Chevrolet Colorado Engine Problems
Owners have filed 326 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Chevrolet Colorado across 21 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (48). The words owners use most often: “upper radiator” (6% of reports).
- 326engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- $1,100typical repair cost reported by owners
- 42%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Upper radiator: mentioned in 18 of 326 complaints (6%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the Chevrolet Colorado at $1,100, and half of them between $750 and $3,100.
Based on 8 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2012–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 174 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 326 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 3 an injury.
Chevrolet Colorado engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Colorado | 3 | 17% | — |
| 2025 Colorado | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2024 Colorado | 21 | 17% | — |
| 2023 Colorado | 21 | 15% | 26,450 |
| 2022 Colorado | 6 | 11% | 69,000 |
| 2021 Colorado | 18 | 23% | 58,015 |
| 2020 Colorado | 17 | 20% | 23,750 |
| 2019 Colorado | 20 | 13% | 31,719 |
| 2018 Colorado | 24 | 13% | 31,200 |
| 2017 Colorado | 26 | 12% | 29,000 |
| 2016 Colorado | 48 | 7% | 30,000 |
| 2015 Colorado | 34 | 7% | 18,500 |
| 2012 Colorado | 8 | 19% | 47,000 |
| 2011 Colorado | 3 | 7% | 77,306 |
| 2010 Colorado | 5 | 17% | 81,500 |
| 2009 Colorado | 10 | 15% | 82,261 |
| 2008 Colorado | 8 | 10% | 91,500 |
| 2007 Colorado | 18 | 13% | 76,400 |
| 2006 Colorado | 19 | 8% | 67,000 |
| 2005 Colorado | 7 | 2% | 97,000 |
| 2004 Colorado | 7 | 2% | 93,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists engine for the Chevrolet Colorado. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The vehicle developed a rapid and moderate shudder followed by "Check Engine", "Service Traction Control", "Service ESC" messages and associated icons on the driver display. The shudder happened a second time within approximately 30 seconds and the engine lost power followed by "Reduced Power…
The brake booster vacuum pump failed catastrophically while driving, resulting in a sudden, dangerous loss of power braking assist and a rock-hard brake pedal. Upon inspection by a mechanic, the pump's internal failure violently sheared and destroyed the engine's exhaust camshaft, requiring a…
Crankshaft Position Tone Wheel delaminated, mechanic changed it out and not sure what they did with it. Stalled vehicle on uphill passing lane during rush hour traffic, cars where inches from me as they passed at 65-70 mph, I called 911 and had a state trooper come and direct traffic. Joe's Garage…
My truck is in the shop for Engine Wiring Harness Chafe. they are making me pay 1200 dollars for an issue that is known by chevy. I feel like I should not have to pay
While sitting in idle the engine will just start to idle rough for no reason this happens all the time and clear out when accelerated. While driving the radio and Infotainment screen will go blank then come back on. I was driving on the freeway going straight and all of a sudden the power steering…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Chevrolet Colorados have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 326 owner complaints about engine for the Chevrolet Colorado. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Chevrolet Colorado engine?
No recall currently lists engine for this vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the Chevrolet Colorado?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,100 (half paid between $750 and $3,100), from 8 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Chevrolet Colorado?
The most frequent phrase is “upper radiator”, in 18 of 326 complaints.
Other Chevrolet Colorado problems
- Steering problems (962)
- Electrical System problems (773)
- Power Train problems (562)
- Service Brakes problems (251)
- Exterior Lighting problems (203)
- Air Bags problems (185)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (159)
- Structure problems (157)
See all Chevrolet Colorado problems.