The 2022 Colorado is too new for widespread high-mileage failures, but early data shows the 2.8L Duramax has alarming catastrophic engine failure rates under 100k miles, while the 3.6L V6 and 2.5L I4 remain relatively trouble-free. Transmission oil cooler leaks are becoming a pattern across all engines.
Symptoms: Sudden metallic knocking or rattling from engine bay, Loss of power and compression, Metal shavings in oil during routine changes, Check engine light with misfire codes
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required—piston failures and bearing wear are killing these engines prematurely. Typical rebuild involves 35-45 labor hours; many shops recommend remanufactured long blocks instead. This is a known weak point in the LWN diesel.
Estimated cost: $8,500-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddles under vehicle near front, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Slipping or delayed shifts when hot, Low transmission fluid warning on DIC
Fix: Cooler lines corrode or fittings crack where they connect to the radiator. Replace lines and inspect radiator-mounted cooler for internal contamination. 2-3 hours labor, flush system after repair to prevent valve body damage.
Estimated cost: $400-750
Rear Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive/reverse, Vibration during acceleration or deceleration, Visible tearing or separation of rubber mount, Excessive drivetrain movement when rocking vehicle
Fix: Rubber mount deteriorates faster than expected, especially on 4x4 models. Simple replacement job—1.5 hours labor to drop crossmember and swap mount. OEM quality matters here; aftermarket mounts fail even faster.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Diesel Fuel Filter Housing Leaks (2.8L Only)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 25,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Diesel fuel smell in cab or under hood, Hard starting when cold, Fuel visible on top of engine or dripping onto skid plate, Check engine light with low fuel pressure codes
Fix: Filter housing O-rings fail or housing cracks at mounting points. Replace entire housing assembly and prime system—about 2 hours labor. Use genuine AC Delco parts; aftermarket housings crack worse.
Estimated cost: $450-700
Head Gasket Failures on 2.8L Duramax
Rare · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Coolant loss with no visible external leaks, Overheating under load or towing, Milky oil or oil in coolant reservoir
Fix: When the engine doesn't grenade first, head gaskets can fail—often related to EGR cooler contamination. Requires heads off, resurfacing, and EGR system cleaning. 18-22 hours labor. Usually caught before total failure if coolant consumption is monitored.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Seat Track Fastener Loosening (NHTSA Recall)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Driver or passenger seat rocks or shifts unexpectedly, Clunking sound from seat during hard braking, Visible gap between seat track and floor, Seat adjustment becomes difficult or binding
Fix: Critical fasteners securing seat tracks can loosen or fail—legitimate crash safety issue. Factory recall available—dealer inspection and retorquing or replacement takes 0.5-1 hour. Get this done immediately if not already addressed.
Estimated cost: $0 (recall repair)
Owner tips
If buying a 2.8L Duramax, get a pre-purchase compression test and oil analysis—engine failures are often sudden but sometimes telegraph with low compression or bearing material in oil
Check transmission fluid color and level at every oil change; catching cooler leaks early saves transmissions
Inspect transmission mount at 40k miles—cheap insurance against bigger drivetrain issues
Diesel owners: use quality fuel additives in winter and change fuel filter every 15k miles regardless of maintenance reminder
Buy the 3.6L V6 or 2.5L I4 versions used without hesitation—solid trucks. Avoid the 2.8L Duramax unless you have extended warranty coverage or detailed service records proving the engine hasn't been abused; the catastrophic failure risk is real and expensive.
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 48; AGM required for diesel with auto start-stop
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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.
Seat Control Module (SCM)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hrwith power seats and memory function▸ programming details
📍 Under driver seat, mounted to seat frame
🔧 Self-calibration
⚠️ Controls seat position and memory. Self-calibration after replacement.
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 2022 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado vehicles equipped with a manual passenger seat. The front passenger seat may have a hook attachment that was not properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat and replace the cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222368320.
Performance
Horsepower
181hp
Torque
369lb-ft
0–60 mph
9.2sec
Quarter mile
17.1sec
Top speed
100mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
30mpg
Combined
23mpg
Fuel
Diesel
Capability & size
Towing capacity
7,700lb
Payload
1,578lb
Curb weight
4,750lb
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Wiper blades
2015-2022 generation (second gen). 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 2022 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.