2004–2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon common problems and fixes

The first Colorado and its twin, the GMC Canyon, came with a 2.8L four or a 3.5L five-cylinder at first, then a 2.9L four and 3.7L five from 2007. A 5.3L V8 was added for 2009–2012. GM didn't sell them in the US for 2013–2014.

We counted 1,728 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for 2004–2012 Colorados and Canyons (retrieved October 5, 2026; each complaint counted once): 768 from the 3.5L, 233 from the 3.7L and 408 from the four-cylinders, identified by VIN; the rest couldn't be matched to an engine. We left out 12 whose VIN belongs to another vehicle. 2004 and 2005 have far more than later years (901 of the total). Complaint counts show what owners report most often, not how many trucks have a problem.

At a glance

• Brake lights that stop working or stay on are the most reported problem: about 200 complaints.
• ABS that kicks in at low speed: about 160 complaints.
• Misfires from valve wear on 2004–2006 2.8L and 3.5L engines.

Brake lights

About 200 complaints describe brake lights that don't work or stay on, often with cruise control that quits. GM recalled the brake lamp switch on 2004–2006 trucks (06V139000) and again on 2004–2009 trucks in hot-weather states (09V310000). On ColoradoFans, owners also report melted wiring at the switch plug.

ABS and brakes

About 160 complaints mention the ABS, usually activating at low speeds so the truck takes longer to stop. On ColoradoFans, owners often trace it to rust building up under the front wheel speed sensors; have the codes and sensor readings checked before replacing parts. Frame rust also shows up in about 110 complaints, 89 of them from 2004–2005 trucks, often near the rear spring mounts.

Engine

The 2004–2006 2.8L and 3.5L engines are known for misfires from valve wear. GM's special coverage 07123A covered worn intake valve seats on 2004–2006 2.8L and 3.5L trucks for 7 years or 100,000 miles (now expired), and its bulletin 04-06-04-081A replaced exhaust valve springs and seals on 2004–2005 3.5L trucks when the normal misfire diagnosis found nothing else. Only 24 NHTSA complaints from 2004–2006 trucks mention misfires or valves, but it's widely discussed on ColoradoFans, where owners report heads needing a valve job.

Recalls to check

• Automatic transmission that could be shifted without the brake on some 2011 trucks (11V337000)
• Hood missing its secondary latch on 2010–2012 trucks (12V594000)

Before you buy

• Check open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls with the VIN.
• Check that the brake lights work and that cruise control turns on.
• Scan for misfire codes and listen for a rough idle.
• Have the frame checked, especially around the rear spring mounts.
• Bring our used truck inspection checklist.