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 2005 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
In February 2015 my check engine light came on. After several repairs with my local mechanic he was unable to find the problem. I went to greenwood Chevrolet in hubbard, oh, and they reset my computer. However, before I got out of the auto lot, the check engine light reappeared. I returned to the service department and they then diagnosed a bad cylinder head and valves. The service manager reported this has been a problem with this particular engine and my online research revealed that Chevrolet recognized this problem and extended the warranty coverage to 7 years and 100,000 miles. My vehicle only had 87335 miles, but had been in service for 9 years, 7 months. I felt Chevrolet should have covered my repairs under the 100,000 miles extension even though I was over the 7 years. …
I have a 2005 Chevy Colorado standard cab 2.8 liter after 3 years I noticed engine internal noise start it up now it sounds like a diesel a lot of stuff is knocking around inside the motor I heard it was some type of recall on that but I'm not sure I do remember I had problems with throttle body have been replaced twice after this replacement from a certified technician that's when the problem of reduced power failure emitting from my dash could not go over 40 miles an hour check engine light would come on so I was told to disconnect battery for about an hour to let computer reboot and the problem would go away just for a little while when the motor is cold there's no noise it sounds like it's new but when it heats up that's when all the noises begin I always change my oil out every 3000 miles or 3 months I used castles 70,000 mi plus because I have 110000 mi on the vehicle I don't know …
Heater fan quit working on 1 2 and 3. But sometimes would come back on, when on 1 2 or 3. And when it was on you could smell plastic burning. And when checked the into it found the plug on the wiring harness that plugged into the resister on the fan was loose and causing the wires to melt. This loose plug was loose from the factory, no way could have got too small over the years. New plug and new resister placed concern if fire results could cause death injuries, garage fire or house fire if vehicle placed in garage at night.
I purchased a new 2005 Chevy Colorado in November, 2004. I did my first oil change at about 500 miles. My second oil change was done about 2,000 miles. At that time I noticed oil dripping from the rear portion of the engine. I pulled off a rubber cover on the bottom of the transmission and noticed drips coming from the rear main seal area. I called the deal and they told me to bring it in, which I did. A couple of days later I received call telling me the rear main seal was leaking and they would need to replace it, saying it was a factory assembly error. About 2 weeks later I changed the oil again at about 3,500 miles and noticed oil leaking again from the same area. I called the dealer again and was told doubtful it is the seal again, but to bring it in. Again I got a call saying the seal was in fact leaking again and they would again need to replace it. …
I own a 2005 Chevy Colorado. It has only 86,000 miles and the head and intake valves and cylinders need to be replaced. I did some research and many people are complaining of the same thing from 2004-2005 models. The total cost for me to fix this is 1,600. GM knows they messed up with the 2004-2005 inlive 5 engines, that why in 2006 they had different intake valves installed. My dealer said that GM told them to fix the valves and seals and springs, but that is not helping the status. So then they were told to replace the head which cost around $800. Could some one please help me with this? I don't see how a company can noticed they did something wrong but not help to fix the problem. I have also heard several stories that the intake manifold cracks on some trucks, who has ever heard of that? …
Car has 93,000 miles. Vehicle would shut off while at a stop light occasionally. Recently, about 2 months ago the truck would not start. Took me about 20 minutes of cranking until it did. It ran fine, I took it to Chevy dealer grand prize Chevrolet here in miami and they changed the fuel pump. In 3 weeks after the fuel pump was changed the car has left me stranded 3 additional times. I just took off again and told them the fuel pump change did not help, it left me stranded 3 times, same problem, car does not start, after about 5 to 10 minutes of cranking it starts as of nothing happened. They can't figure out what the problem is. I am frustrated that one pays 20,000 plus for a car that does not function properly and the Chevy mechanics can't fix. This is not right.
As my 2005 Colorado reached approximately 49,000 miles I noticed that it became more difficult to start and didn't run as smoothly as it had previously. A couple of weeks later, after the check engine light came on I had the truck serviced, and was told that the cylinder head and related components needed to be replaced at a cost of $3500 to $4000. Like many others, I have now learned that this was a common occurrence . And even worse, it seemed that it May be a recurring problem. I was told by the dealer that although GM has issued a technical service advisory and they were very aware of the problem Chevrolet will not issue a recall or take care of the problem when it occurred.
I have had problems with my truck and the check engine light, when serviced I found that it was the cylinder head that needed to be replaced. The service department at the Chevy dealer said that it is a known and common occurrence in the 2005 5 cylinder Colorado. After doing research I found that many others had the same problem, some saying that ever 15000 miles they have had to replace the cylinder head, and one guy explained changing it for the 3rd time within the 2 years that he has owned his Colorado.
I was driving and my truck was shaking and spitting and sputtering and wasn't wanting to run right. When it was idling it was choppy the check engine light came on it was almost like the truck was possessed. I got to my friend's house and I checked to make sure that it was getting enough voltage from the battery like maybe the cables were loose but they weren't. I cranked the truck back up and it wasn't shaking and going crazy but when it ideals it doesn't sound right/isn't like it should be.
Faulty cam actuator solenoid causes loss of power and rough idling. Common to 2005-2006 Chevy Colorado/GMC canyons. This fault also releases debris into the engine that causes potential for further damage. Occurred at 70K miles on my vehicle without prior warning and all regularly scheduled maintenance has been performed. Replacement of the solenoid and an oil change is necessary to correct the issue (that GM is aware of since they've redesigned the solenoid since this edition).
Engine complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Chevrolet Colorado, 8% of the model year's 356 complaints. The component named most often is engine (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 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 2005 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.