2019 Chevrolet Colorado Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Overall Score
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.
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.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
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.
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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Most Common Issues
1. Powertrain
Most reportedUsage: 58 reports
2. Steering
Usage: 21 reports
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
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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.