2021 Chevrolet Colorado

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, categorized by component and engine/transmission configuration, formatted for your website.

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck that appeals to buyers looking for a more manageable size than full-size trucks, while still offering decent capability. Engine options include a 2.5L inline-4 producing 200 hp and 191 lb-ft of torque, a 3.6L V6 producing 308 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel producing 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L inline-4 engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.6L V6 and 2.8L Duramax turbodiesel are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate its maneuverability, comfortable ride (depending on trim), and available diesel engine. Common dislikes include the somewhat dated interior, and the sometimes-clunky 8-speed transmission.

Engine

2.5L Inline-4

• No Issues Found

3.6L V6

• Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Ticking noise from the engine, misfires, and potential damage to the camshaft. This is most common in 2020 and 2021 model year vehicles.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty lifter(s) and camshaft.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks may occur from the oil pan gasket or valve cover gaskets. Visible oil drips and/or burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.8L Duramax Turbodiesel

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination related to DEF quality, level, or injector issues. Potential for “reduced engine power” message.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the DEF system components (sensor, injector, pump). This may involve flushing the DEF tank and refilling with fresh fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (Paired with 2.5L I4)

• No Issues Found

8-Speed Automatic (Paired with 3.6L V6 and 2.8L Duramax)

• Harsh Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, and 2nd and 3rd gear. Hesitation upon acceleration, sometimes described as a “shudder.” This issue is often linked to the transmission fluid and/or valve body.
  • Solution: Some owners have had success with a transmission fluid flush using an updated fluid formulation. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $1,500+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Squeaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Annoying squeaking noise coming from the rear suspension, particularly noticeable when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Lubricating the leaf spring bushings with a silicone-based lubricant. In some cases, replacement of the leaf spring bushings may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 (lubrication) - $500+ (bushing replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system may freeze, become unresponsive, or crash and reboot unexpectedly. This can affect navigation, audio, and climate controls.
  • Solution: Software updates from the dealer. In some cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Free (software update) - $1,000+ (unit replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, requiring frequent jump starts. Often traced to parasitic draw from accessories or modules that are not fully shutting down when the vehicle is off.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic draw by a qualified technician. Repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboards
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking, particularly on the dashboard and door panels, especially in vehicles exposed to high heat and sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the cracked dashboard or door panel. This is a costly repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado presents a mix of potential issues. The 3.6L V6 engine is susceptible to lifter failure. The 8-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh shifting and hesitation. Electrical issues with the infotainment system and battery drain are also worth noting. While some issues like leaf spring squeaking are minor, others such as lifter failure and infotainment system replacement can be costly. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to potentially significant repair bills, highlighting the importance of a thorough pre-purchase inspection and review of the vehicle’s service history.