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2019 Chevrolet Colorado Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated May 30, 2026·Ethan Miller
2019 Chevrolet Colorado Report

Overall Score

6.7/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • Significant powertrain issues, including transmission shudder and harsh shifting, are the most common complaints.
  • Steering problems, such as loss of power assist or stiffness, pose a serious safety risk and require immediate attention.
  • Electrical system faults, like ignition key issues, can strand the vehicle.
  • Despite a good overall safety score, early-onset mechanical failures indicate potential long-term reliability concerns.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2019 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size truck that offers a capable platform but is overshadowed by notable reliability concerns. While it boasts a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including a perfect 5 stars for side crash performance, its public reliability score is good, yet the LLM assessment is below average. This discrepancy stems from frequent consumer complaints, particularly concerning the powertrain (32.4%), steering (11.7%), and electrical system (11.2%). Many of these issues, including transmission shudder and steering problems, are reported at surprisingly low mileage, suggesting potential design or manufacturing weaknesses. With 179 complaints and 266 TSBs, a thorough pre-purchase inspection is critical.

Critical Failure Risk

Frequent complaints involve transmission shuddering, harsh shifting, late downshifts, and lurching. These issues can feel like driving over speed bumps and often occur during acceleration or deceleration. This is a significant concern impacting drivability.

Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$3,000 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls0
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

179
Power Train58
Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
15
MPG
City
15
MPG
Highway
15
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

8.7/ 10

Practicality

2.9/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Buyers prioritizing utility and moderate off-road capability who understand the risks.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Drivers who demand unwavering reliability and minimal unexpected repair costs.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Regular
Seating Capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic 8-spd
Drivetrain
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Body Style
Pickup
EPA Combined MPG
15

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Powertrain

Most reported

Usage: 58 reports

2. Steering

Usage: 21 reports

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Steering and Suspension Components

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

7,500 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (7 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
Full safety recall details
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is 8.7/10. Reliability score is 8.7/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 179.

How practical is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 2.9/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 15 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.

What is the overall score for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is 6.7/10. Overall score is 6.7/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.1/10. Practicality 2.9/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brake System - Inspect Steering and Suspension Components at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $700. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $1,500 • Max: $3,000).

What is the MSRP range for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

Base MSRP is $38,195.

What engine is in the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.6.

What transmission does the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, transmission is Automatic 8-spd. The paired drivetrain is 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

EPA combined estimate is 15 MPG.

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

8 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, seating capacity is 5.

What body style is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, body style is pickup.

What drivetrain does the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, drivetrain is 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4. Transmission is Automatic 8-spd.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 4/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 3/5.

What are the most common power train problems on the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

Top complaint category: power train (58 reports, 32.4% of complaints).

Should buyers consider alternatives to the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?▾

Alternatives listed in this guide: 2019 Toyota Tacoma and 2019 Honda Ridgeline.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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