Free used car buyer guide / Second generation / GMT31XX / 2015-2022
Chevrolet Colorado common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.1/10
1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 8l45 torque-converter shudder. Score methodology.
The 2015-2022 Colorado is a useful midsize truck, but the right powertrain matters more than trim or lift kit. The expensive traps are 2017-2019 V6 8L45 torque-converter shudder, 2015 electric power-steering assist loss, 2.8 Duramax NOx/DEF limp-mode faults, HPFP mounting-flange fuel recall on 2016-2018 diesels/gas trucks, early airbag/seat recalls, and abused ZR2 suspension/driveline wear. The safest simple truck is a 2.5 four-cylinder or well-kept 2019-2022 V6 with the correct 8-speed fluid service documented; the best tow/long-distance spec is the diesel only when emissions data is clean. Current owners should keep transmission-fluid, steering and emissions invoices because these are the questions buyers will ask first.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
8L45 torque-converter
Best years
2019-2022
Best buys
- 2019-2022 2.5 4-cylinder 2WD/4WD work truck with clean frame, no steering faults, and simple service history.
- 2019-2022 V6 after Mobil 1 LV ATF HP 8-speed service and no shudder on hot cruise.
- 2018-2020 2.8 Duramax only for longer-distance use with NOx/DEF repairs documented.
Inspect hard
- 2015-2016 launch trucks for steering assist, airbag, seat and latch campaigns.
- 2017-2019 V6 8-speed trucks for rumble-strip shudder between 25-80 mph.
- ZR2 and lifted trucks for DSSV/shock leakage, axle noise, tire rub and off-road damage.
Avoid
- Any 8-speed shudder truck with no 18-NA-355 fluid-exchange proof.
- Diesel with Poor DEF Quality countdown, P20EE/P11D5/U029E, or deleted emissions equipment.
- 2015 with intermittent power-steering assist loss unless recall/module repair is proven.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Chevrolet Colorado viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Chevrolet Colorado should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
2.5L LCV four-cylinder
2015-2022
LOWEST DRAMA
Slow but simple. It avoids the V6 8-speed shudder and diesel emissions bills, which makes it the sensible used truck for light work, commuting and buyers who value predictable ownership over towing muscle.
3.6L LFX V6 with 6-speed
2015-2016
GOOD IF LAUNCH-YEAR RECALLS ARE CLOSED
The early V6 is stronger than the four and avoids the later 8L45 shudder story. The tradeoff is first-year truck quality: steering assist, airbag, seat and latch recall checks matter.
3.6L LGZ V6 with 8L45
2017-2022
BUY ONLY AFTER HOT SHUDDER TEST
This is the volume desirable engine, but the 8-speed torque converter shudder is the shopping filter. Correct fluid exchange helps many trucks; persistent shudder points toward converter or transmission work.
2.8L LWN Duramax diesel
2016-2022
SPECIALIST BUY
Excellent torque and range, but NOx sensors, DEF injector/tank faults and limp-mode countdowns are real ownership costs. It suits long runs and a buyer with diesel scan capability.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2015
Colorado returned to the US market with 2.5 and 3.6 engines.
Buyer: Check steering-assist recall, airbags, seats and early build quality before considering upgrades.
Owner: Any C0545 or power-steering warning deserves immediate diagnosis.
2016
2.8 Duramax diesel joined; several fuel/airbag/latch recalls affect selected trucks.
Buyer: Good year for diesel shoppers if emissions system is healthy and campaigns are closed.
Owner: Use fresh DEF and keep NOx/DEF repair records.
2017
LGZ V6 and 8-speed automatic arrived.
Buyer: This is the first big shudder-check year.
Owner: Do 18-NA-355 fluid service at first rumble-strip symptom.
2018
8-speed and diesel continue; fuel-pump recall affects selected vehicles.
Buyer: Check HPFP recall and hot transmission behavior.
Owner: Fuel smell or diesel emissions countdown needs prompt scan.
2019
Mature 8-speed year with bulletin coverage.
Buyer: Buy only if shudder is absent or corrected with records.
Owner: Keep transmission service proof for resale.
2020
Mostly carryover; diesel and V6 remain.
Buyer: Condition matters more than year; off-road abuse is the filter.
Owner: Rotate matched tires on 4WD to protect driveline.
2021
Late-cycle trucks with seat-belt recall population on some VINs.
Buyer: Good target year after recall lookup and scan.
Owner: Keep safety-campaign closure documents.
2022
Final year before redesign; seat fastener recall applies to selected manual-seat trucks.
Buyer: Best late-cycle choice if transmission/emissions checks pass.
Owner: Late trucks still need the same 8-speed and diesel discipline.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
8L45 torque-converter shudder
Affects
2017-2019 most documented; possible 2017-2022 V6 8-speed trucks.
Symptoms
Rumble-strip vibration at steady throttle, light-load shake, converter slip, harsh shifts if advanced.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-700 fluid exchange; EUR 1,200-3,000 converter; EUR 4,000+ rebuild.
Codes / scan clues
P0741, P0700, slip/adapt codes may appear.
Root cause: Torque-converter clutch shudder addressed by GM 18-NA-355 updated fluid procedure.
Quick check
- Warm the truck fully.
- Cruise 25-80 mph at light throttle.
- Ask for Mobil 1 LV ATF HP fluid-exchange invoice.
- Scan TCM history.
Buyer note
No fluid proof plus shudder means you price the converter risk immediately.
Owner note
Do the specified fluid exchange before towing through the vibration.
Fault 2
Electric power-steering assist loss
Affects
Certain 2015 Colorado; similar owner reports appear around 2016 trucks.
Symptoms
Power steering disabled warning, heavy steering, Stabilitrak warnings, intermittent assist return.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall if covered; EUR 700-1,800 module/rack diagnosis retail.
Codes / scan clues
C0545 often reported by owners.
Root cause: Recall 16V054 covers loss or reduction of electric power steering assist on certain 2015 trucks.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 16V054 and later GM steering actions.
- Scan chassis/steering module.
- Turn lock-to-lock at idle.
- Ask about any highway assist-loss event.
Buyer note
A steering warning on a 2015 is not a small dash annoyance.
Owner note
Document C0545/assist loss with date, speed and scan data.
Fault 3
2.8 Duramax NOx/DEF limp-mode faults
Affects
2016-2022 2.8 Duramax.
Symptoms
Poor DEF Quality, countdown to speed limit, CEL, reduced power, failed service bay test.
Typical repair cost
EUR 300-900 sensor; EUR 800-2,000 DEF tank/injector/NOx combination.
Codes / scan clues
P20EE, P11D5, U029E, NOx sensor and reductant codes.
Root cause: SCR performance is inferred from NOx sensor data; failed sensors, DEF injector faults or tank issues can trigger countdowns.
Quick check
- Scan diesel aftertreatment modules.
- Check NOx sensor live data.
- Ask if DEF tank, injector or NOx sensors were replaced.
- Avoid deleted/tuned emissions systems.
Buyer note
A diesel Colorado in countdown mode is a specialist negotiation, not a normal CEL.
Owner note
Use fresh DEF and diagnose sensors before replacing expensive assemblies blindly.
Fault 4
High-pressure fuel-pump mounting flange recall
Affects
Certain 2016-2018 Colorado/Canyon and related GM vehicles.
Symptoms
Fuel smell, leak near pump/line, hard start, recall 18V358 open.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 600-1,500 fuel-system repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel-pressure codes vary.
Root cause: HPFP may detach from mounting flange and damage high-pressure fuel line.
Quick check
- VIN-check 18V358.
- Inspect pump and line area for staining.
- Smell-check hot engine bay.
- Reject active fuel leak.
Buyer note
A fuel leak recall must be closed before purchase.
Owner note
Keep the recall invoice; fuel-system work can be questioned later.
Fault 5
Front prop shaft / driveline vibration and slip-yoke leak
Affects
2015-2022 4WD trucks; lifted and off-road trucks higher risk.
Symptoms
Acceleration vibration, clunk, red fluid at prop shaft yoke, transfer-case/driveline noise.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-1,200 shaft/yoke; EUR 1,500+ if transfer-case damage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless 4WD actuator faults appear.
Root cause: Driveshaft balance/angle issues, worn joints, slip-yoke leak or lift-kit geometry.
Quick check
- Inspect prop shafts and yokes.
- Drive in 2HI and 4HI where safe.
- Look for non-factory lift parts.
- Check transfer-case fluid level/leaks.
Buyer note
A lifted Colorado with vibration should be valued as a project.
Owner note
Fix yoke leaks before the transmission or transfer case runs low.
Fault 6
Airbag, seat and latch recall exposure
Affects
2015-2016 launch trucks and selected 2021-2022 seat/seat-belt populations.
Symptoms
Open recall, airbag light, seat fastener issues, hood/latch campaign history.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 under recall; EUR 300-1,200 if damage/customer-pay.
Codes / scan clues
SIR codes vary.
Root cause: Multiple VIN-specific campaign populations on early and late second-generation trucks.
Quick check
- Run NHTSA VIN recall lookup.
- Confirm airbag lamp self-test.
- Operate seats and latches.
- Check seat fastener recall on 2022 manual-seat trucks.
Buyer note
A truck with open safety recalls should not be delivered as ready.
Owner note
Save closure papers; these recalls are not all tied to one system.
Fault 7
ZR2 shock, axle and off-road wear
Affects
2017-2022 ZR2/ZR2 Bison and modified trucks.
Symptoms
Leaking DSSV shocks, clunks, bent skid plates, tire rub, axle seal seepage.
Typical repair cost
EUR 600-2,500 shocks/suspension; more with axle damage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Off-road use, larger tires and lift geometry accelerate suspension and driveline wear.
Quick check
- Inspect shock bodies for oil.
- Look under skid plates and rockers.
- Check axle seals and CV angles.
- Drive over small bumps with windows down.
Buyer note
ZR2 value comes from condition; off-road accessories do not cancel hidden wear.
Owner note
Repair shock leaks early because tire and bushing wear follows.
Fault 8
Evaporative, purge and fuel-pressure complaints
Affects
2015-2022 gas trucks.
Symptoms
Hard start after fueling, CEL, fuel smell, purge/EVAP codes.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-600 purge/EVAP repair; more if fuel pump issue overlaps.
Codes / scan clues
P0442, P0446, P0455, P0496, fuel-pressure codes.
Root cause: Purge valve, EVAP leak, fuel-pressure control or campaign-related fuel hardware.
Quick check
- Fuel the truck and hot restart.
- Scan EVAP readiness.
- Inspect capless filler and vent lines.
- Separate EVAP faults from HPFP recall symptoms.
Buyer note
EVAP faults are usually manageable, but fuel smell changes the risk.
Owner note
Do not keep clearing EVAP codes before inspection; readiness matters for emissions.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for steering, airbag, HPFP, seat and seat-belt actions.
- 8-speed fluid exchange invoice with Mobil 1 Synthetic LV ATF HP named.
- Diesel NOx/DEF/tank/injector repair history if 2.8 Duramax.
- Modification list for lift, tune, tires, wheels or deleted emissions equipment.
Walk around
- Check frame, skid plates, shock bodies and axle seals.
- Inspect fuel-pump area for smell or staining.
- Look for mismatched tires on 4WD.
- Inspect steering rack/module wiring where visible.
In the car
- Confirm airbag and steering lamps self-test.
- Check 4WD selector operation.
- Watch DEF countdown messages on diesel.
- Confirm no tune/delete devices.
Test drive
- Warm 8-speed fully and cruise lightly at 25-80 mph.
- Check steering assist during low-speed turns.
- Drive over bumps for ZR2/suspension noise.
- Hot restart after fueling if possible.
Scan tool
- Full ECM/TCM/chassis/SIR scan.
- Read TCM shudder/slip history.
- On diesel, read NOx and SCR data.
- Check C0545, P20EE, P11D5, U029E and EVAP/fuel codes.
Bottom line
Buy: A simple 2.5 or late V6 with clean 8-speed behavior is the most sensible used Colorado. Buy the diesel only when your use case is long-distance and the emissions system has scan proof, not just a recent CEL clear.
Avoid: Skip shuddering 8-speeds without the correct fluid record, diesel limp-mode trucks, open fuel/steering recalls, and heavily modified off-road trucks with vague history.
Quick answers
Chevrolet Colorado buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Chevrolet Colorado 2015-2022 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 8L45 torque-converter shudder; Electric power-steering assist loss; 2.8 Duramax NOx/DEF limp-mode faults. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Chevrolet Colorado years are the best to buy?
2019-2022 stand out in this generation. A simple 2.5 or late V6 with clean 8-speed behavior is the most sensible used Colorado. Buy the diesel only when your use case is long-distance and the emissions system has scan proof, not just a recent CEL clear.
Which Chevrolet Colorado should I avoid?
Skip shuddering 8-speeds without the correct fluid record, diesel limp-mode trucks, open fuel/steering recalls, and heavily modified off-road trucks with vague history.
Is the Chevrolet Colorado 2015-2022 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.1/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 5 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 8l45 torque-converter shudder.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Chevrolet Colorado guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- GM 18-NA-355
- NHTSA steering recall 16V054
- NHTSA recalls API Colorado
- NHTSA complaints API Colorado
- GM Authority 8-speed TSB
- Colorado Diesel forum
- ColoradoFans forum
- RepairPal Chevrolet Colorado
- TSBSearch 18-NA-355
- NHTSA recall API 2015 Colorado
- Reddit Colorado steering reports
- Colorado Diesel forum DEF quality thread
- ColoradoFans reductant malfunction thread
- Reddit DEF warning discussion
- NHTSA recall API 2016 Colorado
- CarScout Colorado buyer guide
- Go-Parts Colorado/Canyon driveshaft guide
- NHTSA recall API 2022 Colorado
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA complaints API 2019 Colorado
- NHTSA complaints API 2022 Colorado
- NHTSA recall API 2017 Colorado