2019 Chevrolet Colorado — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $18,000–$28,000. This is one of the more reliable vehicles in its class — here's what to watch for anyway.
Deciding between model years? Compare the 3 Chevrolet Colorado years we've written up →
Kestrel Take
A right-sized, capable midsize with more engine choice than the Tacoma — a 2.5L four, a strong 3.6L V6, and a torquey 2.8L Duramax diesel. It drives well and tows respectably. Watch the 8-speed's early shift-shudder complaints (V6/diesel) and, on diesels, emissions-system upkeep. A comfortable, capable truck at a friendlier price than a Tacoma; verify the transmission and any diesel history.
What we checked
Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11
NHTSA holds 149 owner complaints for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado, and no recall campaigns.
A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 44% of them are about one thing — the transmission and drivetrain. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.
Not written up yet: electrics and electronics (24 complaints). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The 8L45/8L90 drew complaints for a low-speed shudder tied to fluid; a fluid flush/update usually addresses it. Test-drive for shudder around 30-50 mph.
Repair cost (estimate): $200-$600 (fluid/update)
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (65).
The 2.8L Duramax needs its emissions system maintained; verify DEF/regen history on diesel trucks.
Repair cost (estimate): $300-$2,000 if neglected
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the engine (23).
Cabin plastics are plain and it's a bit loud. Character.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗Transmission shudder with no fluid service
- ✗Diesel with emissions faults / thin history
- ✗Off-road abuse (ZR2)
- ✗Neglected oil
Good Signs
- ✓Transmission fluid serviced, smooth shifts
- ✓Diesel with documented emissions upkeep
- ✓Clean frame, documented service
Found a specific Chevrolet Colorado?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
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Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
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