Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is generally considered a reliable mid-size pickup truck. According to reviews and owner feedback, the Colorado offers a good balance of capability, comfort, and dependability for its class.

Reliability Ratings and Owner Feedback

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has received above-average reliability ratings from industry experts. J.D. Power gave the 2012 Colorado a reliability score of 4 out of 5, indicating "better than most" reliability compared to other vehicles in its segment. 4 Similarly, Consumer Reports rated the 2012 Colorado as "recommended", with a predicted reliability score of 4 out of 5.

Owner reviews of the 2012 Colorado on sites like Edmunds and Cars.com also reflect generally positive experiences in terms of the truck's dependability. Many owners report that their Colorado has held up well over time with minimal issues or maintenance needs.

Common Reliability Concerns

While the 2012 Colorado is considered a reliable truck overall, there are a few potential problem areas to be aware of:

• Transmission issues: Some owners have reported problems with the automatic transmission, including rough shifting and premature wear. 5


• Engine problems: A small number of owners have experienced engine-related issues, such as oil leaks or reduced power. 6


• Electrical system glitches: Minor electrical problems, like faulty sensors or wiring issues, have been reported by a few owners. 7

However, these issues appear to be relatively uncommon, and many owners report that their Colorado has been a reliable, trouble-free vehicle with proper maintenance.

Maintaining Reliability

To help ensure the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado remains reliable, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and address any issues promptly. Regular oil changes, fluid flushes, and inspections can go a long way in keeping the truck running smoothly for years to come.

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 23, 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. 

What years of Chevy Colorado are most reliable?

Here are the most reliable selections available for the Chevy Colorado: 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. 2007 Chevrolet Colorado. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado.

How many miles can a 2012 Chevy Colorado last?

A 2012 Chevy Colorado can last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles on average, with many owners reporting their trucks reaching even higher mileage with proper care. The expected lifespan in years is typically 15 to 20 years with consistent upkeep and regular maintenance. The 5-cylinder engine, specifically, is known for its durability and can last up to 250,000 miles or more. 
Factors affecting life expectancy

• Maintenance: Regular oil changes (e.g., synthetic oil every 7,000 miles or conventional every 3,000-4,000 miles) can help prolong the life of the engine. 
• Engine type: Diesel models can sometimes exceed 250,000 miles due to the engine's inherent durability. The 5-cylinder engine is known to last for a very long time. 
• Usage: Driving habits, such as how many miles you drive per year, will affect the total lifespan of the truck. 
• Repairs: While many issues can be addressed with repairs, consistent maintenance is key to preventing major problems. 

Owner experiences

• Many owners have reported high mileage on their 2012 Colorados, with some exceeding 200,000 miles. 
• Some owners have had success with replacing an engine if it fails, as junkyard engines can be found for a reasonable price. 
• Despite some reported issues, many owners view the 2012 Colorado as a reliable truck, with some giving it high ratings. 

Is a 2012 Chevy Colorado reliable?

The 2012 Chevy Colorado is generally considered to be reliable, with an "above average" rating from RepairPal and owners reporting good long-term use with only minor issues. Common problems to be aware of include a faulty A/C blower motor resistor, issues with the anti-theft sensor, and potential engine valve seat problems, especially with the 5-cylinder engine.
 
This video discusses the potential issues with the 2004-2012 Chevy Colorado: 56sAutoMotivateYouTube · Jul 18, 2021
Reliability and general reputation

• It is considered one of the more reliable years of the first-generation Colorado. 
• Owners frequently report that their 2012 Colorados have been dependable and only required standard maintenance. 
• The 3.7L 5-cylinder engine is often cited as being very reliable. 

Common problems

• A/C Blower Motor: The blower motor can stop working at certain speeds due to a faulty blower motor resistor block. This is a common and relatively inexpensive fix. 
• Anti-theft Sensor: Some owners report issues where the anti-theft sensor flashes and the truck won't start. The issue is often resolved by waiting for a period of time before the truck starts again. 
• Engine Valve Seats: The 5-cylinder engine can have an issue with valve seats becoming damaged over time, potentially leading to rough running, misfires, or the check engine light coming on. 
• EVAP System: The EVAP vent valve can malfunction due to dirt or a loose gas cap, which can cause a check engine light. This usually does not affect drivability.