Best and Worst Chevy Colorado Years To Avoid (5 You Should Not Buy!)

Choosing the right Chevy Colorado year can make all the difference. Our guide covers the best and worst Chevy Colorado years and which you should avoid!

Learn which models deliver and which fall short to ensure your Colorado is a dependable companion.

The Chevy Colorado was a compact or midsize pickup truck aimed at hard work. At first, it had rudimentary features, such as a basic interior and noisy powerplants. 

If you’re looking for a no-nonsense pickup truck lacking most modern features, the first generation is right for you. However, don’t expect much performance. 

As the years have passed, it has become an excellent combination of comfort and performance. As a result, the Colorado is the perfect midsize option for those who want a working truck with some refinement. 

So, this truck has improved its reputation over the years. Which are the best and worst Chevy Colorado years? 

The best Chevy Colorado years are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2011, and 2010. On the other hand, the worst years for this pickup truck are 2018, 2017, 2015, 2007, and 2004.

It’s important to note that there are no 2013 and 2014 model years, as Chevy stopped producing the truck for two years. Then, the second-generation Colorado entered the market in 2015. 

This article covers the best and worst years for Chevy Colorado and explains the common Chevrolet Colorado problems you can encounter. So, if you’re looking to buy a used Chevrolet Colorado, read on to make the best decision. 

Best Chevrolet Colorado Years

Since the Chevrolet Colorado has existed since 2004, there are plenty of years to choose from. However, there are significant differences between generations and even production years. 

This article covers the best and worst Chevrolet Colorado models you can find. Let’s start with the list of the best. 

Seven options are the best years for the Chevy Colorado. These are 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2011, and 2010. 

2022 Chevrolet Colorado

The last year of the second generation is one of the best Chevy Colorado models you can find. It comes with respectable reliability rankings from JD Power and Edmunds. Plus, the site Car Complaints has very few problems registered.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado 

The 2021 Chevy Colorado also has a high ranking for reliability from JD Power. At the same time, it has fewer issues than other model years.  

2020 Chevrolet Colorado 

The 2020 Colorado is interesting because it stands out in reliability ratings in JD Power and Consumer Reports. This fact is essential because Consumer reports rate Colorado very low in reliability across all its model years. 

So, the fact that the 2020 Chevy Colorado has a higher ranking is worth highlighting. 

2016 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2016 Chevy Colorado has the highest reliability rating of all model years on Consumer Reports. Not only that, but it has good rankings in Edmunds and JD Power. 

Chevy Colorado owners have praised its robust drivetrain and overall reliability. Also, in the performance department, it delivers as expected. 

2012 Chevrolet Colorado 

The 2012 Chevy Colorado ratings might be deceiving. For one part, JD Power rates with a 78, which is low, but reliability is a respectable 81 of 100. 

At the same time, Car Complaints gives it the “Seal of Awesome,” while Consumer Reports gives it an average reliability. 

So, is the 2012 Colorado a good truck? It is since it has few problems and can handle hard work with no problem. 

2011 Chevrolet Colorado 

Another model year with the “Seal of Awesome” is the 2011 Colorado. It’s got respectable reliability ratings from many sources and is also basic enough to have a few mechanical issues. 

These models do have a disadvantage, and it’s how basic they are. Early first-generation Colorado trucks had almost no features, a rough suspension, and noisy engines, so the driving experience wasn’t the best. 

2010 Chevrolet Colorado 

Rounding the positive side of the best and worst Chevy Colorado trucks you can buy is the 2010 Colorado. This one has high ratings and few problems when compared to other years. 

The 2010 Chevy Colorado is also rugged and can handle heavy loads with ease. The only challenge is finding them in good condition, as they’ve seen hard work.

It’s time to move to the bad side of the best and worst Chevy Colorado years. Here, you will find the most troublesome years, including one you should avoid. 

Worst Years For The Chevrolet Colorado 

Based on reviews and reports from Colorado owners, this section highlights the worst Chevy Colorado years. If you want to buy a used pickup truck, these are the models to avoid. 

The worst years for the Chevy Colorado are 2018, 2017, 2007, and 2004. As you can see, the generation with the most Chevrolet Colorado years to avoid is the first one. 

Colorado trucks from the first generation are basic, underpowered, and rough. Not only that, but their mechanical problems are much more severe than in other years. 

2018 Chevy Colorado

The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the worst you can buy, as it has worrying transmission problems. Many owners have reported shuddering, vibration, and the transmission skips gears. 

At the same time, other Colorado owners have reported that the entire vehicle shakes, especially at startup. These are concerning problems that could be a hazard when driving. 

Other problems with the 2018 Colorado year model include oil leaks or a complete loss of engine oil. Such were the issues that the National Highway Transit Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued 14 reports on the manner. 

Many in the list of best and worst Chevy Colorado years have transmission issues, but 2018 is the worst. 

2017 Chevy Colorado 

The 2017 Colorado has the lowest reliability rating in Consumer Reports, along with the 2018 model. It also has low rankings in JD Power and Edmunds. 

Though it has fewer reported complaints on Car Complaints, they are just as severe and fall along the same lines as the 2018 model year. 

2015 Chevy Colorado 

The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has earned the “Beware of the Clunker” badge from Car Complaints because of many issues with the transmission and loss of power steering. The steering is so bad that the NHTSA has issued 287 reports, as many drivers report unresponsive and shaky steering. 

This problem is a significant safety hazard, and repairs are expensive. What’s worse is that the problems occur at relatively low mileage. 

2007 Chevy Colorado 

The 2007 Chevy Colorado is an interesting case. All the sites rate it with low reliability, mainly focusing on issues such as the engine failing to start, losing power, or shuddering. 

At the same time, many have reported that it has trouble starting, even in warm weather, and can sometimes leave you stranded. The electrical system was so problematic that the NHTSA issued 40 reports. 

However, those who have had the 2007 Colorado understand it’s basic and has no frills. Therefore, they seem to love it, even with the issues. 

2004 Chevy Colorado 

The first-ever Chevy Colorado has many problems and it’s the worst model on the list. The list is long and includes AC problems, body and pain, engine and brakes. 

With over 600 complaints, staying away from this pickup truck is ideal. The most common issues are the engine won’t start, the vehicle shakes and vibrates, and the brakes don’t provide a secure sensation when stopping. 

First-generation vehicles can have many problems, and the Colorado is no exception. That’s the reason we can’t recommend it. 

Common Chevrolet Colorado Problems

We’ve covered the best and worst Chevy Colorado years, but what are the most common problems? Here’s a list of the most common problems that you can find in both the best and worst Chevy Colorado years.  

Transmission slipping

A common problem with most early automatic transmissions is that they can slip out of gear or cause a jerky acceleration. This problem is expected in the first generation and might require expensive repairs. 

Shudder and vibration

Many Chevy Colorado model years suffer from shuddering and vibration. The 2018 Colorado, which earned the “Beware of the Clunker” badge, suffers from this problem and has required expensive repairs, including replacing the steering system. 

This problem is also common in the 2015 Colorado. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from these two years, especially with the diesel engine options. 

Check Engine Light

The 2004 and 2005 Chevy Colorado model years constantly have the check engine light on. It happens either before or at the same time that the Colorado engine begins shaking and then dies. 

These issues are not only concerning, but they happen at low mileage. The average reported miles are 72,750 miles, and repairs average $2,500. 

The problem surrounds the head, head gaskets, and timing chains, which can demand many hours at the shop. 

Conclusion to the Best and Worst Chevy Colorado years

The Chevy Colorado has evolved from a rough, unrefined truck to one of the best midsize options in the market. However, some years can be problematic. 

This article covers the best and worst Chevy Colorado model years so you can buy the best one. You will notice that the best years mainly belong to the second generation, while the first suffers the most severe issues. 

The best years include 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2012, 2011, and 2010. On the other hand, the worst years are 2018, 2017, 2015, 2007, and 2004.

This information can help you buy the best Colorado and save yourself a headache.