This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Colorado | 15 |
| 2016 Colorado | 12 |
| 2017 Colorado | 15 |
| 2018 Colorado | 4 |
| 2019 Colorado (this page) | 10 |
| 2020 Colorado | 9 |
| 2021 Colorado | 6 |
| 2023 Colorado | 12 |
1fire
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel for new vehicles with less than 1,000 miles that may not pass California smog inspection or smog inspection in other states.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on vehicles outside of a California Emissions State who move to and register their vehicle in a California Emission State may be entitled to the 7 year, 70,000-mile Emission Select State Component Limited Warranty.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to oil in system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a spectrum of engine failures in the 2019 Colorado. One owner triggered a P0024 diagnostic code for a Bank 2 exhaust camshaft solenoid (VVT system) and found that GM issued Special Coverage N232430470 for the identical failure on 2020 models with the same 3.6L LGZ engine, but the 2019 was excluded from coverage.
A more severe case involved a vehicle that shuddered and lost power at 55 mph, then erupted in flames near the gear shift at 41,000 miles—the fire department had to extinguish it.
Several owners encountered gasket leaks: one reported oil pooling under the truck, initially diagnosed as valve cover gasket failure, which reoccurred after replacement and was then attributed to a camshaft carrier gasket. Another owner's head gasket failed with no warning, leaving coolant in the oil.
Additional critical failures include a high-pressure fuel pump that detached from the engine at highway speed, snapping the cylinder head flange and bolt. An oil filter adapter insert (GM part 12696079) came loose during routine oil changes, causing oil pressure loss. One owner's thermostat failed at 34,800 miles, requiring over $1,100 in repairs and five days without transportation.
Other reported issues include temperature gauge malfunction, intermittent transmission slipping, sudden acceleration, radiator fans failing to shut off, and transmission shuddering at highway speeds. Dealers offered little assistance in most cases.
Same Chevrolet Colorado engine reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
VVT Solenoid Failure (Bank 2 Exhaust Camshaft)
Bank 2 exhaust camshaft position actuator solenoid malfunction in the variable valve timing system, triggering P0024 diagnostic code. Owner alleges GM issued Special Coverage N232430470 for identical failure on 2020 model year with same LGZ engine, but 2019 model year excluded.
When: Not specified by owner
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Drivability issues; Reduced fuel economy; Possible emissions system non-compliance
Codes mentioned: P0024
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Special Coverage N232430470 issued for 2020 Colorado with LGZ engine; 2019 model year not included per owner claim
Engine Fire
Vehicle shuddered and lost power at highway speed, then flames erupted near the gear shift area. Fire became fully engulfed and had to be extinguished by fire department. No prior warning. Manufacturer not notified by owner.
When: 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering; Loss of power at 55 MPH; Smoke near gear shift; Flames between cab and bed
Valve Cover Gasket Leak
Oil leaking from under vehicle with no warning lights. Independent mechanic diagnosed valve cover gasket failure. After replacement, the same leak reoccurred. Vehicle then diagnosed with failed camshaft carrier gasket; repair not completed.
When: 112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pooling under vehicle; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Valve cover gasket replaced; failure reoccurred. Camshaft carrier gasket replacement advised but not completed per owner.
Temperature Gauge Malfunction & Transmission Slipping
Temperature gauge inoperative and check engine light illuminated. Transmission experienced intermittent slipping. Root cause not determined. Dealer and manufacturer notified but no assistance offered.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge non-functional; Check engine light on; Transmission slipping intermittently
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer notified; no assistance offered
Oil Filter Adapter Insert Detachment
Oil filter adapter insert (GM part 12696079) becomes unattached from oil filter housing during oil change service if not handled with extreme care. Owner's insert dislodged during service, caught immediately by low oil pressure warning. Owner references GM Tech Bulletin 19-NA-006 indicating systemic issue.
When: During routine oil change
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of oil pressure; No oil pressure warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter adapter insert replacement required after detachment.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Tech Bulletin 19-NA-006 exists per owner; referenced at GM TechLink
High Pressure Fuel Pump Detachment
High pressure fuel pump detached from engine, snapping off flange and bolt in cylinder head. No prior warning. Vehicle lost power and entered limp mode while driving at highway speed, nearly causing accident. Part removed by dealership and available for inspection.
When: Highway speed; mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power; Limp mode activation; No prior warning
Repairs/costs cited: High pressure fuel pump and cylinder head fasteners required replacement.
Thermostat Malfunction
Thermostat failure required replacement. Owner reports the part was nearly impossible to locate and repair represents a major undertaking on this model. Vehicle left without transportation for 5 days during diagnosis and repair.
When: 34,800 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Thermostat inoperative
Repairs/costs cited: Thermostat replacement performed; cost exceeded $1,100 per owner
Sudden Acceleration & Cooling Fan Malfunction
Sudden unintended acceleration while driving on interstate. When truck shut off, radiator cooling fans failed to shut off and continued running. Owner also reports longstanding infotainment system problems that dealer could not diagnose or reproduce.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration; Radiator fans remain on after engine shutdown; Infotainment system malfunction (separate, ongoing issue)
Blown Head Gasket
Head gasket failure with coolant contamination in engine oil. No warning lights or messages preceded the failure. Owner scheduled dealership appointment for repair.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Large amount of coolant in oil; No prior warning indicators
Transmission Shuddering & Shifting Issues
Transmission shuddering at highway speeds with failure to shift as intended.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering at high speeds; Improper shifting behavior
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The transmission is starting to shutter at high speeds and not shift as intended.
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 50,075 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Chevrolet/Colorado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.