2017 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
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).
Should 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.
OwnerKeep Passport · $499 · one-time
Just bought a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado? Keep it that way.
Snap a receipt — AI logs it. Build an OwnerScore. Sell with a buyer-ready Passport dossier.
Chevrolet Colorado by Year
Compare KeepScores 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 KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
Parts and accessories matched to your 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Comparisons
Just bought a 2017 Chevrolet Colorado? Keep it that way.
OwnerKeep Passport turns your Chevrolet Colorado's care history into a luxury digital vault — AI-logged receipts, an OwnerScore that pays at resale, and a buyer-ready dossier in one tap.
- AI receipt OCR — snap and log
- Fuel & mileage tracker
- Tri-Score OwnerScore
- One-tap resale dossier PDF
Recommended Reading for the Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Years to Avoid (Worst to Best Ranked)
Avoid costly mistakes! Discover the worst Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years to avoid and find the most reliable trucks, ranked worst to best.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Common Problems and Repair Costs
Understand common Chevrolet Silverado 1500 problems and average repair costs to confidently manage your truck's maintenance budget.
How Long Does a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Last? (Real Owner Data)
Uncover the real lifespan of a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with exclusive insights derived directly from actual owner data and experiences.