Last updated: 2026-03-04

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good
2019 Chevrolet Colorado

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado scores 78/100 ("Good"). With 0 recalls and 139 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2019 is 4 years after the first facelift refresh.

Recalls

0

Complaints

139

Complaint Rate

11.4

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$599

About avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

4/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
60/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
100/100 (Excellent)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
87/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

POWER TRAIN (59)STEERING (21)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Refresh

2019 is 4 years after the first facelift refresh.

  • Year 5 in the Second generation (RG; 2011) (2015–2022).
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 2nd generation Colorado (US).

What this means for buyers

Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.

Second generation (RG; 2011)

2015refresh
2016
2017
2018
2019selected
2020
2021refresh
2022

Should You Buy the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado scores 78/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is 4 years after the first facelift refresh.

With 139 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (59). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)
  • No recalls issued

Cons

  • POWER TRAIN issues reported (59 complaints)
  • STEERING issues reported (21 complaints)

Compare 2019 Chevrolet Colorado With

Common Problem Categories

Other

  • POWER TRAIN (59)
  • STEERING (21)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)
  • ENGINE (8)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (5)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
  • AIR BAGS (3)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
  • SUSPENSION (2)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (1)
  • VISIBILITY (1)
  • STRUCTURE (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

0

recalls on record

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

11.4

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 21.1

LowAvgHigh
Moderate

Safety Incidents

Crashes

6

Fires

4

Injuries

12

Deaths

1

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 21.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Pelvis/Torso (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Not Available)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chevrolet Colorado Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$599

vs $548 avg for midsize trucks

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.2

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Colorado
$599
Category Avg
$548
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Chevrolet Colorado

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Test for transmission shudder during acceleration and gear shifts
  • Inspect power steering for smooth operation and check for any binding or stiffness
  • Verify brake pedal responsiveness and inspect for any signs of vacuum pump failure
  • Check for any oil leaks under the vehicle, particularly around the valve cover gasket
  • Test infotainment system for screen outages and ensure all functions operate correctly
  • Inspect for any signs of fuel leaks or unusual fuel odors around the vehicle

Check Any 2019 Chevrolet Colorado's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Colorado in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Colorado with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Chevrolet Colorado Common Problems by Component

139 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

59
21
16
POWER TRAIN (59)STEERING (21)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11)ENGINE (8)SERVICE BRAKES (5)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)AIR BAGS (3)Other (12)

POWER TRAIN

59 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, particularly shuddering, hesitation, and hard shifting between gears. Symptoms commonly described include vibration during acceleration, slamming into gear, and slipping or delays when shifting, often occurring between the first and second gears. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some complaints arising as early as 5,100 miles and others around 100,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with one complaint involving a crash and multiple injuries reported, highlighting potential risks related to sudden vehicle behavior. Buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission problems, which may require significant repairs or replacements.

59 complaints total1 crash7 injuries

STEERING

21 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the power steering system, with many describing sudden loss of power steering assist while driving. Common symptoms include the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn or locking up entirely, often without warning lights or error messages. These issues are reported across a wide range of mileages, from as low as 8,000 miles to over 55,000 miles. Some owners note water penetration and corrosion as possible causes, while others mention repeated failures even after repairs. Safety implications are significant, as several reports describe near-miss accidents and difficulty controlling the vehicle, particularly at higher speeds or in heavy traffic. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring steering issues when considering a used 2019 Chevrolet Colorado.

21 complaints total

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

16 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the ignition key getting stuck in the accessory position, preventing removal and sometimes causing battery drainage. Complaints also highlight problems with the infotainment system, including screen outages that disrupt navigation, CarPlay connectivity, and even turn signal functionality. Additionally, some owners experience repeated failures of exterior lights, such as headlights and brake lights, despite multiple repair attempts. Two complaints involve fires, one originating between the driver and passenger doors and another associated with smoke from the windshield area, underscoring potential safety risks. These issues appear across varied mileages, with some starting as early as 13,125 miles, which may be relevant for prospective buyers assessing the vehicle's reliability.

16 complaints total2 fires
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

11 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the ignition system, where keys get stuck and cannot be removed, sometimes requiring battery disconnection to resolve. This problem often begins intermittently but can become persistent, with some owners noting this across various model years. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight transmission-related shuddering and delayed response, particularly during acceleration or gear shifts. One report involves a fire incident where the vehicle lost power and brakes, requiring emergency measures to stop. These issues appear across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 4,000 miles, and may have significant safety implications, including potential vehicle fires and loss of control.

11 complaints total1 fire
ENGINE (8 complaints)

ENGINE

8 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report engine-related issues, including a blown head gasket, high pressure fuel pump detachment, and a malfunctioning thermostat. Symptoms described include loss of power, sudden acceleration, and coolant mixing with oil, often occurring around 34,800 to 41,000 miles. A notable safety concern involves a fire incident following vehicle shudder and smoke, leading to a complete vehicle loss. Additionally, multiple complaints highlight issues with the variable valve timing system and oil filter adapter, which can result in engine failure if not addressed. These patterns suggest potential reliability challenges for prospective buyers, particularly regarding engine components and associated safety risks.

8 complaints total1 fire
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the brake system, primarily involving vacuum pump failures. Common symptoms include the brake pedal becoming stiff and unresponsive, sometimes going to the floor, which significantly impairs braking ability. These issues occur at varied mileages, with some reports at approximately 21,000 to 130,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as multiple owners describe situations where the inability to brake effectively nearly led to collisions, particularly in high-traffic or emergency situations. Additionally, some owners mention related problems such as grinding brakes and the need for rear brake pad and rotor replacements at lower mileages, suggesting potential maintenance concerns for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado report issues primarily related to the high-pressure fuel pump and fuel leaks. Multiple complaints describe the fuel pump mounting bolts breaking, which leads to a loss of power and potential gasoline leaks. Additionally, some owners mention fuel leaks from the top of the fuel tank, attributed either to the fuel pump seal or external damage from road debris. These issues often occur around 24,000 miles, with symptoms including reduced vehicle speed and visible fuel leakage. Safety implications include the risk of fuel leaks, which could lead to fire hazards if not addressed.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints consistently mention that the airbags fail to deploy in rear-end and head-on collisions, even when the vehicle sustains substantial damage or is declared a total loss. These incidents involve vehicles traveling at speeds ranging from 32 to 40 miles per hour. The reports include three crashes resulting in five injuries, indicating a potential safety concern for buyers considering this model.

3 complaints total3 crashes5 injuries
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (2 complaints)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the engine and cooling system of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, primarily involving oil leaks and temperature gauge malfunctions. Complaints frequently mention oil leakage due to a valve cover gasket, which in one case reoccurred and was later attributed to a failed camshaft carrier gasket. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the temperature gauge not functioning and the engine light remaining on, often accompanied by transmission slipping. These issues have been reported at mileages around 40,000 and 112,000. No crashes, fires, or loss of control have been reported in connection with these complaints.

2 complaints total
SUSPENSION (2 complaints)

SUSPENSION

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado report issues related to the suspension, with symptoms including abnormal roaring sounds from the rear and shuddering while driving at various speeds. One owner describes a severe incident where the front passenger control arm broke, causing the wheel to collapse and resulting in a loss of steering and an abrupt stop. This incident occurred at approximately 15 mph on a gravel driveway, with no prior warning signs or external impacts. The mileage at the time of these issues is noted around 9,000 miles. The control arm failure has safety implications, as it led to a crash, though no injuries were reported. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the vehicle's suspension integrity.

2 complaints total1 crash

When Do 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

5,000–60,000 milesTransmission shudder
10,000–55,000 milesPower steering failure
21,000–130,000 milesBrake vacuum pump failure

Best & Worst Chevrolet Colorado Years

Best Chevrolet Colorado Years to Buy

The best Chevrolet Colorado year is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2020 (81/100).

Chevrolet Colorado Years to Avoid

The worst Chevrolet Colorado year is 2023 with a score of 73/100, primarily due to electrical system (30) issues.

See full Chevrolet Colorado years-to-avoid analysis →

Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Score Trend

Chevrolet Colorado reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.

avg 78
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chevrolet Colorado reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201875/100Good
201978/100Good
202081/100Excellent
202178/100Good
202281/100Excellent
202373/100Good
202476/100Good
202583/100Excellent

Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202677/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202583/100+7Excellent019
202476/100+3Good382
202373/100-8Good3113
202281/100+3Excellent139
202178/100-3Good159
202081/100+3Excellent071
2019(selected)78/100+3Good0139
201875/100Good1173

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 78/100. It is reasonably reliable with 0 recalls and 139 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado include: POWER TRAIN (59 complaints), STEERING (21 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (16 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints), ENGINE (8 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado have?
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has no recalls on record, which is a positive indicator.
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has estimated annual repair costs of $599/year, which is $51 more than the midsize trucks average of $548. With a reliability score of 78/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue