Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 17% | — |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% | — |
| 2024 | 21 | 17% | — |
| 2023 | 21 | 15% | 50,000 miles |
| 2022 | 6 | 11% | 69,000 miles |
| 2021 | 20 | 25% | 66,000 miles |
| 2020 | 19 | 22% | 67,000 miles |
| 2019 | 23 | 15% | 40,000 miles |
| 2018 | 24 | 13% | 31,000 miles |
| 2017 | 28 | 13% | 31,000 miles |
| 2016 | 50 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2015 | 36 | 7% | 30,000 miles |
| 2012 | 10 | 24% | 85,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 10% | 77,000 miles |
| 2010 | 7 | 24% | 116,000 miles |
| 2009 | 10 | 15% | 88,000 miles |
| 2008 | 14 | 17% | 48,000 miles |
| 2007 | 24 | 17% | 72,000 miles |
| 2006 | 50 | 21% | 61,000 miles |
| 2005 | 30 | 8% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 30 | 8% | 41,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
ECM Engine Control Module TCM Transmission Range Sensor TCM Transmission Control Module While driving in a 45 MPH speed zone in heavy traffic, the vehicle suddenly lost power and abruptly slowed down causing a number of other vehicles to have to break and swerve . Problem confirmed through ONSTAR Diagnosis As of this date, the GM dealer has not confirmed the problem. No other inspections have been confirmed. there were no warnings prior to the event.
Component: Drivetrain, brake, and engine management systems repeatedly fail in a coordinated pattern, with multiple warning indicators activating simultaneously and sudden unintended deceleration occurring without warning. Vehicle available for inspection. Safety risk: Most recent failure occurred at highway speed with family including passengers in the vehicle. Without warning, the vehicle decelerated abruptly while multiple dashboard warnings activated at once. Sudden deceleration at highway speed creates immediate risk of rear-end collision from following traffic and loss of vehicle control. Prior dealer confirmation: Yes. Curry Chevrolet (Scarsdale, NY) has had the vehicle in service for the same defect category on multiple prior occasions, including stays of over a week on at least two visits. …
On [redacted] after only 400 miles on the odometer, I experienced complete transmission failure while on a highway and was nearly hit by the vehicle behind me, luckily that did not happen. On April 29th, a new replacement transmission was installed by the Chevy dealer, and now on [redacted] I had experienced a severe burning smell from under the hood of the vehicle accompanied with a grinding sound, which lead to me to take it back to the dealer. On 05/15/25, the customer care manager informed me that the new transmission from the factory has metal debris inside the pan, and the vehicle would again require a complete "tear down". This is very unsafe for major powertrain components from the GM factory to keep failing, another failed transmission on a brand new truck like this is very unsafe especially because I drive on major highways to commute for work and transport my young children. …
When I try to accelerate some times my truck doesn't go. It's like it's not even in drive. The check engine light is on and the dealership that I bought it from told me just to drive it because they don't have a loaner vehicle at this time. That it won't hurt the vehicle to drive but it's unsafe to drive. I step on the gas and it doesn't go. I could be hit if I'm trying to move when in traffic. Also my truck only had 5200 miles on it when this started and I've only had it since 16 July 2025.
Copied this from a forum and it's the same thing for me. I'm editing to fit my unique situation. This is an $800 repair at my dealer for a $40 part! 5 day backorder so I'm without a vehicle. The upper radiator hose on some huge percentage of these trucks fail (mine has failed at 37500 miles). You can check the Colorado Chevy forum, youtube, etc., et al, and find plenty of instances where this has failed. As this is the cooling system, it can cause the engine to overheat and potentially ruin the engine. The flaw seems to be an engineering issue with the rubber seal they use (instead of a high quality o-ring) to seal the upper hose to the radiator. Additionally, since this can cause engine failure it should be addressed immediately. …
The truck has 28,000 miles and has been only driven for commuting on interstate conditions. While traveling on an 80 mile commute, I experienced complete engine failure while traveling at 75 MPH (the posted speed limit is 80). As the engine failed, I was placed in a dangerous position as there is no pull-off and traffic was heavy. I was stranded in winter conditions with no ability to heat or stay warm. OnStar assisted with a tow to the closest dealership which was Ressler Chevy in Bozeman, MT. The results of the inspection indicated a failed crank shaft, hole from internal debris in the engine block, and the engine seized. This has resulted in a engine replacement. When asked, this has been an ongoing problem with the 2.7 engine yet there is no recall and the fix is to replace it with another 2.7 with no fix to the issues. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the heater did not function as intended. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact checked the fluids and noticed that the oil dipstick was completely dry. In addition, the contact investigated and noticed that the oil had leaked all over the surface of the oil pan. The contact stated that the oil change warning light was later illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred after leaving the dealer and an unknown recall repair was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact referenced a Customer Satisfaction Program; however, the vehicle was not included. …
The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle decelerated from 70 MPH to 30 MPH. During the failure the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed an engine cylinder misfire. No further information was available. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced by the dealer on several occasions for the failure however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (50), 2016 (50), 2015 (36), 2004 (30) and 2005 (30) model years. Engine complaints make up 21% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Colorado engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Colorado model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Colorado engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 58% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (29 mentions), followed by the cooling system (7).
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.