The 2016 Colorado is a capable mid-size truck, but the 2.8L Duramax diesel suffers catastrophic engine failures due to crankshaft bearing defects, while the gasoline engines are generally solid. Transmission cooler line leaks are common across all powertrains.
Symptoms: Sudden metallic knocking from engine, Oil pressure warning light, Complete engine seizure without warning, Metal shavings in oil filter during regular changes
Fix: Crankshaft main bearings fail prematurely, often taking out the crank, block, pistons, and rods. Requires complete engine replacement or full rebuild with updated bearings. 18-25 labor hours for shortblock or longblock R&R. GM issued TSB 18-NA-355 but no recall. Some engines fail twice.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle near radiator, Low transmission fluid warning, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Slipping shifts if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Steel cooler lines corrode at crimped fittings or develop pinhole leaks. Lines run along frame rail and get road salt exposure. Replace both lines preventatively when one fails. 2-3 labor hours, requires dropping exhaust on some configurations.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Rear Transmission Mount Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Vibration at highway speeds, Driveline shudder on acceleration, Visible torn rubber on mount during inspection
Fix: Rubber isolator separates or tears, especially on 4WD models with heavier driveline loads. Allows excessive drivetrain movement. 1.5-2 labor hours, must support transmission during replacement.
Symptoms: Reduced power / limp mode, DPF regeneration cycle runs constantly, Excessive fuel consumption, Check engine light with P2002 or P244A codes
Fix: Trucks driven primarily short distances don't reach temperatures needed for passive regeneration. DPF clogs with soot. Forced regeneration via scan tool often resolves early cases (0.5 hours). Severely clogged filters need removal and cleaning ($600-900) or replacement. 3-4 hours labor for DPF replacement.
Estimated cost: $150-2,200
2.5L I4 Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Oil seepage visible on valve cover perimeter, Burning oil smell from engine bay, Oil drops on driveway (minor), Low oil level between changes
Fix: Rubber gasket hardens and leaks, especially on passenger side. Oil drips onto exhaust causing smell. Simple replacement job. 1.5-2 labor hours.
Symptoms: No-start condition, Intermittent stalling while driving, Engine cranks but won't fire, Fuel pump whine disappears when key turned on
Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails suddenly. Covered under NHTSA recall 18V-355 for certain VINs. Even non-recall pumps fail at similar rates. 2-3 labor hours, must drop fuel tank. Check recall status by VIN before paying out of pocket.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Tailgate Latch Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Tailgate won't latch closed, Tailgate drops open while driving, Latch mechanism feels loose or doesn't engage, Rattling from tailgate area
Fix: Plastic latch components wear or break, tailgate won't secure. Covered under recall 16V-723 for some VINs. Aftermarket latches available. 1 labor hour replacement.
Estimated cost: $150-300
Owner tips
2.8L Duramax owners: send oil samples to lab every oil change starting at 50k miles to catch bearing wear early — catching metal before catastrophic failure can save the engine
Avoid 2.8L diesel entirely if buying used unless engine has already been replaced under warranty with updated parts
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually in salt states; cheap insurance versus a $4,000 transmission replacement from running dry
Diesel trucks need highway miles — if your use case is under 10 miles per trip, buy the 3.6L V6 instead to avoid DPF issues
Buy the 3.6L V6 version used with confidence; avoid the 2.8L Duramax unless you enjoy gambling with five-figure engine replacements.
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: H6 group may also fit; diesel engine requires higher CCA
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2015-2026 Chevrolet Colorado — 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.
⚠️ 4G LTE from 2015+. Requires OnStar account and ESN programming. 2018+ SGW-locked.
Headlamp Control Module (HCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hrwith automatic headlamps or DRL▸ programming details
📍 Behind left headlamp assembly in engine compartment
🔧 Self-calibration
⚠️ Controls automatic headlamp operation and DRL. Basic models use BCM-integrated control.
Trailer Brake Control Module (TBCM)0.6 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith factory trailer brake controller▸ programming details
📍 Under instrument panel, left of steering column
🔧 Self-calibration via infotainment
⚠️ Integrated trailer brake controller. User calibration via touchscreen.
Rear Vision Camera Module (RVCM)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.1 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with tailgate handle camera assembly
🔧 Self-calibration
⚠️ Standard equipment 2018+. Displays on infotainment screen. No programming typically required.
Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module (TPMS)relearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with BCM
🔧 TPMS relearn tool or GDS2/MDI
⚠️ Receives 315 MHz signals from wheel sensors. Sensor ID relearn required after tire service or sensor 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 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
Consequence: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 17V621000
2017-10-05
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. 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 17387.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL · 16V125000
2016-03-02
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
Consequence: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES · 15V807000
2015-12-01
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Consequence: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. 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 16370.
Performance
Horsepower
181hp
Torque
369lb-ft
0–60 mph
8.9sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
100mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
22mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
25mpg
Fuel
Diesel
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,700lb
Payload
1,590lb
Curb weight
4,550lb
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
Third generation (2015-2023). 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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 2.8L I4 Duramax Diesel 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.