CarBrief

Owners filed 216 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, and about half of them name the power train[1][2]. The model year has one recall, for a fuel pump, and the fix is free at a dealer[3][4].

216owner complaints[1]
1recalls[3]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 216 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Colorado[1]. Five mention a crash, none a fire, and 6 injuries are reported[1]. These are unverified reports. A single complaint can name more than one part, so the group counts below add up to more than the 216 total[1].

Component group Complaints Median mileage at failure
Power train[2] 107 19,350
Electrical system[7] 41 35,000
Engine[8] 28 30,000
Unknown or other[9] 24 13,000
Steering[10] 19 26,861
Fuel/propulsion system[11] 15 10,142
Brakes[12] 12 17,759
Air bags[13] 9 31,810

Power train. In a sample of 12 power train complaints we read, 8 describe harsh or clunky shifting, or a shudder and vibration at highway speeds. Some owners link it to the torque converter[2]. Two of the 12 are about four-wheel drive: the truck has no dash light showing when it is engaged, and the selector knob is hard to see[2].

Steering. In a sample of 12 steering complaints, 10 describe steering trouble such as power steering that goes stiff, cuts in and out, locks up or pulls on its own[10]. Two of them say it happens on cold starts[10].

Engine. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 5 describe stalling or a sudden loss of power while driving[8]. Two describe diesel emissions sensor failures[8].

Electrical. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 3 describe a dead screen or rear camera, and 3 describe a key that will not turn off or come out[7].

Air bags have only 9 complaints, but they include 3 crashes and 4 injuries[13]. The count is small, so treat it as a flag to check, not a pattern.

Recalls

NHTSA lists one recall for the 2017 Colorado[3].

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine, the drive and the version. Combined MPG runs from 15 to 25[14][5]. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate[15].

Version Engine City / highway / combined Annual fuel cost
2WD, manual 6-spd[15] 2.5L 4-cyl 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, automatic 6-spd[16] 2.5L 4-cyl 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, automatic 8-spd[17] 3.6L 6-cyl 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
2WD, automatic 6-spd, diesel[5] 2.8L 4-cyl turbo 22 / 30 / 25 $3,850
4WD, automatic 6-spd[18] 2.5L 4-cyl 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
4WD, automatic 8-spd[19] 3.6L 6-cyl 17 / 24 / 19 $3,550
4WD, automatic 6-spd, diesel[20] 2.8L 4-cyl turbo 20 / 28 / 23 $4,150
Cab Chassis 2WD, automatic 8-spd[14] 3.6L 6-cyl 15 / 15 / 15 $4,450
ZR2 4WD, automatic 8-spd[21] 3.6L 6-cyl 16 / 18 / 17 $3,950
ZR2 4WD, automatic 6-spd, diesel[22] 2.8L 4-cyl turbo 19 / 22 / 20 $4,800

The 2WD diesel has the best combined rating at 25 MPG[5]. Even so, EPA puts its yearly fuel cost at $3,850, above the $3,350 for the 2WD 3.6L[5][17]. The lowest yearly cost listed is $3,050, for the 2WD 2.5L[15][16].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated four configurations of the 2017 Colorado[6][23][24][25]: PU/CC 4WD, PU/EC 4WD, PU/EC RWD and PU/CC RWD. All four get 4 stars overall, 4 stars in frontal crash tests, 5 stars in side crash tests and 3 stars for rollover[6][23][24][25].

NHTSA puts the rollover risk between 21.2% and 22.0%[6][24]. The lowest figure is for PU/CC 4WD and the highest is for PU/EC RWD[6][23][24][25].

Engine and size

EPA lists three engines for the 2017 Colorado. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 194 hp[26]. The 2.8L 4-cylinder is rated 181 hp[27]. The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 308 hp[28].

Size depends on the cab and bed. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab, L/box, 2WD[29] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,259 lb
Crew cab, L/box, 4x4[30] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,480 lb
Crew cab, S/box, 2WD[31] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,041 lb
Crew cab, S/box, 4x4[32] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,411 lb
Extended cab, L/box, 2WD[33] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 3,948 lb
Extended cab, L/box, 4x4[34] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,169 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2004: 361 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 356 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 236 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 140 complaints, 3 recalls2008: 81 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 67 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 29 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 42 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 42 complaints, 2 recalls20122015: 493 complaints, 7 recalls2016: 712 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 216 complaints, 1 recalls21620172018: 183 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 150 complaints, 0 recalls2020: 85 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 79 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 56 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 137 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 123 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 27 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 18 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Colorado model year. The 2017 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20043613
20053563
20062364
20071403
2008812
2009673
2010292
2011425
2012422
20154937
20167124
20172161
20181831
20191500
2020850
2021791
2022561
20231373
20241233
2025271
2026181

With 216 complaints, 2017 is not among the worst years on NHTSA's list, but five years have more[3]: 2016 with 712, 2015 with 493, 2004 with 361, 2005 with 356 and 2006 with 236[3]. The 2018 model year has 183[3].

On recalls, 2017 has 1[3]. The 2015 model year has 7[3], 2011 has 5[3], and 2006 and 2016 each have 4[3]. The 2019 and 2020 model years have none[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so use them as a rough guide only[3].

Should you buy a used 2017 Colorado?

The record is mixed. Complaints are well below the 2015 and 2016 model years, and there is one recall with a free remedy[3][4]. The power train draws about half the complaints, and the sample we read points to shifting and vibration[1][2]. Steering complaints in our sample describe a power steering assist that drops out, so ask for a long test drive that includes cold starts and low-speed turns[10]. Before you buy, ask a dealer to confirm that the fuel pump recall work was done[4].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Power train has the most complaints, 107 of 216[1][2]. In a sample we read, owners describe harsh shifting and highway vibration[2]. Electrical and engine complaints follow[7][8].
Does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one, 18V358, for a fuel pump that can come loose and damage the fuel line[3][4]. Dealers replace the pump and pipe free of charge[4].
What MPG does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado get?
EPA combined ratings run from 15 to 25 MPG depending on version[14][5]. The 2WD diesel is highest at 25[5].
How safe is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA gives 4 stars overall in all four configurations it rated, with 3 stars for rollover[6][23][24][25].
Is the 2017 Colorado better than other years?
It has 216 complaints. Five model years have more, including 2015 and 2016 with 493 and 712[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales[3].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 216 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 107 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,350). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 41 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 28 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 24 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 19 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,861). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 15 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,142). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 12 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,759). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 9 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,810). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 15 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  15. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Colorado ZR2 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Colorado ZR2 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 194 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.8L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 308 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,259 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  30. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,480 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,411 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,169 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.