How many miles does a 2004 Chevy Colorado last?

In general, a well-maintained 2004 Chevy Colorado can routinely reach about 200,000 miles, with many owners reporting 250,000 miles or more and some pushing past 300,000 miles. Actual endurance depends on care, usage, and climate.

What affects how long a 2004 Colorado lasts

Several factors determine the odometer reading a Colorado can sustainably reach. The more you maintain and the less you stress the drivetrain, the longer it will go.

• Maintenance history and service records


• Engine and transmission reliability


• Driving conditions and how the truck is used (city commuting, highway cruising, towing, off-road)


• Climate, road salt exposure, and overall exposure to rust


• Quality of parts used for repairs and how promptly major components are addressed


• Accidents and overall body/frame integrity

In practice, well-kept examples that see routine maintenance and moderate use can stay on the road far longer than the average car, while neglect or severe use can shorten life considerably.

Mileage milestones: what to expect as the odometer climbs

As the odometer climbs, owners typically encounter a mix of routine wear and potential failures. The following milestones are common reference points for a 2004 Colorado's longevity:

• 100,000 miles (160,000 km): Generally still solid, though wear items like brakes, tires, and suspension components may require attention.


• 150,000 miles (240,000 km): Increased likelihood of wear in cooling system parts, belts/hoses, and drivetrain seals if maintenance has been inconsistent.


• 200,000 miles (320,000 km): Many trucks remain reliable with regular service; rust and frame condition can become more consequential in harsh climates.


• 250,000 miles (400,000 km): Some components, especially suspension and fuel-system parts, may show wear; a well-maintained example can still be road-ready.


• 300,000 miles (480,000 km) and beyond: Achieving this level is less common but possible with meticulous care, timely replacements, and careful driving.

These are approximate thresholds; individual results vary widely based on care, usage, and environment.

Maintenance habits to maximize longevity

Proactive maintenance and smart usage can push mileage higher. Here are practical steps to help a 2004 Colorado reach its full potential:

• Follow the manufacturer service schedule and replace fluids (oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid) on time


• Use quality parts and replace worn components promptly (including any timing-related parts where applicable, water pump, hoses, belts)


• Regularly inspect and maintain the cooling system to prevent overheating


• Address rust early; keep underbody and frame protected, especially in snowy or coastal areas


• Keep brakes, tires, and suspension in good condition to reduce extra stress on the drivetrain


• Maintain a thorough maintenance log and keep receipts for major repairs and part replacements


• Avoid aggressive driving and excessive towing with a high-mileage Colorado

By staying ahead of wear and keeping the truck clean and well-serviced, a 2004 Colorado can maximize its remaining life and remain a useful vehicle for years to come.

Summary

The 2004 Chevy Colorado can last well beyond its first 100,000 miles with disciplined maintenance, and many examples reach 200,000 miles or more, with some approaching 300,000 miles. Longevity hinges on maintenance, usage, and climate, with regular service, prudent driving, and rust prevention offering the best odds of a long life.

Is 200k miles on a Chevy bad?

If you take good care of your Chevy Silverado, you can expect it to last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles—and that's just the baseline. With diligent maintenance and responsible driving, some owners have pushed their trucks well beyond 400,000 miles, proving just how durable these trucks really are.

How many miles will a Chevy Colorado last?

A Chevy Colorado can last between 200,000 and 250,000 miles with proper maintenance, which is about 15 to 20 years of use for many drivers. However, with consistent care and driving habits, some owners have reported their trucks lasting well over 300,000 miles. 
Factors that affect lifespan

• Maintenance: Regularly changing the oil and other fluids is crucial for longevity. 
• Driving habits: Consistent driving, stop-and-go city traffic, and extreme weather can impact the engine's lifespan. 
• Engine type: Diesel engines often have a longer lifespan, though gasoline engines can also last a very long time with proper care. 
• Specific components: Some years or models may have specific issues. For example, a 2004-2012 inline 5-cylinder engine is known to last up to 250,000 miles, while newer models might have different components with varying lifespans. 

Longevity examples

• Some owners have reported reaching over 300,000 miles, with some reaching even higher numbers like 320,000, 364,000, and 404,000 miles. 
• Reports from owners show a wide range of mileage on their Colorados, with many still running well past 150,000 miles, according to Reddit users and Facebook posts. 

What year to stay away from Chevy Colorado?

The Chevy Colorado years to avoid are primarily the 2004-2006 first-generation models and the 2014-2019 second-generation models due to common issues like transmission problems, engine misfires, and power steering loss. The 2015 model is often cited as the worst year due to widespread transmission and power steering failures. Other years with notable complaints include 2017 for electronics and 2018 for transmission shuddering. 
This video discusses the worst Chevy Colorado years to avoid, focusing on the 2015 model's transmission and steering issues: 1mEveryman DriverYouTube · Dec 22, 2019
Problematic generations and years 

• First Generation (2004-2006):
  • 2004-2006: Early years are prone to engine misfires and worn-out valve seats. 
• Second Generation (2014-2019):
  • 2015: This is frequently called out as the worst year due to numerous complaints about the transmission and a high number of power steering system failures. 
  • 2017: Issues with the display screen freezing and phone pairing problems are frequently reported. 
  • 2018: Transmission shuddering and other transmission-related problems were common. 
  • 2014-2019: This period saw many transmission and engine issues, as well as problems with power steering and the HVAC system. 
• Other years:
  • 2004-2012: These years can have problems with the A/C blower motor and fuel level sensors. 

You can watch this video to learn about potential problems with different generations of the Chevy Colorado: 56sTech TriumphYouTube · Apr 14, 2025
Common issues by category

• Transmission: Shuddering, sluggish shifting, and premature failure were common, particularly in the 2015-2019 models. 
• Engine: Misfires and worn-out valve seats were reported in the 2004-2009 and 2016 models. 
• Steering: A significant number of 2015 models experienced power steering loss, which is a major safety concern. 
• Electronics: The 2017 model is known for issues like freezing display screens and problems with phone pairing. 
• HVAC: Malfunctioning A/C blowers were a complaint in the 2004-2010 and 2012 model years. 

How reliable is a 2004 Chevy Colorado?

The 2004 Chevy Colorado is generally considered a reliable truck, with many owners reporting long-term service and high mileage, though some common issues do exist. Common problems include a failing HVAC blower motor resistor, potential engine misfires due to worn valve seats (especially in early models), and a CD player that can break. Owners often find the inline 5 engine to be very durable, and the truck is praised for its dependability, despite minor electrical and quality issues.
 
You can watch this video to learn about potential issues with the 2004-2012 Chevy Colorado: 59sAutoMotivateYouTube · Jul 18, 2021
Strengths

• High mileage: Many owners report the truck lasting 200,000–250,000 miles or more with proper maintenance. 
• Reliable engine: The inline 5 engine is frequently cited as a reliable and durable component. 
• Positive consumer reviews: Many owners are satisfied and would recommend the vehicle, citing its reliability and performance as strong points. 

Common issues

• HVAC blower motor resistor: This is a very common problem that causes the blower to stop working correctly. 
• Engine valve seats: Some early models experienced worn valve seats, which can lead to a check engine light and misfires. 
• CD player: The CD player's eject mechanism is prone to breaking. 
• Other potential problems: Less common issues include a leaking third brake light seal, a power window failure, and a Body Control Module (BCM) that isn't always robust.