Holden Colorado Common Problems

The RG Colorado (2012 to 2020) is the version most buyers will see. It is a Thai-built ute developed alongside the Isuzu D-Max, and nearly every one has the 2.8-litre Duramax turbo-diesel (a VM Motori design, code LWN) with a six-speed automatic (GM 6L50) or a manual. Early cab chassis models also offered a 2.5-litre diesel. The late-2016 facelift (MY17) brought Euro 5 emissions, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) and a quieter cabin. The older RC Colorado (2008 to 2012) is a reworked Rodeo with Isuzu's 3.0-litre 4JJ1 diesel or a 3.6-litre V6. The RG is strong and cheap for its size, but its automatic, oil use and emissions hardware have a patchy record.

Torque converter shudder and auto faults (6-speed automatic, 2012 to 2020)

This is the most reported RG fault. You feel a shudder or vibration on light throttle, usually around 40 to 80 km/h as the torque converter locks up. It can come with harsh shifts, slipping or fluid leaks. Owners report fixes ranging from fluid flushes to new torque converters, valve bodies and pump housings, and some cars needed work more than once. The MY17 update brought a revised converter with a centrifugal pendulum absorber, but complaints continue on later cars.

A class action was filed in the Federal Court in January 2025 against GM alleging a design fault in the torque converter and converter clutch of several Holdens. It names the Colorado 7 (MY12 to MY16) and the Colorado (MY16 to MY20). These are allegations, not findings, so check its current status. A replacement converter usually costs a few thousand dollars fitted, and a valve body or full rebuild costs more.

DPF blockages and bracket failures (2.8 diesel, 2016 to 2020)

Cars built from the late-2016 update carry a DPF. Short urban trips stop it from getting hot enough to burn off soot, so you get warnings, frequent regenerations and eventually limp mode. Owners also report cracked or snapped DPF mounting brackets, and upgraded brackets are reported to be available. A long highway run or a workshop forced regeneration fixes most cases. A professional clean costs a few hundred dollars, and a new filter costs several thousand. Removing the DPF is illegal for road use.

High oil consumption (2.8 diesel, 2014 to 2018)

Some engines use enough oil to need topping up between services, with reports concentrated on 2014 and 2015 models and some on MY18 cars. Holden is reported to have changed the oil specification from 5W-30 to 5W-40 and fitted a revised dipstick, as the old one could exaggerate consumption. A few owners report engines replaced under warranty. Running low trips the oil warning and risks engine damage, so check the level monthly.

Fifth-gear thrust washer failure (manual, 2012 to 2016)

Reviews report that some early manual Colorados have a weak fifth-gear thrust washer that can fracture when heavy trailers are towed at highway speed in fifth. The exact build range is not clear. The first sign is the gearbox jumping out of fifth, and if ignored the gearbox can fail internally. Holden is reported to have replaced gearboxes on affected cars, so ask a Holden-experienced workshop whether this car's box was done. A replacement gearbox runs into the thousands.

Injector wear and hard starting (2.8 diesel, 2012 to 2020)

Some owners and at least one buying guide report injector failures, in some cases at moderate kilometres. Signs are hard starting, rough idle, knocking and excess smoke. Replacing a full set is a big bill, often several thousand dollars. The 2.8 also uses a rubber timing belt rather than a chain. Reported intervals vary, so check the service book, and budget for a belt and tensioner if a high-kilometre car has no record.

Cabin water leaks and MyLink glitches (all RG models, 2012 to 2020)

Some owners report water getting into the front footwells, with the high-mount brake light, roof aerial and roof rack mounts among the suspects. Resealing is usually cheap. The MyLink touchscreen has a history of Bluetooth dropouts, phantom touches and screen failures, and owners quote around $500 to $1,000 for out-of-warranty screen repairs. A quality aftermarket unit is a common fix.

Recalls and safety

Early RGs were recalled over alternator cable insulation that could wear and short, creating a fire risk. There were also several seatbelt recalls, including a missing rear seatbelt anchor bolt on Space Cab models and front seatbelt retractor bolts that were not tightened correctly. Most cars should have had this work done by now, but do not assume it. Have a dealer or GM service centre check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Holden Colorado? What to check

• Gearbox shudder: Drive at 40 to 80 km/h on light throttle and feel for vibration through the floor. Ask for invoices for any converter or valve body work.
• DPF history: Ask about DPF warnings and how the car was driven. Look under the car for a cracked bracket or a delete pipe.
• Oil level: Check the dipstick and ask how often it needs topping up. A car that is well down on oil is a warning sign.
• Timing belt: Find the belt and tensioner replacement in the service book, or price one into your offer.
• Cold start: Start it cold and watch for long cranking, rough idle or heavy smoke, which point to injectors.
• Manual fifth gear: On a manual, hold fifth under load and make sure it does not pop out, especially on a car that has towed.
• Water leaks: Lift the front floor mats and feel for damp carpet or a musty smell.
• Towing and off-road use: Look for heavy towbar wear, a damaged front diff, rust from beach driving and cracks in the engine bay.
• MyLink and camera: Pair a phone, make a call and check the reversing camera works.

Before you pay, run a PPSR check for finance owing and write-off records, and work through our Holden Colorado buying checklist.

The verdict

The best buy is a MY17 to MY20 RG (built from late 2016) with a full dealer or specialist service history and a gearbox that drives smoothly. These are quieter and better equipped, though you take on the DPF. Shudder is reported across the whole run and oil use reports centre on 2014 and 2015 cars, so only buy an auto that drives smoothly or has proof of gearbox work. Manuals avoid the converter issue, but early ones dislike heavy towing in fifth. Skip heavily modified, DPF-deleted or hard-towed cars without records.