The Worst Chevy Colorado Model Year You Should Never Buy
The Chevrolet Colorado is the automaker’s flagship midsize truck that has been in production since 2003. And if you’re in the market for a reliable, used pickup, the Colorado could be a great choice. But how do you know which model year of the Chevy Colorado would be the best choice? Luckily, with data from experts, we can help determine which Chevy Colorado model year to stay away from, and which one you should be looking for.
Considering a used Chevy Colorado? Stay away from this model year
The experts at Car Complaints compile important information regarding vehicles’ reliability and dependability to help used-vehicle shoppers find the best model year possible. After analyzing consumer complaints, recall information, and more, Car Complaints found that the most commonly reported problem with all Chevy Colorado model years is with the transmission. But which model year earned the rank of worst Chevy Colorado to buy?
Car Complaints found that one Colorado model year had more complaints than any other, but also “used several factors such as repair costs and average mileage when problems occur” to determine that the 2015 Chevy Colorado is the worst model year and the one you should stay away from.
What’s wrong with the 2015 Chevy Colorado?
According to Car Complaints’ analysis of the 2015 Chevy Colorado, there are 109 total owner complaints about the 2015 Chevy Colorado. But there are even more complaints reported to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). This Colorado model year “has a significant trend of transmission problems,” gathering the most complaints in the transmission category. While most owners report problems with sluggishness, chugging, or the lack of ability to downshift, there are also many complaints about the 2015 Chevy Colorado not shifting properly, hesitating, and even failing.
Though the transmission seems the be the biggest reported problem with the 2015 Chevy Colorado, many owners report having problems with steering, the engine, interior accessories, and drivetrain. The worst-ranked problem with 2015 Colorado isn’t actually the transmission either. Even though there are fewer complaints about the loss of power steering, it’s deemed as the worst problem due to cost and risk to safety. The second-highest complaint regarding the 2015 Chevy Colorado relates to steering. In fact, there are 132 complaints made to the NHSTA regarding its steering problems, earning Car Complaints’ severity rating of 10 out of 10.
Even Consumer Reports has problems with the 2015 Chevy Colorado. The experts give the 2015 Chevy Colorado a cool reliability rating of three (out of five) and a super-low owner satisfaction rating of only one (out of five). Consumer Reports shows that there are six recalls on this model year from the NHTSA, including recalls for steering and airbags. What’s worse is the 2015 Chevy Colorado’s lack of owner satisfaction, with less than half of reporting owners claiming they could buy the truck again.
Which model year Chevy Colorado is the best option?
After looking at Car Complaints’ model year comparison of the Chevy Colorado, it’s easy to see that the 2013 and 2014 are your best bet if you’re looking for a used Colorado with the least complaints. Both model years have received zero complaints, but at that age, you may not get what you’re looking for out of a used truck.
For a newer used Colorado that still won’t break the bank, consider turning your eye toward the 2017 Chevy Colorado. Though the 2017 Colorado still has reported problems with the transmission, most of these issues are still covered under the warranty of a Colorado from this model year. Any other reported problems should be taken care of already with the 2017 Colorado as most are under warranty or recalled by the NHTSA.
