2015 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado marked the return of a mid-size truck to Chevy’s lineup, offering a more manageable size and better fuel economy than the full-size Silverado. Engine options included a 2.5L inline-4, a 3.6L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax diesel. The 3.6L V6 was a popular choice, producing 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally liked the Colorado’s car-like ride, interior quality (for a truck), and available technology. However, some common complaints revolved around transmission issues, specifically harsh shifting.
Engine
2.5L Inline-4
No Issues Found
3.6L V6
- Timing Chain Wear
- Description/Symptoms: Engine may exhibit a rattling noise upon startup, particularly when cold. Check engine light may illuminate with codes related to camshaft or crankshaft position correlation. Can lead to poor performance.
- Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light may come on with codes related to the EVAP system. This could be due to a faulty purge valve, vent valve, or a leak in the system.
- Solution: Diagnose the specific EVAP component that is failing (purge valve, vent valve, gas cap, etc.) and replace as needed. A smoke test can help find leaks in the system.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
2.8L Duramax Diesel
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminates, reduced engine power, messages related to DEF quality or level, and potential crystallization issues in the DEF injector.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the DEF system, potentially replacing the DEF injector, pump, or level sensor. Flush the system if crystallization is present.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
All Transmissions
- Harsh Shifting/Shuddering
- Description/Symptoms: Hesitation, jerking, or shuddering during gear changes, especially when cold. This can be more pronounced between certain gears.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update (if available) can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or complete transmission overhaul/replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid flush) - $3000+ (transmission replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Leaf Spring Squeaking
- Description/Symptoms: Squeaking noises coming from the rear suspension, particularly when driving over bumps or uneven surfaces.
- Solution: Lubricate the leaf spring bushings with a suitable grease. In some cases, replacing the bushings may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Battery draining overnight or within a short period, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle.
- Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain. Common culprits include aftermarket accessories, faulty modules, or a malfunctioning alternator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Infotainment System Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, Slow Response Times, Bluetooth Connectivity Issues.
- Solution: Attempt a system reset first. If issues persist, a software update (if available) or replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (reset) - $1000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
No Issues Found
Interior
- Seat Belt Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: Seatbelt not retracting or retracting very slowly.
- Solution: Clean the seatbelt and mechanism. If that doesn’t work, replace the seatbelt assembly.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has several potential issues to consider. Engine problems like timing chain wear on the V6 and DEF system issues on the diesel can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, particularly harsh shifting, are another common complaint. Electrical gremlins and infotainment system problems are also prevalent. Although a lot of the issues aren’t extremely severe, they can add up and may cost a lot of money to fix.