What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?

Electrical system complaints lead with 32. Brakes follow with 15.

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

Yes, this model year has recalls on file. See the Recalls section for the list.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado get?

See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

NHTSA has 81 complaints on file. Read the problem groups above and the by-year comparison on this page to judge for yourself.

Is 2008 the best year for the Chevrolet Colorado?

See the by-year comparison section on this page.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 81 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado^[1]. The electrical system draws the most, with 32 complaints^[2].

81owner complaints^[1]

2recalls^[3]

15–20MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck. Here are the groups, biggest first.

Electrical System. 32 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a headlamp that will not light in normal driving, a blower motor that quits, and wiring trouble that led to small fires.
Brakes. 15 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe squealing and dragging rear brakes, worn drums, and dealers who could not find a cause.
Air Bags. 14 complaints^[6]. Owners describe warning lights that stay on, a passenger sensor that does not respond, and a few cases where the bags did not go off after a crash.
Engine. 14 complaints^[7]. Owners describe rough idle, hesitation, stalling at stops, and ignition parts that had to be replaced again and again.
Power Train. 7 complaints^[8].
Exterior Lighting. 7 complaints^[9].
Seat Belts. 6 complaints^[10].
Suspension. 4 complaints^[11].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2008 Colorado is necessarily included.

Child Seat (10V575), November 2010. About 192,676 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, stalling.^[12]
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (09V310), July 2009. About 185,903 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[14]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[15]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[16]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[17]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[18]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[19]	17 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[20]	16 / 22 / 18	$3,700
Colorado 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[22]	14 / 18 / 15	$4,450
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[23]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
EXTENDED CAB RWD/AWD^[25]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%
4 DR RWD/AWD^[26]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%
REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD^[27]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD^[28]	207 in	69 in	64 in	126 in	3,752 lb
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4^[29]	207 in	69 in	68 in	126 in	4,001 lb
COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD^[30]	207 in	68 in	63 in	126 in	3,607 lb
COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4^[31]	207 in	68 in	68 in	126 in	3,803 lb
COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 2WD^[32]	192 in	68 in	65 in	111 in	3,459 lb
COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 4X4^[33]	192 in	68 in	68 in	111 in	3,715 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Colorado model year. The 2008 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2004	361	3
2005	356	3
2006	236	4
2007	140	3
2008	81	2
2009	67	3
2010	29	2
2011	42	5
2012	42	2
2015	493	7
2016	712	4
2017	216	1
2018	183	1
2019	150	0
2020	85	0
2021	79	1
2022	56	1
2023	137	3
2024	123	3
2025	27	1
2026	18	1

NHTSA's counts for the Colorado show 81 complaints and 2 recalls for 2008^[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 8 have fewer complaints than 2008 and 12 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (18) and the most are for 2016 (712)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2008 Colorado?

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and they are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold^[1]. Still, the electrical system stands out with 32 complaints^[2]. Brakes, air bags and the engine follow with 15^[5], 14^[6] and 14^[7]. Some reports mention fires and crashes, so check any warning light or brake noise early^[1]. Look over the recall section above too, since this model year has recalls on file^[3].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?: Electrical system complaints lead with 32^[2]. Brakes follow with 15^[5].
Does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?: Yes, this model year has recalls on file^[3]. See the Recalls section for the list.
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado get?: See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?: NHTSA has 81 complaints on file^[1]. Read the problem groups above and the by-year comparison on this page to judge for yourself.
Is 2008 the best year for the Chevrolet Colorado?: See the by-year comparison section on this page.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

2005 356 complaints, 3 recalls
2006 236 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 this page
2009 67 complaints, 3 recalls
2012 42 complaints, 2 recalls
2015 493 complaints, 7 recalls
2016 712 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 216 complaints, 1 recall
2018 183 complaints, 1 recall
2026 18 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Other Chevrolet models from 2008

2008 Chevrolet Avalanche 295 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Chevrolet Cobalt 940 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 Chevrolet Express Passenger 41 complaints, 11 recalls
2008 Chevrolet HHR 616 complaints, 4 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2008: pickup trucks

2008 Honda Ridgeline 143 complaints, 8 recalls
2008 Nissan Titan 133 complaints, 5 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 81 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado (6 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 4 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
32 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 77,703). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
15 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,363). NHTSA vehicle records
14 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,072). NHTSA vehicle records
14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,000). NHTSA vehicle records
7 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 89,000). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 71,000). NHTSA vehicle records
4 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 10V575, filed November 18, 2010: Child Seat. NHTSA recall database
Recall 09V310, filed July 29, 2009: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 18 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,752 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,001 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 63 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,607 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,803 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,459 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,715 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and fuel economy