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Chevrolet · Pickup Truck · 2004–2012 Custom Search

Chevrolet Colorado GMT355

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

245 PS

3.7L I5 Benzin

3.7 I5 — the better five-cylinder

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

245 PS

3.7L I5 Benzin

2 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 is available with 4 engine variants — from 177 to 245 hp.

2.8L I4 · Petrol· 175 PS
2004 2006
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.9L I4 · Petrol· 185 PS
2007 2012
Be Careful 0 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.5L I5 · Petrol· 220 PS
2004 2006
Be Careful 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
3.7L I5 · Petrol· 242 PS
2007 2012
Good Choice 2 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Frame Rust (Salt Belt)

Box frame design traps water and road salt, causing severe frame corrosion. Driver-side rear near leaf spring is the first failure point. Aftermarket frame repair kits (Rust Buster) available but costly.

Symptoms: Visible rust on frame rails, truck bed contacts cab, fails inspection
from 130,000 km
Ad frame repair kit Colorado GMT355 RB7501
 High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below average
1,324 complaints · 2004–2012
  1. 01 Electrical
    361 ⚠ 1
  2. 02 Brakes
    234 ⚠ 16
  3. 03 Lighting
    157 ⚠ 2
  4. 04 Hydraulic
    141 ⚠ 8
  5. 05 Airbags
    130 ⚠ 32

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Electrical (361 complaints)
⚠ Brakes (234 complaints)
⚠ Lighting (157 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-04

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 9 weaknesses have been documented for the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 (2004–2012) — 4 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Gearbox, Electronics. Considered reliable: LLR (3.7L I5).

Colorado (L52, 2004–2006) — Be Careful: Cylinder Head Valve Seat Failure (3.5L I5), Head Gasket Failure (3.5L I5). Power: 220 PS.

What to watch out for with the Chevrolet Colorado? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 have? +
The Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 has 4 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Chevrolet Colorado GMT355? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: LLR (3.7L I5). The most reliable engine is the LLR (3.7L I5) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the LLR (3.7L I5).
Which Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 2 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 — rated: "Decent". {description} 242 hp, revised cylinder heads fix most of the 3.5's valve seat drama. The I5 torque curve suits a small truck. Same 4L60-E concerns, same frame rust lottery. A solid work truck motor that runs 200k+ miles with regular oil changes.
Is the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 worth buying used? +
The Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Chevrolet Colorado GMT355? +
The Chevrolet Colorado GMT355 is available with engine variants from 177 to 245 hp. Petrol: LK5 (2.8L I4), LLV (2.9L I4), L52 (3.5L I5), LLR (3.7L I5).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee