Last updated: 2026-10-10

Chevrolet Colorado

Chevrolet Colorado Years to Avoid

9 scored model years (2018–2026) · model average 79/100

Skip the 2023 Colorado. Owners report false automatic emergency braking at highway speed, screens that go blank while driving, and batteries that drain overnight. The 2022 is the better buy, with far fewer complaints and a record that has had time to show itself.

Verdict

Avoid
2023 73/100
Buy
2022 81/100
Model average
79/100
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Chevrolet Colorado Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Chevrolet Colorado average of 79/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202373/100Good3113Electrical System (30)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2023 Chevrolet Colorado

Owners describe the instrument panel and infotainment screen going blank or restarting while driving, sometimes hiding speed for up to a minute. Many also report the truck braking hard on its own with nothing ahead, even after the recall repair. Brake rotors warp early and shake the whole truck under braking.

3 recalls113 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (30), Forward Collision Avoidance (18), Service Brakes (16), Unknown Or Other (10), Engine (7), Power Train (7)

View full 2023reliability report →

What Are Common Chevrolet Colorado Problems?

POWER TRAIN

185 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

2018: Transmission shudder dominates.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

115 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024, 2018

2023: The digital instrument panel and infotainment screen go blank or restart while driving.

STEERING

77 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2018, 2022

2019: Power steering assist cuts out without warning, sometimes at highway speed.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

73 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2019

2018: Stuck ignition keys show up again, with dealers often unable to duplicate the fault and a bulletin pointing to the shifter control assembly.

SERVICE BRAKES

59 complaints

Most reported in 2023, 2024, 2021

2023: Many of these reports describe the same false automatic braking: sudden stops on highways and in parking lots that leave seatbelt marks and sore necks, sometimes even after the recall software update.

ENGINE

38 complaints

Most reported in 2019, 2024, 2023

2019: Power loss at highway speed is the most serious thread.

Best Chevrolet Colorado Year to Buy Instead

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2022 drew far fewer complaints than the 2023 redesign and the older 2018 and 2019 trucks, and it has been on the road long enough to show its faults. Those faults are a binding steering feel at low speeds, a false fuel gauge, and sticking keys. That is milder than false emergency braking.

Score: 81/100 (Excellent)1 recalls39 complaints
View full 2022reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2022 Chevrolet Colorado has 1 recall on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Chevrolet Colorado Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Chevrolet Colorado year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2023. It scores well below the model's own average, and owners report false automatic emergency braking, blank screens while driving, and drained batteries. It is the first year of the third generation, and it drew more complaints per vehicle sold than any other year.
Which Chevrolet Colorado years have transmission problems?
Power train was the top complaint area for 2018, 2019, and 2020, with 2018 the heaviest at 73 reports. Owners describe a shudder or hesitation under acceleration, and the data does not tie it to one year alone. Check the fluid service history on any truck.
Is the 2018 Colorado a bad year?
It is one of the two lowest-rated years, but it is not on the avoid list. It had 5 fire reports and heavy power train complaints. Because it has been on the road longest, it also has had the most time to collect reports.
Did the recall fix the 2023 Colorado braking problem?
Not for every owner. Federal recall records show 3 recalls for the 2023, but several owners say the truck still braked hard on its own after the recall repair. Dealers often could not reproduce the fault, so a test drive alone may not reveal it.
Should I buy a 2025 or 2026 Colorado instead?
Treat them as unproven. Both rate highly, but the 2026 has no complaints and the 2025 has few, mostly because they have had little time on the road. The 2022 has a longer record and is the safer choice.

How we score every Chevrolet Colorado model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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