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2013 Chevrolet Colorado

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2013 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck offering a blend of practicality and affordability. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 producing 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, a 2.9L inline-4 producing 185 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque, a 3.7L inline-5 producing 242 horsepower and 242 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.3L V8 producing 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the Colorado’s maneuverability and ease of parking, while common complaints include the somewhat dated interior and fuel economy that isn’t class-leading.

Engine

2.9L Inline-4

  • Rough Idle/Misfire
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine idles roughly, hesitates during acceleration, and/or the check engine light illuminates. Diagnostic codes often indicate misfires on one or more cylinders.
    • Solution: Replacing the ignition coil(s) and/or spark plugs. Inspecting the fuel injectors for proper operation and cleaning or replacing as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Camshaft Actuator Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine makes ticking noises, lacks power, or has poor fuel economy
    • Solution: Replace Camshaft Actuator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found

3.7L Inline-5

  • Camshaft Actuator Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine makes ticking noises, lacks power, or has poor fuel economy
    • Solution: Replace Camshaft Actuator
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rough Idle/Misfire
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine idles roughly, hesitates during acceleration, and/or the check engine light illuminates. Diagnostic codes often indicate misfires on one or more cylinders.
    • Solution: Replacing the ignition coil(s) and/or spark plugs. Inspecting the fuel injectors for proper operation and cleaning or replacing as needed.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
    • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

  • Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Blue smoke may be visible from the exhaust.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve cover, PCV valve, piston rings, and valve seals
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Lifter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine makes a loud ticking or knocking noise, especially when cold. Can lead to misfires and reduced engine performance.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters, and potentially the camshaft if damaged.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard or jerky shifts between gears, especially 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd.
    • Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid and filter. Inspecting the shift solenoids for proper operation and replacing if necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips under acceleration, resulting in a loss of power and/or increased engine RPM without a corresponding increase in vehicle speed.
    • Solution: Replacing the transmission fluid and filter. Inspecting the shift solenoids for proper operation and replacing if necessary. A full transmission rebuild or replacement may be required in severe cases.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension Ball Joint Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises from the front suspension, especially when turning. Excessive play in the front wheels when checked. Can lead to instability and dangerous handling.
    • Solution: Replacing the worn ball joints.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Blower Motor Resistor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The blower motor for the HVAC system only works on certain speeds (usually high) or not at all.
    • Solution: Replacing the blower motor resistor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks fail to operate correctly.
    • Solution: Replacing the failed door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Lower Body Panels
    • Description/Symptoms: Rust developing on rocker panels, cab corners, and wheel wells. More prevalent in regions with road salt usage.
    • Solution: Removal of rust, repair of affected areas, and repainting.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2000+ per area
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seatbelt issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Seatbelts don’t retract
    • Solution: Replace seatbelts
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2013 Chevrolet Colorado, while generally a reliable truck, does have some common issues. Engine problems, particularly with the 2.9L and 3.7L, can include rough idle issues. The 5.3L V8 can be prone to oil consumption. The 4-speed automatic transmission may experience harsh shifting or slipping. Suspension issues, specifically with ball joints, and electrical problems like blower motor resistor failure are also reported. Rust on lower body panels is a concern, especially in colder climates. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, engine and transmission work can be costly. Potential buyers should have any prospective purchase thoroughly inspected, paying close attention to these common problem areas.

Chevrolet, Colorado
Chevrolet Colorado 2013
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