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2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems

50 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 30,103. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
50
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
30,103
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Chevrolet Colorado engine problems in other years

20042010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Loss of power 123Stalling 28Check engine light 17Engine failure 10Won't start 5

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2016 Chevrolet Colorado owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

While sitting in idle the engine will just start to idle rough for no reason this happens all the time and clear out when accelerated. While driving the radio and Infotainment screen will go blank then come back on. I was driving on the freeway going straight and all of a sudden the power steering went out and I got this warning light on for the power steering being disabled along with this vehicle symbol and squiggly lines behind it on. I drove to a safe spot with the truck feeling really heavy. Turned it off and on then it cleared up. This power steering issue just happened.

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · Engine · FL

Vacuum pump busted as shown in photos. Once that busted it sent metal shrapnel into the engine which broke a piece of the cam shaft into bits. There were metal fragments that had to be meticulously cleaned out of my engine block. The loss of vacuum seal caused me to lose brakes while driving in stop and go traffic on the highway.

Filed Nov 5, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various undisclosed speeds, the stabili-trak activated independently, and the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the message “Service Power Steering” was displayed. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The contact used force to steer the vehicle. The stabili-trak feature was activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer replaced the rack and pinion assembly. The vehicle was retrieved, and the contact was informed that a leak was found. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle vibrated abnormally. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the oil pan was leaking. The dealer performed a tune-up and a fuel injection service. The timing cover gasket was replaced, the engine front cover was resealed, and the oil pan assembly was resealed. The contact arrived to pick up the vehicle, and there was a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the water pump had failed. The vehicle remained at the dealer pending the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Nov 4, 2025 · Engine · FL

COMPONENT: The piston in cylinder #1 cracked and created conditions for the fuel injector to bore a hole through it. SAFETY: This led to sudden loss of engine power and violent shaking of the vehicle at highway speeds. CONFIRMATION: Multiple reports of the exact same incident can be confirmed and researched at ColoradoFans.com, specifically on these threads https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/looks-like-my-number-finally-came-up-engine-failure.444376 https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/poll-how-many-blown-up-2-8-diesels-please-indicate-on-poll.396705/ https://www.coloradofans.com/threads/documented-2-8l-duramax-lwn-engine-catastrophic-failures-thread.427244 INSPECTION: Confirmed the crack and the hole in piston #1 with borescope. WARNINGS: Prior to catastrophic failure, there was an ongoing intermittent issue chasing down DTC P11CC - NOx1 Performance Low. Not sure if that was a harbinger or completely unrelated.

Filed Oct 30, 2025 · Engine, Steering · 122,998 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle stalled but restarted. The contact continued driving, but the failure recurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure should be covered under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V213000 (Steering). The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly needed to be replaced; Part Number: 23232310. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 122,998.

Filed Sep 13, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · VA

-What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 2016 Chevrolet Colorado VIN: [XXX] Engine: 2.5L I4 (camshaft-driven brake system assist vacuum pump failure). GM Technical Service Bulletin 21-NA-268 (Nov 2021) confirms that if vacuum pump drive lugs are broken, replacement of both the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft is required which was the case. Parts kept by repair facility that performed service. Autonation Chevrolet South Clearwater FL 33764. -How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? May, 2025 the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of braking (hard/stiff brake pedal). This is a safety-critical failure. -Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center?Yes by shop stated above. Diagnosis showed a seized engine brake system vacuum pump (driven by the exhaust camshaft) that had sheared drive lugs and produced metal debris which damaged the exhaust camshaft and associated components. The repair required replacement of the vacuum pump and the exhaust camshaft; my total repair cost was over $4,000. The camshaft was not readily available and I required a rental car for over 30 days while waiting for parts. -Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? System and parts inspected by shop above. GM Special Coverage N182202780 (Apr 2019) addresses vacuum-pump related decreased brake assist for certain 2014–2017 GM trucks/SUVs, but Colorado is not listed in that bulletin’s model list. -Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Check Engine came on at time of brake loss (Brake Vacuum Pump Failure). Immediate system failure. I request the federal safety agency send me a copy of any investigation number or record created for this complaint, and I request guidance on whether I may be eligible for reimbursement under any GM program. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATIO

Filed Aug 30, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WI

FPCM code P069E. Engine stalls when slowing down. Local dealer says to check wires around water pump area if rubbing and unsecured.

Filed Nov 15, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

07-01-23 Vehicle died out, wouldn't start, got jumped, still wouldn't start. No indicator lights or warnings. Towed vehicle to the dealership, where it was for 11 1/2 months with the determination it was the ECM and Harness. Which it took that long to get. The vehicle was given back 06-14-24, even though it was in running condition, it was discovered parts were missing. Dealership put on order, received by end of July and installed. November 13, 2024, vehicle died out while driving on the freeway. Dashboard lit up everything, had to get the vehicle towed back to dealership. I have the Onstar diagnostics indicating the same components as the original reason the vehicle was held for an approximate year. Dealership now has vehicle and we have to wait for them to do a diagnostic.

Filed Mar 5, 2024 · Engine, Seats · TX

06/13/2023: Odometer: 86881 Transmission-2nd Shift: Flare, 3rd Shift: rough shift flare, 4th Shift: shutter. Excessive metal particles in the fluid. No transmission codes or engine light detected. Result was a new rebuilt transmission. 11/01/23: Odometer: 90239 Engine Code: P00b7 coolant flow restriction, stuck thermostat. Result was to replace thermostat and flush coolant system. 12/06/23: Odometer: 91701 No codes detected. Fluids noticed on pavement occasionally. Valve cover gasket, vacuum pump gasket were failing. Result was to replace all parts. 02/25/24: Odometer: 92885 Code-engine overheating, idle engine. Critical 260 upon cold start. Failing temperature sensor. Result was to replace front and rear temperature sensor. Driver seat has begun to unravel and separate at the stich line on the side closest to the door. No repairs have been made. Issue began years ago. Approximately 2018. The area was small and has slowly widened. Approximately 6 inches currently even with avoidance of stretching and being cautious of that area. I do have documentation of this events and repairs if they are needed.

Filed Nov 28, 2023 · Engine · PA

I have asthma and it is controlled by medication when needed. Recently I have had a lot more incidents of breathing difficulty since I purchased my vehicle. It was during one of these episodes that my wife noticed an odor associated with antifreeze. However, there is no moisture in the vehicle and no visible leaks or puddles on the ground. I have detected the same odor when standing near the back of the truck near the tailpipe. Also, I have had to refill the radiator with exactly five gallons of Antifreeze in less than 3000 miles of driving. It was my wife who alerted me to the odor being inside the vehicle and only during times when the heater was running. Since that time I have driven the vehicle only when I can safely leave the heater off, because I cannot be sure it is safe. If I need the heater to defrost, I leave the vehicle. Also, I noticed that when the engine coolant is low, the engine never seems to overheat, and the heater no longer blows hot air. Is this an issue involving only my vehicles and what other health risks are there? The most I have had to add to restore heat is a gallon of coolant.

Questions about the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine

Does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have engine problems?

Owners have filed 50 complaints about the engine of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 30,103 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Chevrolet Colorado have bad engine?

The Chevrolet Colorado model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (50 complaints), 2016 (50 complaints) and 2015 (36 complaints).

Other 2016 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Steering 465Electrical 120Transmission 97Driver assistance 42Brakes 41Acceleration 24Fuel system 22Airbags 10Suspension 10Body 9Visibility 6Wheels 6Lights 4Seat belts 3Seats 3Tires 2Locks 1

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