2017 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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Quick Facts · 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
- Has 1 NHTSA recall on record — the most notable involves the fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump.
- Scores 4 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado earns a 82.
- The system most likely to surface first: 8-speed automatic transmission (major severity).
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado at a glance
- Is the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
- Autojunket rates the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado 78/100 (grade C+), categorized as moderate risk. A capable mid-size truck, but the problematic 8-speed automatic transmission demands serious scrutiny.
- Should I buy a used 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
- Autojunket recommends reading the full reliability report before buying a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado. The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado offers a lot to like in a mid-size truck, but the pervasive and expensive problems associated with its 8-speed automatic transmission make it a 'proceed with caution' recommendation. If you find one with documented transmission service (TSB 18-NA-160) and pass a rigorous pre-purchase insp…
- Which Chevrolet Colorado years are the most reliable?
- Best model years to buy: 2019+ models, as GM made attempts to address the 8-speed issues (though not entirely eradicated), or earlier models with the 6-speed automatic.. Years to avoid: 2017-2018 models with the 8-speed automatic without clear documentation of the TSB 18-NA-160 transmission flush and a clean bill of health from an independent mechanic..
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
- The top failure points on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado are 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (typically around 20,000-80,000 miles), HVAC System (typically around 40,000-90,000 miles), Diesel Emissions System (Duramax 2.8L) (typically around 60,000-120,000 miles). Autojunket's full report includes repair-cost ranges and inspection checklists for each.
- At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
- The first major mileage danger zone for the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado is around 30,000. Low Risk Zone — At this mileage, the truck is still relatively new. Focus should be on ensuring proper fluid changes and checking for any early signs of the 8-speed transmission shudder. Any minor issues should still be under factory warranty.
Every answer is generated from real repair, recall, and ownership data — full breakdown in the report.
Read the full free reportShould You Buy the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
While the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado offers a compelling blend of capability and efficiency for a mid-size truck, significant concerns surrounding its 8-speed automatic transmission dampen its overall reliability outlook. Prospective owners must be diligent in verifying transmission health and maintenance history, or risk costly repairs down the line. It's a capable workhorse, but not without its well-documented Achilles' heel.
The 2017 Chevrolet Colorado offers a lot to like in a mid-size truck, but the pervasive and expensive problems associated with its 8-speed automatic transmission make it a 'proceed with caution' recommendation. If you find one with documented transmission service (TSB 18-NA-160) and pass a rigorous pre-purchase insp…
Best Model Years
2019+ models, as GM made attempts to address the 8-speed issues (though not entirely eradicated), or earlier models with the 6-speed automatic.
Years to Avoid
2017-2018 models with the 8-speed automatic without clear documentation of the TSB 18-NA-160 transmission flush and a clean bill of health from an independent mechanic.
Biggest Strengths
- Diverse and capable engine options (V6 power, Duramax economy/torque)
- Solid chassis and towing capacity for its class
- Modern features and technology relative to rivals
Top Risk Areas
The systems that tend to fail first on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado, with the typical mileage window when each becomes a concern. Detailed repair-cost ranges and exact what-to-check inspection notes are in the full report.
The 8L45/8L90 automatic transmission is prone to shuddering, harsh shifts, and premature torque converter failure, often linked to improper fluid from the factory. A triple flush per TSB 18-NA-160 is a common fix, but not always permanent.
Owners report issues with the heater core developing leaks (causing a sweet smell or fogging), blend door actuators failing (leading to inconsistent temperature control), and noisy blower motors.
The 2.8L Duramax diesel can experience failures with DEF heaters, NOX sensors, and DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) system components, often leading to limp mode and expensive repairs.
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Mileage Danger Zones
The mileage windows when the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado most commonly needs attention. Plan ahead, budget accordingly, and inspect before you cross each threshold.
Low Risk Zone
At this mileage, the truck is still relatively new. Focus should be on ensuring proper fluid changes and checking for any early signs of the 8-speed transmission shudder. Any minor issues should still be under factory warranty.
Maintenance Zone
Factory warranties are typically expiring around this point. It's crucial to ensure major services, especially the 8-speed transmission fluid flush (TSB 18-NA-160), have been performed. Brake wear and early suspension component wear beco…
Elevated Risk Zone
This mileage sees an increased likelihood of medium-to-major component failures. The HVAC system is more prone to issues, and for Duramax owners, the emissions system will require closer monitoring. Neglected transmission issues will lik…
High Risk Zone
Without meticulous maintenance, the risk of significant repairs, especially concerning the 8-speed transmission, engine, or complex diesel components, becomes substantial. Frame rust can also become more pervasive, impacting structural i…
2017 Chevrolet Colorado Ownership Cost Outlook
What it typically costs to keep the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado on the road. Full 5-year cost-of-ownership projection and major-failure-risk forecast are in the report.
Annual Maintenance
$450-650 (higher for Duramax diesel)
Moderate Repairs
$800-2,000 occasionally (e.g., HVAC, suspension components, non-major transmission work)
How Long Does the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Last?
For the 2017 Colorado, prioritize documented maintenance history over low mileage, especially regarding the 8-speed transmission. A higher mileage truck with meticulous records and a recently performed transmission flush is often a safer bet than a low-mileage 'barn find' with no service history.
What 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Owners Actually Say
What Owners Love
- Strong towing and hauling capabilities for a mid-size truck.
- Excellent fuel economy, especially with the Duramax diesel engine.
- Comfortable ride quality for a body-on-frame pickup.
- Available V6 engine provides plenty of power for daily driving and light work.
Common Frustrations
- Frustrating and widespread issues with the 8-speed automatic transmission (shudder, hard shifts).
- Rear seats are quite cramped, limiting passenger comfort on longer trips.
- Interior materials can feel somewhat cheap and scratch-prone.
- Infotainment system can be buggy, freezing or disconnecting smartphones.
Who Should Buy the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Best For
- Weekend adventurers needing light towing/hauling capabilities.
- Buyers prioritizing diesel fuel economy and torque in a smaller package.
- Individuals needing more capability than a crossover but less than a full-size truck.
Not Ideal For
- Buyers seeking absolute bulletproof reliability and minimal maintenance worries.
- Those on a very strict budget for unexpected repairs.
How the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado Compares to Rivals
The Colorado offers more modern engine options and interior tech than some rivals, but its primary transmission flaw places it a step below the segment leaders in terms of long-term reliability confidence.
More Reliable Than
- Nissan Frontier (significantly older design, less refined powertrains)
- GMC Canyon (same platform, essentially identical reliability, but often pricier)
Comparable To
- Ford Ranger (newer generation, different set of issues, comparable capability)
- Honda Ridgeline (different segment, unibody, but offers similar utility with different strengths/weaknesses)
NHTSA Recalls
1 recall on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
What breaks on the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
Autojunket OSC · OSC Transfer
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Chevrolet Colorado by Year
Compare AutoScores across nearby years of the Chevrolet Colorado. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by AutoScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
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Where the 2017 Chevrolet Colorado report beats Carfax + CR
Carfax tells you if it crashed. Consumer Reports rates the whole nameplate. Autojunket tells you what will actually break on this specific year — and how to negotiate it.
Year-specific reliability score
Common problems + repair costs
Mileage danger zone map
AI negotiation script + walk-away price
Single report price
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Sell your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado for what it's actually worth.
Log every service on your Chevrolet Colorado. When it's time to sell, hand the buyer a signed PDF — every receipt, mileage-verified, close the deal at your price.
- OSC Transfer PDF — every receipt
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