3 Most Common Chevy Colorado Problems Reported by Hundreds of Real Owners
The Colorado delivers class-leading towing, a smooth ride, and good handling to be a leader in the midsize truck class. That doesn’t mean this pickup is without issues. Some of the most common Chevy Colorado problems could be alarming to owners. Let’s dig in and see what plagues this midsize pickup truck.
Updated 11/12
The three most common Chevy Colorado problems
RepairPal shows the most common Chevrolet Colorado problems owners report to the automotive repair and maintenance site. Here are the top three:
- A/C blower not working correctly due to a failed resistor — reported by over 400 owners
- Worn valve seats might cause engine misfire — reported by over 200 owners
- CD player fails — reported by over 100 owners
The second-most reported problem could be the most troublesome for owners. Let’s explore all three and a fix for each.
Is an A/C blower issue cheap to repair?
The blower in the A/C unit could stop working at one or more of the fan speeds due to a faulty blower motor resistor block.
When this occurs, the blower motor resistor must be replaced. This part is relatively inexpensive, costing about $70 to $80.
Owners of 2004 through 2010 and 2012 Colorado models have reported this issue, which appears anywhere from 11,000 to 246,546 miles.
What should owners do if their Chevy Colorado engine misfires?
One of the most common Chevy Colorado problems is an engine misfire caused by worn valve seats. Typically, the “check engine” light will illuminate, indicating this midsize pickup truck needs attention.
The issue could require replacing the cylinder head, but a mechanic won’t know for sure until performing a diagnostic test. That usually costs about $90 to $110.
Drivers of 2004 through 2009 and 2016 Colorado models have reported this problem occurring around 33,500 to 270,000 miles.
How to fix a car CD player?
Later Colorado models don’t have a CD player, but earlier generations do. If the CD player fails, the radio can be removed and sent to a repair shop.
Some Colorado owners might choose to upgrade the radio with a modern head unit and a touchscreen instead of continuing with a CD player.
Drivers of 2004 through 2008, 2011, and 2012 Colorado models have said this problem starts around 5,700 to 175,000 miles.
Is the Chevy Colorado a reliable midsize pickup truck?
Overall, the Chevy Colorado has average reliability. It earned a 4.0 out of 5.0 in reliability from RepairPal. Despite that solid rating, it places the Colorado in the middle of the class — fourth among seven midsize pickup trucks. RepairPal bases its rankings on three factors:
- Cost: The Chevy Colorado’s average annual repair and maintenance costs are $599, slightly higher than the $584 average for all midsize trucks.
- Frequency: Colorado owners take their vehicles for unscheduled repairs 0.2 times per year, on par with 0.2 for the class.
- Severity: The probability of severe repairs for the Chevy Colorado is 13%, the same as the rest of the class.
J.D. Power also provides quality and reliability scores for hundreds of vehicles. The market research firm has rated Chevy Colorado model years back to 2007. It gave the 2007 through 2009 and 2011 through 2019 models “average” scores. And the 2010, 2012, and 2020 through 2023 models earned “great” reliability ratings.
Is the 2023 Chevy Colorado a good midsize pickup truck?
The 2023 Chevy Colorado delivers a fully redesigned package for a brawnier, sportier version of Chevrolet’s long-standing midsize pickup truck.
Highlights are fast acceleration, confidence-inspiring handling, a comfortable ride, and impressive payload and towing capacities. The 2023 Colorado dropped the V6 and diesel engines of 2022 and instead offers three 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-four options. It also added a new Trail Boss trim, but the top-tier off-roading ZR2 remains, packing 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque.
However, the 2023 Colorado isn’t without faults. Despite boasting a significantly improved infotainment system with an 11.3-inch touchscreen in every trim level, the new model still has a relatively cheap-looking cabin and only one cab and bed choice.