Chevrolet Colorado · Pickup
3.6-liter High Feature V6 with direct injection, variable valve timing, and 301 hp. Far more durable than the 2.4 Ecotec of the same generation. But requires strict 5,000-mile oil changes (never trust the oil life monitor) or timing chain stretch starts around 85,000 mi.
3.6 V6 LFX — the pre-refresh workhorse
304 hp with the 6L50 6-speed automatic. Simpler drivetrain than the 2017+ 8-speed trucks. Timing chain stretch past 90k miles is a real concern. No AFM on this variant. Solid first two years.
Engine Weaknesses 1
Early 3.6L LFX suffers premature timing chain stretch when oil change intervals are stretched. GM Special Coverage SC-10287 applies.
Symptoms: Cold start rattle, P0008/P0009 codes, check engine light
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
Corroded connectors in the power steering system cause sudden assist loss. NHTSA recall 16V054 covered 2015 models (60,678 vehicles). 2016-2018 similar, covered by TSB 16-NA-065.
Torque converter clutch material contaminates fluid, causing shudder at light throttle. GM TSB 18-NA-355 calls for fluid flush. Class action filed covering 800k+ units.
Transfer case actuator motor, wiring chafing, or control module prevent 4WD engagement. Service 4WD message common in cold weather. Check actuator wiring at frame crossmember first.
Leaf spring packs develop metal-to-metal contact as dampers wear. GM TSB addresses it with updated damper inserts.
Thin rear frame section allows visible bed movement at highway speed. At max GVWR the frame visibly flexes.
A/C compressor clutch or high-pressure switch fails. BCM temp sensor wiring can prevent compressor engagement.
MyLink system suffers software glitches: black screens, frozen displays, Bluetooth failures. Reset by holding Home + Fast Forward for 10 seconds.
