2019 Chevrolet Colorado problems
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has 145 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado has 145 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 60 complaints, typically surfacing around 15,511 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Colorado | 695 | 4 |
| 2017 Colorado | 215 | 1 |
| 2018 Colorado | 179 | 1 |
| 2019 Colorado (this page) | 145 | 0 |
| 2020 Colorado | 79 | 0 |
| 2021 Colorado | 69 | 1 |
| 2022 Colorado | 49 | 1 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
- 1 fatality report and 1 crash-related complaint on the powertrain
- Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2019 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC RWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2019 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
- powertrain — 60 owner reports · tends to show around 15,511 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- steering — 21 owner reports · tends to show around 23,317 mi · ~$700 to fix
- electrical — 19 owner reports · tends to show around 19,281 mi · ~$850 to fix
- engine — 10 owner reports · tends to show around 50,075 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 15,511 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.6/10 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.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2019 Chevrolet Colorado
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.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
I was travelling at approximately 32 miles per hour when I rear ended a vehicle that was in front of me, the vehicle in front of me was stopped. The airbags did not deploy in my vehicle. Damage to the vehicle was substantial enough to declare the vehicle a total loss.
Transmission slips when starting on steep grades, and transmission hesitation/shuttering between first and second gears.
Transmission slips when starting on steep grades when first shifting from Park to first gear. Transmission hesitates/shudders between first and second gears.
2019 Chevrolet colorado z71 4x4 vehicle shutters noticeably when in motion on flat roads or uphill. Problem always occurs in all road and environment temps and appears most often in moving operation of 45 to 65 MPH.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
On the NHTSA data, the 2019 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: 1 fatality report and 1 crash-related complaint on the powertrain; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average. 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 60 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 15,511 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 145 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 15,511 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 60 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 15,511 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 15,511 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 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 145 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, 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.