Is the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO reliable?

The 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO has 98 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (32 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (16 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (15 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO?

No recalls have been issued for the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO?

The 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO is approximately $1,673/year (truck-small class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Chevrolet COLORADO

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO has 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 181. The most common issue is transmission problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: the vehicle is experiencing a shake and/or shudder during light throttle acceleration between 25 and 80 mph steady state driving when transmission is not actively shifting gears. the condition is as if i were driving over rumble strips. tsb 18-na-355 addresses this issue in 2017 - 2019 chevy colorad. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.

5 fire reports 1 crash report 7 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

32 complaints

33%

• THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25 AND 80 MPH STEADY STATE DRIVING WHEN TRANSMISSION IS NOT ACTIVELY SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONDITION IS AS IF I WERE DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. TSB 18-NA-355 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE IN 2017 - 2019 CHEVY COLORAD
• FRONT AND REAR AXLE LOCKER FAILED TO ENGAGE
• MY NEW CHEVY COLORADO TRUCK (10000 MILES) HAS EXPERIENCED VIBRATION ISSUED BETWEEN 30-60 MPH. TYPICALLY IT HAPPENS WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL BETWEEN 50-60 MPH AND I TRANSITION FROM GOING DOWNHILL TO UPHILL AND THE ENGINE IS STARTING TO RE-ENGAGE AND ACCELERATE TO MAINTAIN SPEED. IT FEELS LIKE I AM GO

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25 AND 80 MPH STEADY STATE DRIVING WHEN TRANSMISSION IS NOT ACTIVELY SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONDITION IS AS IF I WERE DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. TSB 18-NA-355 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE IN 2017 - 2019 CHEVY COLORAD”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO

Based on 28 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 11K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 67K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 26K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local diesel price)

Per year

$2,800

Per month

$233

Per mile

23.3¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$3,423/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,054/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Chevrolet COLORADO

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,673

Full coverage / month

$139

Liability only / year

$617

vs US avg

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-small)1.02x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1673

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet COLORADO Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2020 COLORADO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 98 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING A SHAKE AND/OR SHUDDER DURING LIGHT THROTTLE ACCELERATION BETWEEN 25 AND 80 MPH STEADY STATE DRIVING WHEN TRANSMISSION IS NOT ACTIVELY SHIFTING GEARS. THE CONDITION IS AS IF I WERE DRIVING OVER RUMBLE STRIPS. TSB 18-NA-355 ADDRESSES THIS ISSUE IN 2017 - 2019 CHEVY COLORAD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: ENGINE TEMPERATURE GAUGE RUNS IN RED AFTER 30-40 MINUTES OF DRIVING. AFTER 10-15 MINUTES THE GAUGE WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL THEN WILL GO BACK TO HOT. THIS IS BOTH CITY AND HIGHWAY DRIVING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: WHILE BEGINNING TO ACCELERATE AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, I NOTICEABLE SOUND THAT IS BEST DESCRIBED AS 'WATER RUSHING' IS HEARD FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER-SIDE DASH AREA. AFTER CONDUCTING SOME RESEARCH I HAVE NARROWED IT DOWN TO THE ISSUE OF AIR TRAPPED IN THE COOLANT SYSTEM. ISSUE IS ISOLATED TO THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: MY 2020 COLORADO HAS A SLOSHING SOUND COMING FROM PASSENGERS FRONT GOING TOWARDS BACK WHEN ACCELERATING. ALSO THE TRUCK HAS BEEN GOING OUT OF ALIGNMENT SINCE THE DAY I GOT IT. DEALER CLAIMS 'REAR THRUST ANGLE NOT ALIGNED FROM FACTORY' EVERY MONTH I HAVE BEEN BACK TO GET IT REALIGNED
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)