Which Chevy Colorado Years to Avoid and Why? (Explained)
The Chevy Colorado provides the adaptability of a pickup truck without the compromise of a large truck. The 308-hp V-6 and 369 pound-feet of torque from the diesel makes the car a very quick and responsive one.
The most problematic Chevrolet Colorado years to avoid include 2004, 2005, 2015, and 2016 versions. During this time the most common problems were misfiring engines, faulty transmissions, AC/heater, transmission and engine problems,
But how do these problems show up? What is the difficulty and which years are better? Read this article to find out!
Chevy Colorado Years to Avoid (List of Years)
The Chevrolet Colorados made in 2004 and 2005 have had a lot of engine and AC issues. There are a lot of transmission and engine issues with the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado as well. After barely 10,000 kilometers, you will find problems.
The 2018 model has a reputation for being extremely shaky and vibrating at very low mileage. The other problems I mentioned also persist simultaneously.
What Are the Worst Years of Chevy Colorado?
The wost Chevy Colorado to avoid are stated below:
- 2004: The number of reported problems was 104 (according to carcomplaints.com) Engine misfires. AC unit issues.
- 2005: The number of reported problems was 98. Engine misfires. AC unit issues.
- 2015: The number of reported problems was 114. Transmission, engine issues.
- 2016: The number of reported problems was 92. Transmission, engine issues.
What Makes These Chevy Colorado Years Worth Avoiding?
In this upcoming segment, I will talk about the typical problems with the Chevy Colorado’s bad years:
1. Engine and Transmission System Failure:
The engine computer sends voltage to the transmission range sensor, which responds by delivering voltage back to the engine computer. When the transmission is in Neutral or Park, the ECM/TCM is notified by a neutral safety switch, park/neutral switch, or transmission range selector switch. A warning light will illuminate if the quantity of voltage does not match the specifications specified by the ECM.
The symptoms include erratic repositioning, the engine not starting, and the ability to start the engine while it is in gear, potentially resulting in unexpected acceleration.
Another issue is the engine being in limp mode. Limp Mode is a transmission mode that prevents the transmission from shifting gears. The neutral safety switch/park/neutral position switch has failed or has been misadjusted.
Damaged wiring, ECU issue with a damaged shift linkage, check engine light turning on, transmission overheating etc. are some symptoms. Harsh, delayed, or unpredictable shifts also occur due to misalignment of the torque converter, a faulty temperature sensor for transmission fluid, dirty transmission fluid or low transmission fluid etc.
Fluid leaks in the transmission, corrosion or damage to the wiring connectors etc. also occur due to this. Another problem is the stalling of the engine. A broken or misaligned brake light switch and the above-mentioned corrosion issues cause the problem.
2. AC Blower Not Working:
When you start the truck, the AC may start and stop at random, which is a common sign of the problem. No matter what the speed or heat/AC setting, after it shuts off, no air comes out of the vents.
A blown fuse, a defective relay, resistor, or control module malfunction are the most typical reasons for a Chevy Colorado’s AC fan blower motor not working. Even if they’re fine, you may still be experiencing issues.
It’s because the bearing starts to lock up and slows/shuts down as the engine runs for a longer time. Remove the blower motor and let it run for a time before shutting it down. It will slow down.
Moreover, the blower motor can cease working if there is a defective electrical connector or broken wire, or if there is a defect in the temperature control unit.
3. Poor Sensors:
The turbine sensor fails often. An electromagnetic sensor transmits voltage pattern information to the ECU. The information is related to the input shaft speed and RPM, also known as a TSS (turbine speed sensor). Transmissions may shift erratically, have torque converter locking issues, go into Limp Mode or refuse to shift.
The fuel sensor failing is another issue. The P0135 is the code that shows when O2 sensors are failing. The sensors failing is a common issue with the 2005, 2004 models.
Sensors are not the same as one another, they are unique. The second O2 can have a busted heater circuit wire. This may not be repaired because of being cut off too short.
4. Airbag Not Deploying:
The airbag not deploying and the airbag light staying on are two common issues. Users find themselves asking how hard of an impact is needed before a side curtain airbag deploys?
Complaints have been lodged regarding Chevrolet Colorado drivers suffering a fatal injury due to airbags not deploying. Even in case of light accidents such as turning and hitting the light pole. The airbags don’t deploy.
Three broken wires inside the harness cover between the door and the cab can cause the airbag light to stay on. It is bad because the use of a door repeatedly should not lead to a safety problem.
5. Power Steering Issues:
The power steering on some trucks becomes non-existent. It can be reset by turning it off and on again. But the problem resurfaces soon.
It is possible that when driving one of these pickups, the driver will suddenly lose the ability to turn the steering wheel. The steering wheel may have a distinct notchy feeling to it.
Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon pickup trucks from the 2015 model year are being recalled by General Motors because of a problem with the power steering assembly.
Which Chevy Colorado Years Are Safe to Buy Used?
If you’re looking for a good used Chevrolet Colorado, go no further than 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010 versions. But the 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Colorado models, which have great track records, are the best in my opinion.
These cars have superiority in terms of towing, good control and a smooth ride, spacious and comfy front chairs and an easy-to-use multimedia interface. Below is a rating of the models on a scale of 5 based on consumer reviews on cars.com.
- 2007: Comfort- 4.1; Performance- 4.1; Reliability- 4.2
- 2008: Comfort- 4.0; Performance- 4.1; Reliability- 4.2
- 2009: Comfort- 4.6; Performance- 4.4; Reliability- 4.3
- 2010: Comfort- 4.2; Performance- 4.3; Reliability- 4.3
- 2013: Comfort- 4.5; Performance- 4.5; Reliability- 4.6
- 2014: Comfort- 4.5; Performance- 4.5; Reliability- 4.2
Conclusion
Overall the Chevy Colorados can be rated 7 out of 10 considering value for money, comfort, reliability, performance etc. For medium trucks, it ranks fourth out of seven. The average yearly repair cost is $599, which indicates that the vehicle’s ownership expenditures are average.
This imposes importance on the Chevy Colorado years to avoid. Buy the ones from the better years because these trucks are still worth it.
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