The 2024 Colorado ZR2 with the 2.7L turbo four is still fresh, but early patterns show this high-output turbocharged engine can have serious internal issues when pushed hard or inadequately maintained. Transmission cooling and drivetrain mount failures are also emerging themes.
Symptoms: knocking or ticking noise from lower engine, metallic rattling on cold start, oil consumption over 1 quart per 1,000 miles, loss of power under load, check engine light with misfire or low oil pressure codes
Fix: This engine can suffer rod bearing wear, piston ring failure, or piston cracking under high load or deferred oil changes. Fix requires short block replacement or full engine rebuild: 18-24 labor hours including removal/installation, plus core engine assembly. Some failures covered under powertrain warranty if under 60k, but aftermarket abuse or modified tuning voids coverage.
Estimated cost: $8,000-14,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 20,000-50,000 mi
Symptoms: transmission fluid puddle under front of truck, burnt transmission fluid smell, transmission overheat warning on dash, slipping or delayed shifts when hot
Fix: The 8L45 or 8L90 automatic can develop cooler line leaks or external cooler seepage, especially on ZR2s that see hard off-road use or towing. Replace cooler and lines: 3-4 hours labor, includes fluid refill and system check. Must use Dexron HP or equivalent.
Estimated cost: $600-1,200
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: clunk or thud when shifting from park to drive, vibration at idle in gear, excessive drivetrain movement felt through chassis, visible torn rubber or fluid leaking from mount
Fix: Hydraulic transmission mount can tear or leak, particularly on ZR2s that see rock crawling or aggressive launches. Replace mount: 1.5-2.5 hours labor depending on skid plate removal. OE GM part recommended over aftermarket due to active damping design.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Filter Clogging (Early Build Units)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 15,000-40,000 mi
Symptoms: hard starting after sitting overnight, rough idle or hesitation under acceleration, reduced power at highway speeds, fuel pressure fault codes
Fix: Some 2024s left the factory with contaminated fuel systems or inadequate filter media. In-tank pump module replacement sometimes necessary if debris damaged pump. Filter replacement alone: 1-2 hours. Full pump module: 3-4 hours including tank drop.
Estimated cost: $350-1,400
Head Gasket Failure (Both Heads)
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: white smoke from exhaust on cold start, coolant loss with no visible leak, oil cap shows milky residue, overheating under load, bubbles in coolant reservoir
Fix: Turbo four can blow head gaskets if overheated or run low on coolant, or if head bolts yield under repeated heat cycles. Both heads: 14-18 hours labor, includes machining if warped, new bolts, timing chain inspection. Often discover additional damage (cracked piston, scored cylinder) during teardown.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Crankshaft Position Sensor / Timing Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: no-start condition, stalling at idle or while driving, rough running with multiple misfires, crank no-start with fuel and spark present
Fix: Crank sensor can fail or timing chain can stretch prematurely on high-output 2.7L, especially if oil change intervals exceeded. Sensor replacement: 1 hour. Timing chain and guides: 8-12 hours if wear detected. Always check timing on any internal engine work.
Estimated cost: $200-3,500
Owner tips
Change oil every 5,000 miles or less with Dexos-approved 0W-20 — this turbo engine is intolerant of extended intervals despite GM's 7,500-mile recommendation
Monitor transmission fluid condition every 30k; consider external aux cooler if towing over 5,000 lbs regularly
Check transmission mount during every oil change — early catch prevents secondary damage to driveshaft and transfer case
Use top-tier fuel exclusively; this direct-injection turbo is sensitive to carbon buildup and fuel quality
Avoid until the 2025+ model years when GM sorted the bearing and cooling issues — early 2024s are high-risk for catastrophic engine failure even with proper maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: AGM battery required for start-stop system; located under hood
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Every control module on the 2024-2026 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM)0.8 hr R&Rno coding▸ programming details
📍 Left frame rail below driver door, near fuel tank
⚠️ Standard on all gasoline engines (2.7L turbo I4 and 3.6L V6)
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly in engine bay
🔧 Aftermarket scan tool or Techline Connect
⚠️ Controls automatic headlamps, DRL, fog lamps. LED headlamps standard
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rno coding▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with tailgate handle camera assembly
⚠️ Standard equipment. HD camera standard 2024+. Camera calibration not required; plug-and-play replacement
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
Consequence: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242453720.
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak during a crash.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and fully lock the fuel tank lock ring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC Customer Call Center at (888) 988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N242451330.
TIRES · 24V366000
2024-05-23
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles. Incorrect tires may have been installed that do not match the tire label, and the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may provide inaccurate information for the installed tires. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
Consequence: A tire label that does not accurately reflect the installed tires may result in the installation of incorrectly sized tires. In addition, the TPMS may not warn the driver of a drop in tire pressure. Both of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 19, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242444030.
Performance
Horsepower
310hp
Torque
430lb-ft
0–60 mph
6.3sec
Quarter mile
14.8sec
Top speed
112mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
17mpg
Combined
17mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
5,510lb
Payload
1,250lb
Curb weight
5,047lb
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Wiper blades
Third-generation Colorado (2023+); pickup trucks do not have rear wipers
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 2.7L I4 Turbo HO and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Mechanic · 20+ years.