Photo: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2004 Chevrolet Colorado: common problems and reliability
· 1st generationOne of the worst Colorado years.
One of the Chevrolet Colorado years to avoid. All Colorado years
361 owner complaints, most about electrical system. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Colorado?The 2004 Chevrolet Colorado has 361 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. Owners most often flag early 3.5l engine problems, described as having "a ton of issues" and being inferior to the 3.7l.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Colorado years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Colorado?
Across the 21 Colorado model years we track, complaint volume runs from 42 (2012) to 707 (2016). With 361 complaints, the 2004 Colorado sits above the model's median of 130.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 Colorado
child seat
Campaign 10V575000GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 06V139000CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMP WIRING WILL MIMIC THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMPS WHEN EITHER CONDITION OCCURS.
exterior lighting:brake lights:switch
Campaign 09V310000GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.
What owners report on the 1st generation Colorado
Owners of the 2003-2012 Colorado generally regard it as a solid, reliable little truck, with many describing long ownership experiences that were trouble-free.
- RecurrentEarly 3.5L engine problems, described as having "a ton of issues" and being inferior to the 3.7L
- IsolatedHead gasket issues on 2005-2006 five-cylinder engines
- IsolatedDoor lock computer chip failure (reported twice on one 2007)
- IsolatedAlignment going out easily from potholes
- IsolatedHeater fan speed selector burning out
Owner insights for the 1st generation Colorado. Read the full 1st generation owner report.
Typical used price
Used Colorado listings typically run $17,900–$28,090.
Other Colorado model years
Compare every Colorado year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Colorado against its rivals
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