like 3000 bucks in repairs in one year.

The 2005 wasnt much better honestly. Same engine problems same AC issues. If you see a 2004 or 2005 Colorado for sale even if its cheap I would just walk away. The repair costs will eat you alive.

2015 Colorado – The Absolute Worst Year

Okay so this is the big one. The 2015 Chevy Colorado is hands down the worst year Ive ever worked on and Ive probly seen like 30 of them come through my shop with major problems. This was the first year of the second generation and Chevy realy messed up.

Major Problems with 2015:

Transmission Issues: The 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2015 is a complete disaster. Ive seen these transmissions shudder vibrate slip and completly fail at super low mileage. One customer had transmission problems at only 35000 miles. The whole truck would shake when accelerating like you were driving over rumble strips.

I remember one lady came in and said her Colorado felt like it was gonna fall apart when she got on the highway. Turned out the transmission was slipping between gears. Dealer wanted 5200 bucks to replace it. She ended up trading the truck in at a huge loss.

Power Steering Loss: This is the scary one. Ive had multiple 2015 Colorados come in where the power steering just completly quit working while driving. One customer was turning into a parking lot and the steering wheel locked up on him. Super dangerous especialy at highway speeds.

The power steering system on the 2015 has some kind of electrical issue that causes it to just shut off. Ive seen it happen probly 15 times at least. Sometimes it comes back on sometimes it doesnt. Not worth the risk.

Engine Problems: On top of everything else the 2015 also had engine issues. Misfires rough idling check engine lights. The 4-cylinder engine especialy had problems with the valve seats wearing out just like the old 2004-2005 models.

If someone asks me should I buy a 2015 Colorado my answer is always no. Even if its cheap even if it looks good even if it has low miles. Just dont do it. Ive seen too many people get burned.

2016 Colorado – Still Problematic

The 2016 was a little better than 2015 but not by much honestly. Chevy tried to fix some of the transmission issues but they didnt realy solve the problem completly.

What I Saw with 2016:

• Transmission still had shuddering and vibration issues
• Not as many complete failures as 2015 but stil plenty of problems
• Engine misfires continued especialy on higher mileage trucks
• Some steering issues but not as bad as 2015

I worked on a 2016 Colorado last year that had 95000 miles and the transmission was starting to shudder real bad. Customer said it had been doing it since like 60000 miles but he kept ignoring it. By the time he brought it in the damage was done. Cost him 3800 bucks to rebuild it.

The 2016 is better than 2015 but I stil wouldnt recommend it. Too many potential problems for the money.

2018 Colorado – Shudder and Vibration Year

The 2018 Colorado is known for one specific problem – intense shuddering and vibration from the transmission. Ive probly worked on 20 of these with the exact same complaint.

Customers would come in and say the truck shakes when accelerating or when the transmission shifts. Its not as bad as the 2015 complete failures but its super anoying and it doesnt go away. Some dealers tried fluid changes some tried software updates but nothing realy fixed it permanently.

One customer spent like 1200 bucks at the dealer trying to fix the shudder on his 2018 and it was stil doing it when he left. He finaly just learned to live with it which is crazy cause he paid like 35000 for the truck new.

2006, 2009, 2010 – Approach with Caution

These years arent as bad as the ones I mentioned above but they stil have enough problems that I tell people to be carefull.

2006: Transmission and interior accessory problems. Not terrible but not great either.

2009: High chance of expensive transmission repairs. Ive seen a few of these need complete rebuilds.

2010: Most prone to engine problems in the first generation. Misfires and check engine lights.

If you find one of these years at a realy good price and it has a clean maintenance history it might be okay. But I would definately get a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you trust.

Best Chevy Colorado Years to Buy – My Recommendations

Okay so now for the good news. There are actualy some realy good Colorado years out there that I recommend all the time. These are trucks Ive worked on that have proven to be reliable and dont have major issues.

2007-2008 Colorado – Solid First Generation

After the problems with 2004-2006 Chevy finaly got things sorted out with the 2007 and 2008 models. Ive worked on probly 25 of these over the years and they tend to be pretty reliable.

Why I Like 2007-2008:

• Way fewer complaints than earlier years
• Engine problems dont show up til higher mileage usualy
• Transmission is more reliable
• Repair costs are lower when things do break
• Good value for the money

I had a customer with a 2008 Colorado that had like 185000 miles on it and it was stil running strong. He did regular maintenance and didnt have any major problems. Thats what you want in a truck.

The only thing is these are getting pretty old now so you gotta watch for rust and worn out suspension parts. But mechanicaly theyre solid.

2011-2012 Colorado – Best of First Generation

If you want a first generation Colorado the 2011 and 2012 models are your best bet. These were the last years before Chevy stopped making the Colorado for a few years and they had worked out most of the bugs.

Ive seen 2011 and 2012 Colorados with over 200000 miles that are stil going strong. The engines are reliable the transmissions hold up and parts are cheap cause theyre so common.

One customer has a 2012 Colorado with 220000 miles and he uses it for his landscaping business. Beats the heck out of it every day and it just keeps going. He does oil changes every 5000 miles and thats about it.

2019-2022 Colorado – Sweet Spot Second Generation

After the disaster of 2015-2018 Chevy finaly got the second generation Colorado figured out. The 2019 to 2022 models are way more reliable and I actualy recommend these to people.

Why 2019-2022 Are Good:

• Transmission issues mostly fixed
• Better technology and features
• Fewer complaints overall
• Good fuel economy for a truck
• Strong towing capacity

The 2020 Colorado especialy is what I call the sweet spot. Its got all the modern features the bugs are worked out and its not crazy expensive yet. Ive worked on probly 15 of these and havent seen any major problems.

I had a customer trade in his 2015 Colorado for a 2020 and he said it was like night and day. No more shuddering no more vibration just smooth reliable driving.

2023-2024 Colorado – New Generation

The 2023 Colorado is a complete redesign and so far it looks realy promising. Ive only worked on maybe 5 of these cause theyre so new but I havent seen any major issues yet.

Whats New in 2023-2024:

• All new TurboMax 2.7L turbo engine (310 hp)
• Improved towing capacity (7700 lbs)
• Way nicer interior
• Better technology
• More off-road capability with ZR2

The only problem is these are stil pretty expensive. If you can afford it and want the latest and greatest the 2023-2024 is a good choice. But give it another year or two to make sure there arent any hidden problems.

Common Chevy Colorado Problems by Generation

Let me break down the most common problems Ive seen with each generation cause this will help you know what to look for when buying used.

First Generation (2004-2012) Common Problems

Engine Misfires: The 5-cylinder and 4-cylinder engines in the first gen had problems with worn valve seats. This causes misfires rough running and check engine lights. Usualy shows up between 80000 and 120000 miles. Repair costs around 800 to 1500 bucks depending on how many cylinders are affected.

Fuel Level Sensor: The fuel gauge would read wrong or not work at all. Super common problem. I fixed probly 30 of these over the years. New sensor costs like 150 bucks plus labor.

AC and Heater Issues: Blower motor resistor failures AC compressor problems heater core leaks. The HVAC system on the first gen was not great. Ive replaced so many blower motors I lost count.

Soft Brake Pedal: Especialy on 2012 models. The brake pedal would feel spongy and you had to pump it to stop. Usualy a master cylinder issue. Costs around 400 to 600 bucks to fix.

Second Generation (2015-2022) Common Problems

Transmission Shudder and Vibration: This is the big one for second gen especialy 2015-2018. The 8-speed automatic transmission shudders vibrates slips and sometimes fails completly. Ive seen repair costs from 2000 bucks for a fluid change and software update all the way up to 6000 bucks for a complete replacement.

Power Steering Loss: Mostly on 2015 models. The electric power steering system just quits working. Super dangerous. Ive seen this happen probly 20 times. Sometimes its a sensor sometimes its the steering rack. Can cost 800 to 2500 bucks to fix.

Infotainment System Problems: The touchscreen freezes goes blank reboots randomly. Bluetooth doesnt work. Navigation gets stuck. Ive had customers complain about this constantly. Sometimes a software update fixes it sometimes you need a whole new unit which is like 1200 bucks.

Check Engine Light: All kinds of random codes. O2 sensors EVAP system issues catalytic converter problems. The second gen seems to have more electrical gremlins than the first gen.

Electrical Issues: Battery drain problems faulty sensors instrument panel glitches. One customer had his Colorado in my shop 4 times for electrical problems before we finaly tracked down a bad body control module.

Third Generation (2023-Present) Common Problems

Its stil too early to say for sure but so far Ive seen:

Software Glitches: The new infotainment system has some bugs. Screens freezing random reboots. Usualy fixed with software updates.

Brake Issues: A few complaints about soft brake pedals and automatic emergency braking going off when it shouldnt. Chevy issued some recalls for this.

Turbo Lag: Some customers complain the turbo engine has lag when accelerating. Not realy a problem just how turbos work but people arent used to it.

Overall the third gen seems pretty solid so far but ask me again in 2 years when theres more data.

Chevy Colorado Transmission Problems – The Deep Dive

Since transmission problems are such a huge issue with the Colorado especialy 2015-2018 let me explain exactly what happens and what it costs to fix.

The 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Issue

The second generation Colorado uses a GM 8-speed automatic transmission and it has been nothing but trouble especialy in the early years. Heres what I see all the time:

Symptoms:

• Shuddering when accelerating usualy between 30 and 50 mph
• Vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips
• Harsh shifting especialy from 1st to 2nd gear
• Slipping between gears
• Delayed engagement when shifting from park to drive
• Complete transmission failure in worst cases

What Causes It: From what Ive seen and what other mechanics tell me the problem is with the torque converter and the valve body inside the transmission. The torque converter lockup clutch shudders and wears out the friction material. This gets into the transmission fluid and clogs up the valve body.

GM tried to fix it with software updates and new transmission fluid but it doesnt always work. Some trucks get better some dont. Its like playing the lottery.

Repair Costs:

• Fluid change and software update: 300 to 500 bucks (sometimes helps temporarily)
• Torque converter replacement: 1500 to 2500 bucks
• Complete transmission rebuild: 3500 to 5000 bucks
• New transmission: 5000 to 7000 bucks

Ive done probly 40 transmission repairs on Colorados and the costs add up real quick. One customer spent 4800 bucks on a rebuild for his 2016 Colorado with only 72000 miles. He was not happy.

Class Action Lawsuits

Theres been class action lawsuits against GM for these transmission problems. If you own a 2015-2018 Colorado with transmission issues you might be able to get some money back. I always tell my customers to look into it.

Power Steering Problems – Safety Concern

The power steering issue on 2015 Colorados is honestly one of the scariest problems Ive seen. Let me explain what happens.

Complete Loss of Power Steering

Ive had probly 15 customers come in with 2015 Colorados where the power steering just completly stopped working while they were driving. The steering wheel gets super stiff and you can barely turn it especialy at low speeds.

One customer was merging onto the highway when his power steering quit. He said it felt like the steering wheel was locked and he almost crashed trying to change lanes. Absolutely terrifying.

What Causes It

The 2015 Colorado uses an electric power steering system instead of the old hydraulic system. When the electric motor or the control module fails you lose all power assist. Sometimes its a sensor issue sometimes its the motor itself.

The problem is it can happen without any warning. One second everythings fine next second you got no power steering.

Repair Costs

• Power steering sensor: 200 to 400 bucks
• Electric motor: 800 to 1200 bucks
• Complete steering rack: 1500 to 2500 bucks

I always tell people with 2015 Colorados to be extra carefull and if they feel any weirdness with the steering get it checked imediately.

Buying a Used Chevy Colorado – My Inspection Checklist

Alright so if your gonna buy a used Colorado despite all the problems Ive talked about heres exactly what I check when customers ask me to do a pre-purchase inspection.

Test Drive Checklist

Transmission:

• Drive it for at least 20 minuts to get the transmission warmed up
• Accelerate from 30 to 50 mph and feel for any shuddering or vibration
• Pay attention to how it shifts especialy 1st to 2nd gear
• Try shifting from park to drive and reverse multiple times
• Listen for any whining or grinding noises

Steering:

• Turn the wheel all the way left and right while parked
• Drive slow in a parking lot and make tight turns
• Get on the highway and make sure steering feels normal
• Check for any weird noises or resistance

Engine:

• Listen for any ticking knocking or unusual noises
• Check for rough idling or misfires
• Make sure check engine light isnt on
• Look for any oil leaks under the hood

Brakes:

• Test the brake pedal it should feel firm not spongy
• Listen for any grinding or squealing
• Make sure it stops strait without pulling

Under the Hood Inspection

Fluids:

• Check transmission fluid color should be red not brown or black
• Engine oil should be clean not sludgy
• Coolant should be full and the right color
• Power steering fluid if it has hydraulic steering

Belts and Hoses:

• Look for cracks or wear on serpentine belt
• Check all hoses for leaks or soft spots
• Make sure battery terminals are clean

Engine:

• Look for oil leaks around valve cover and oil pan
• Check for coolant leaks
• Make sure all caps are tight

Underneath Inspection

Frame and Body:

• Check for rust especialy on older trucks
• Look at the frame rails for damage
• Check bed for rust or damage

Suspension:

• Look for leaking shocks
• Check ball joints and tie rod ends for wear
• Make sure nothing is loose or broken

Exhaust:

• Look for rust or holes
• Make sure catalytic converter is stil there
• Check for any leaks

Maintenance Records

This is super important. I always tell people to ask for maintenance records. You wanna see:

• Regular oil changes every 5000 to 7000 miles
• Transmission fluid changes
• Any major repairs that were done
• Recall work if applicable

If the seller cant provide any maintenance records thats a red flag. Walk away.

Get a Pre-Purchase Inspection

Even if you know about cars I always recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic. It costs like 100 to 150 bucks but it can save you thousands. Ive found so many problems during pre-purchase inspections that the buyer had no idea about.

Chevy Colorado Maintenance Tips – Keep It Running

If you already own a Colorado or your gonna buy one heres how to keep it running as long as possible based on what Ive seen work.

Regular Maintenance Schedule

Oil Changes: Every 5000 miles with synthetic oil. I dont care what the owners manual says about 7500 or 10000 miles. Change it at 5000 and your engine will last way longer. Ive seen engines with 250000 miles that had oil changes every 5000 miles and they were stil running perfect.

Transmission Fluid: Change it every 50000 miles especialy on 2015-2018 models. The manual says lifetime fluid but thats BS. Fresh fluid can prevent alot of transmission problems. Costs like 200 to 300 bucks and its worth every penny.

Coolant: Flush and replace every 60000 miles. Old coolant can cause overheating and engine damage.

Brake Fluid: Change every 3 years. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time and can cause brake problems.

Prevent Common Problems

Transmission Shudder: If you have a 2015-2018 Colorado get the transmission fluid changed at 30000 miles and again at 60000 miles. Use only GM approved fluid. This can help prevent or delay the shudder problem.

Power Steering: On 2015 models have the power steering system checked every year. If you feel any weirdness get it looked at imediately.

Engine Misfires: Use good quality gas with fuel injector cleaner every few tanks. Keep up with spark plug changes every 60000 miles.

DIY Maintenance

Some stuff you can do yourself to save money:

Air Filter: Change every 15000 miles. Super easy takes 5 minuts. Costs like 20 bucks.

Cabin Filter: Change every 15000 miles. Also easy. Costs like 15 bucks.

Wiper Blades: Replace once a year. Costs like 30 bucks for both.

Battery: Clean the terminals once a year with baking soda and water. Check the voltage with a multimeter.

When to See a Mechanic

Dont ignore warning signs. If you notice any of these get it checked right away:

• Check engine light
• Transmission shuddering or slipping
• Weird noises from engine or transmission
• Steering problems
• Brake problems
• Overheating
• Oil leaks

Catching problems early can save you thousands of dollars. Ive seen people ignore a check engine light for months and then the problem gets way worse and way more expensive.

Chevy Colorado vs Competitors – My Take

People always ask me how the Colorado compares to other mid-size trucks. Heres my honest opinion based on working on all of them.

Colorado vs Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is more reliable overall especialy if you avoid the bad Colorado years. But the Tacoma is also more expensive and has less power. If you want reliability and dont mind paying more get a Tacoma. If you want more power and better value get a good year Colorado like 2019-2022.

Colorado vs Ford Ranger

The new Ranger is pretty good but its more expensive than the Colorado. The Ranger has a better transmission in my opinion. But the Colorado has more trim options and better off-road capability with the ZR2.

Colorado vs GMC Canyon

The Canyon is basicaly the same truck as the Colorado just with a GMC badge and nicer interior. Same engines same transmissions same problems. If you like the GMC styling better go for it but mechanicaly theyre identical.

Colorado vs Nissan Frontier

The Frontier is super reliable especialy the older ones with the V6. But its realy outdated compared to the Colorado. If you want modern features get the Colorado. If you want simple and reliable get the Frontier.

Long Term Reliability – 200k Mile Experiences

Ive worked on several Colorados that have over 200000 miles so let me tell you what to expect if you plan to keep one long term.

First Generation 200k+ Miles

The 2007-2012 models can definately hit 200000 miles if you maintain them. Ive seen a 2011 with 235000 miles that was stil running strong. The owner did oil changes every 5000 miles transmission fluid every 50000 miles and fixed problems as they came up.

Common issues at high mileage:

• Suspension wear (ball joints tie rods shocks)
• Engine oil consumption (not terrible but noticeable)
• Transmission starting to slip (usualy after 180000 miles)
• Rust on frame and body (depends on where you live)

Total maintenance costs from 100000 to 200000 miles: probly around 5000 to 8000 bucks if you do regular maintenance and catch problems early.

Second Generation High Mileage

Its stil too early to know for sure but the 2019-2022 models seem like they could hit 200000 miles. The 2015-2018 models I doubt it. Too many transmission problems.

I have one customer with a 2019 Colorado thats at 145000 miles now and hasnt had any major problems. Just regular maintenance. If it keeps going like this it should make 200000 easy.

My Final Advice After 14 Years

Look Ive been working on Chevy Colorados for over a decade and if theres one thing Ive learned its that the year you buy matters way more than anything else. A good year Colorado like a 2020 or 2023 is a great truck. A bad year like 2015 is a money pit.

If your shopping for a used Colorado here are my top recommendations:

Best Value: 2011-2012 (first gen) or 2019-2020 (second gen) Most Reliable: 2007-2008 (first gen) or 2020-2022 (second gen)
Best New: 2023-2024 (third gen) Avoid Completly: 2004-2005, 2015, 2016, 2018

Always get a pre-purchase inspection. Always check maintenance records. Always test drive it for at least 20 minuts. And if something feels wrong trust your gut and walk away.

The Colorado can be a great truck if you get the right year. But if you get a bad year your gonna be in my shop every other month spending thousands of dollars. Do your homework ask questions and dont rush into buying.

And remember regular maintenance is key. Oil changes every 5000 miles transmission fluid every 50000 miles and fix problems when theyre small. Do that and your Colorado will last a long time.

If you got any questions about a specific Colorado year or if you need help with a pre-purchase inspection find a good independent mechanic in your area. Were usualy way cheaper than the dealer and we give you honest advice.

Keep your Colorado maintained and itll treat you right. Ignore the warning signs and itll empty your wallet real quick. Ive seen it happen too many times.

Questions People Always Ask Me About Chevy Colorados

What is the worst year Chevy Colorado?

The 2015 Colorado is hands down the worst year Ive ever worked on. Severe transmission problems power steering failures and engine issues. Ive probly seen 30 of these with major problems. Even if you find one cheap dont buy it the repair costs will kill you.

Are Chevy Colorados reliable?

It depends on the year honestly. The 2007-2008 2011-2012 and 2019-2022 models are pretty reliable. The 2015-2018 models not so much. Overall the Colorado is average reliability for a mid-size truck. Not as good as a Tacoma but better than some others.

What years did Chevy Colorado have transmission problems?

Mostly 2015 through 2018 had the worst transmission issues. The 8-speed automatic in those years shudders vibrates and sometimes fails completly. Ive done probly 40 transmission repairs on those years. The 2019 and newer models are way better.

Is a 2015 Chevy Colorado worth buying?

No absolutley not. I tell everyone to avoid the 2015 Colorado. Too many transmission problems too many power steering issues too many headaches. Even if its cheap the repair costs will be way more than you save on the purchase price.

What is the best used Chevy Colorado to buy?

For value I recommend a 2011-2012 first generation or a 2019-2020 second generation. The 2020 especialy is what I call the sweet spot. Good features reliable and not crazy expensive yet. Ive worked on probly 15 of the 2020 models and havent seen any major problems.

How long do Chevy Colorados last?

With proper maintenance a good year Colorado can easily hit 200000 miles. Ive seen 2011 and 2012 models with over 220000 miles stil running strong. The key is regular oil changes transmission fluid changes and fixing problems early. Bad years like 2015 probly wont make it past 150000 without major repairs.

What are common problems with Chevy Colorado ?

Transmission shudder and vibration especialy 2015-2018. Power steering loss on 2015 models. Engine misfires on early first gen and some second gen. Infotainment system freezing. Electrical issues. Fuel level sensor failures on first gen. Check engine lights for various reasons.

How much does it cost to fix a Chevy Colorado transmission?

Ive seen costs range from 300 bucks for a fluid change and software update all the way up to 6000 bucks for a complete transmission replacement. Most rebuilds cost between 3500 and 5000 bucks. Torque converter replacement is usualy 1500 to 2500 bucks.

Does Chevy Colorado have power steering problems?

Yes especialy the 2015 model. The electric power steering system can completly fail while driving which is super dangerous. Ive seen this happen probly 15 times. Repair costs range from 200 bucks for a sensor to 2500 bucks for a complete steering rack.

What engine problems does Chevy Colorado have?

Early first gen models 2004-2009 had engine misfires from worn valve seats. Some 2016 models also had misfire issues. Check engine lights are common across all generations. Oil leaks rough idling and stalling have been reported. The newer TurboMax engine in 2023-2024 seems better so far.

Is the Chevy Colorado ZR2 reliable?

The ZR2 is basicaly a Colorado with better off-road suspension and features. So it has the same reliability as whatever year Colorado its based on. A 2020-2024 ZR2 should be pretty reliable. A 2015-2018 ZR2 will have the same transmission problems as regular Colorados from those years.

How often should I change transmission fluid in Chevy Colorado?

I recommend every 50000 miles especialy on 2015-2018 models. The manual says lifetime fluid but thats not true. Fresh fluid can prevent or delay transmission problems. Costs like 200 to 300 bucks and its worth it.

What is the towing capacity of Chevy Colorado?

It depends on the year and engine. Most Colorados can tow between 3500 and 7700 pounds. The newer models with the TurboMax engine can tow up to 7700 pounds which is best in class for mid-size trucks. The ZR2 is limited to 6000 pounds cause of the off-road suspension.

Should I buy a Chevy Colorado with high mileage?

It depends on the year and maintenance history. A 2011-2012 or 2019-2022 Colorado with 100000 miles and good maintenance records can be a good buy. A 2015-2018 with high mileage I would avoid cause of transmission problems. Always get a pre-purchase inspection.

What is the fuel economy of Chevy Colorado?

First gen models get around 17-22 mpg depending on engine and drivetrain. Second gen gets 17-23 mpg. The newer TurboMax engine gets 17-21 mpg with 4WD or 19-23 mpg with RWD. The ZR2 gets around 16-17 mpg cause of the off-road tires and suspension.

Are Chevy Colorado parts expensive?

Parts for first gen Colorados are pretty cheap cause theyre so common. Second gen parts are more expensive especialy for the transmission and electrical stuff. Labor costs at the dealer are usualy 120 to 150 bucks an hour. Independent shops like mine charge 80 to 100 bucks an hour.

What recalls does Chevy Colorado have?

Theres been several recalls over the years. 2015-2018 had recalls for power steering airbags and fuel pumps. 2023-2024 had recalls for brake software and seatbelts. Always check the NHTSA website for recalls on any specific VIN before you buy.

Can I tow a camper with Chevy Colorado?

Yeah definately. Ive had customers tow campers boats and trailers with Colorados. Just make sure you dont exceed the towing capacity. Most Colorados can handle a small to medium camper no problem. Get a weight distribution hitch for anything over 5000 pounds.

Is Chevy Colorado good in snow?

With 4WD and good tires the Colorado does pretty well in snow. Ive had customers in Colorado and Michigan who use them all winter. The Z71 and ZR2 are especialy good cause of the off-road tires and suspension. Just make sure you got winter tires if you live somewhere with heavy snow.

What is the difference between Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon?

Theyre basicaly the same truck. Same engines same transmissions same frame. The Canyon has a nicer interior and different styling but mechanicaly theyre identical. Same problems same reliability. If you like GMC styling better go for it but your paying more for the badge.