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ProblemsByVinFile / 2015-CHEVROLET-COLORADONHTSA data synced 1 hour ago
2015 · Chevrolet
Chevrolet Colorado problems
482 owner complaints and 6 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
Reliability score
5.8 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
6
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2015 Colorado?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
Powertrain: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 6,356–38,000 mi
Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average
6 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2015 Chevrolet Colorado? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
steering — 350 owner reports
· tends to show around 68,886 mi · ~$700 to fix
powertrain — 40 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,642 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
electrical — 20 owner reports
· tends to show around 65,027 mi · ~$850 to fix
engine — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 53,100 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 28,642 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 6 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.8/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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Most people shopping a 2015-2016 Colorado have heard about “the transmission issue” and brace for it. Here’s the myth-buster: it largely isn’t on the trucks you’re looking at.
The transmission myth
The famous Colorado transmission problem — the eight-speed 8L45 shudder/hard-shift — is a 2017+ thing, when the eight-speed arrived on the V6. The 2015-2016 trucks use the older six-speed (6L50), which does not have that issue. The thing you were bracing for mostly isn’t on these years. (Mild irony: the eight-speed worry is a reason to be more careful on a 2017+, not on a 2015-2016.) Neither is on our worst-platforms list.
The real 2015-2016 deets
These are the rough early years. 2015 is the first year of the gen — six recalls, the weakest score; 2016 has the highest complaint count. 2017-2018 clean up a lot.
The #1 known weak point: the A/C condenser. It fails early and often on 2015-2017 Colorado/Canyon — figure ~$800-1,000. Assume you’ll do it or negotiate it. That’s the deet nobody mentions.
The 3.6 V6 is GM’s 3.6 family — but the improved LFX, not the junk early-2010s LLT. Get the V6 over the 2.5 four.
4WD models: the vacuum-actuated front axle/transfer-case actuator can act up — confirm 4WD engages on the test drive.
Run the VIN: a 2015 with six recalls needs all of them confirmed closed.
Should you buy one?
The 2015-2016 don’t carry the transmission boogeyman you feared — but they are the early-bug years with a known A/C condenser habit. If budget allows, a 2017-2018 is a noticeably better truck for not much more. If you buy a 2015-2016: get the V6, confirm recalls, and assume an A/C condenser is in your near future. Solid trucks once sorted. The warranty calculator is worth running on the early-year trucks specifically.
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2015 Colorado· steering
My power steering will quit for no reason such as hard turns or rapid turning. The dash gives you a warning that this has occured. Shutting the ignition off resets it .when you turn the key to start the power returns to the steering.I have had it recalibrated but still have this…
I lost power steering on 12/18/22. Informed by dealership that although a power steering loss is a problem that has resulted in a recall for 2015 chevy colorado trucks that this is a different problem. The power steering control module was replaced part number 84670807 sr
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Chevrolet colorado. While driving 40 MPH, the hood began to shake and partially lifted up, but never fully opened. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The…
Had a problem with your 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
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Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles
A loss of power steering, particularly at lower speeds increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace steering gear torque sensor cover assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 6, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325410.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured September 15, 2014, to January 21, 2015, and 2015 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured October 3, 2014, to December 9, 2014
If the inflator separates from the back plate in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, this may cause the air bag or steering wheel components to separate and be propelled into the interior compartment, potentially seriously injuring the driver or other occupants. Additionally, the air bag may fail to properly inflate, increasing the risk of injury to the driver.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the driver air bag module inflator for proper alignment, replacing the air bag, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 19, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15037.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015 Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured January 6, 2014, to December 24, 2014
If the vehicle experiences a brake fluid leak it can increase the stopping distance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front-brake calipers if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 9, 2015. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14888.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.8 out of 10 based on 482 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
On the NHTSA data, the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: Powertrain: 40 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 6,356–38,000 mi; Reliability score 5.8/10 — around the segment average; 6 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 350 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,886 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.8 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 482 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Typical failure occurs around 68,886 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 350 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 68,886 miles. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 68,886 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Chevrolet Colorado has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 482 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 hour ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Chevrolet/Colorado.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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