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2016 Chevrolet Colorado

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck that offers a blend of practicality and comfort. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4, a 3.6L V6, and a 2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel. The 3.6L V6 produces 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Colorado’s maneuverability, fuel efficiency (especially with the diesel), and its comfortable ride. Common complaints include the sometimes clunky transmission, infotainment system glitches, and some reported issues with reliability in certain model years.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

  • No Issues Found

3.6L V6

  • Engine Misfires/Rough Idle
    • Description/Symptoms: Engine may exhibit misfires, rough idle, and a check engine light. This issue is often related to the high pressure fuel pump failure
    • Solution: Replacement of high pressure fuel pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Excessive Oil Consumption
    • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. This can be a sign of internal engine wear or issues with the PCV system.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to determine the root cause. This could involve replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or addressing PCV system leaks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3000+
    • Recalls: None Found

2.8L Duramax Turbo-Diesel

  • Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated, reduced engine power, and messages related to DEF quality or level. Potential issues with the DEF injector, DEF pump, or sensors.
    • Solution: Diagnosis of the specific DEF system component causing the issue, followed by replacement or repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive black smoke from the exhaust, and unusual noises from the turbocharger.
    • Solution: Turbocharger replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $2500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

  • Harsh Shifting/Slipping
    • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, slipping during acceleration, and general transmission hesitation.
    • Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and relearn procedure may help. However, more serious cases may require valve body repair or replacement, or a complete transmission rebuild.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $3500+ (rebuild)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A noticeable shudder or vibration, especially at lower speeds or during light acceleration.
    • Solution: A transmission fluid flush with updated fluid may resolve the issue. In more severe cases, torque converter replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (flush) - $1000+ (torque converter)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Front Suspension Squeaks/Noises
    • Description/Symptoms: Squeaking or creaking noises coming from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. May be related to worn ball joints, sway bar end links, or control arm bushings.
    • Solution: Inspection and replacement of worn suspension components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ per component
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, Crashing, not responding to inputs, Bluetooth connectivity issues, or failure to start.
    • Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In severe cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $800+ (Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a few days of inactivity, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the source)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • Seat Upholstery Wear/Failure (Cloth Seats)
    • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear or tearing of cloth seat upholstery, especially on the driver’s seat.
    • Solution: Seat upholstery replacement or repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard, particularly in areas exposed to direct sunlight.
    • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair. Dashboard replacement will be more expensive than repair.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado has a few common issues, primarily related to the engine, transmission, electrical, and interior components. The most concerning issues are with the transmissions, potentially requiring a costly repair or rebuild. The 3.6L V6 can experience issues with the high pressure fuel pump, and diesel models may have issues with the DEF system or turbocharger. Electrical issues with the infotainment system are also a frequent complaint. While some issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, making a thorough inspection essential before purchasing a used 2016 Colorado.

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