Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Idle control via electronic throttle body raises RPM very high when the accelerator pedal is not depressed, causing uncontrolled acceleration of vehicle during coasting or when brake pedal is applied. Turning the vehicle off with the key is the only action that has resulted in a cessation of extremely high idle. After restarting the vehicle, the symptom is gone and the vehicle operates normally. This behavior is erratic and inconsistent, the problem has been difficult to duplicate during diagnosis. All testing and inspection of the electronic throttle body, wiring harness, connectors, and functions within the engine computer has shown no defect or indication that a wiring fault, dirty throttle body, or other "wear and tear" item is the cause of this intermittent revving at idle. The most recent event occurred on August 9th 2017. …
Everyday now when I try to start the truck it turns over but will not start, wait 15 minutes then it will start. Today when I tried it the first time it turned over but would not start so when I turned it off at the key it stopped then tried to start again on its own for about 8 to 10 secs. The starter turned the engine over without touching the ignition switch it then stopped for about 3 or 4 secs then tried to start on its own again without touching the key, it did this start sequence 3 times in a row. The GM passlock system is terribly defective as reported by all the reports online and I believe my problems are a result of this system.
With the revelation of the GM ignition recall problem, there are much more ignition problems that were not included in the recall. The problem is in the ignition cylinder and alignment with the passlock or passkey sensor. My problem started shortly after the vehicle went out of warranty and I was told by the dealer that it was a $1000.00 repair. I can not afford $1000. So I have lived with it. Because of the misalignment it causes the ignition to think that the vehicle is stolen and disables the fuel injectors, it has left me stranded quite a few times along the road waiting for the computer to manually reset after 10 minutes, it has also cost me several towing bills until I did an internet search and found out how widespread this issue is. If the misalignment is causing this to happen what will it affect as the problem worsens. …
I bought a 2004 Colorado in March of that year,on dec. 31st 2004 I had to replace the two front tires at my expense. They had worn from the inside out the tires had 23,000 +miles on them. I complained to the dealer and they told me that there was not anything wrong. In March 2005 I had to bring it in for the same thing with less miles on those tires 17,000 miles and they still insist that there is nothing wrong. I soon will have to replace these tires before winter. The dealer tells me tires need to be rotated more often. I've owned other s-10 models with over 250,000 and haven't had the problems I've had with this type of problems. I did have other problems with this vehicle from door wiring, replacement of o2 sensor,front axle seal driver side replace,headlights,fog lights and tail lights all have been replaced within the first 20,000 miles.
Axle/differential failure. Engaging reverse, vehicle will lunge forward with power and then jumps in reverse as if transmission is slipping or missing reverse gear. Vehicle strains to switch gears to reverse when vehicle is at a complete stop. Cstmer invoice: at time vehicle lunges and jumps in reverse. Reprogrammed PCM with update. Start vehicle idle 5 minutes or more, engaging d gear, engage A/C operation and then accelerating in 80-95 degree f enviromental conditions, vehicle will loose torque, rpms redline while appling normal accelrator pedal pressure. Vehicle stalls but never dies, coasted to nearby parking lot and called dealership for a wrecker, towed back to dealership for repairs. Dealer customer invoice: at times vehicle will not accelerate. Unable to verify customer concern. Operating as designed. No codes.
Truck has 25,000 miles. I do not drive it often because fuel economy has never been as advertised, no better than 15 mpg. When it worked, it was fun to drive. Now fails inspection because the frame is severely rusted, my truck is now unsafe. Not cost effective to repair, I have to sell as scrap. Radio replaced once. Blower works but very noisy. ABS sensors were replaced after 10,000 miles and need replacement again. I have replaced inner and outer tie rods after 21K miles. I have replaced gas tank gasket and exterior cab brake light. Also replaced transmission shifter cable due to rust. Tube on rack and pinion rusted and replaced. Tiny coolant leak that I cant find. All I can remember. Most faulty vehicle I have ever owned. Never buy a first year model of any vehicle.
Dt*: the contact stated that while waiting at the traffic light, the engine raced and accelerated as if it was engaging to 50 MPH. In an attempt to prohibit the vehicle from accelerating, the clutch was engaged while depressing the brake pedal. There was also a sulphur smell inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who was unwilling to repair the vehicle without a fee. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic shop who discovered two trouble codes on the diagnostic computer system. The first was a po300 random misfire code. The second was a p1133 front oxygen sensor slow and switching code. The check engine light from the panel was also constantly illuminated. The issues have gradually worsened since the vehicle was purchased.
Vehicles check engine light came on then went off after a couple of days. Vehicle idle dropped to 500 rpms. The truck started to act sluggish and acted as if it would shut off at idle. During acceleration the vehicle was again sluggish. Took the truck to a local shop and had the codes run. It came back as an engine low RPM code. I don't recall the actual code number. Had them do a motor vacuum to clean the fuel system and reset code. The check engine light has gone away and has not come back on. Vehicle does from time to time act as it is going to bog down. I thought that I should submit this complaint because it seems there are several others with the same problem.
My 2004 Chevrolet Colorado has had repeated a recurring problem where it will not respond to the throttle at all while driving. In all cases this has happened when the engine is warming up from a complete cold start in the morning. While driving at 45-50 miles per hour the engine will drop to idle speed and there is no response to throttle input. The dealer has had the vehicle in for service on this issue 5 times now and can nothing wrong. There are no codes set in the computer and the check engine light never comes on. The problem will clear itself after 20 to 30 seconds and May not occur again for weeks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact was driving approximately 45-65 MPH when a total loss of engine power occurred with the illumination of the engine warning indicator. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after waiting a few moments and resetting the codes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and repaired. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer four times with no resolution. In addition, the battery was replaced. The vehicle was not further repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 12.
Engine complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, 8% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is engine (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.