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Holden2012–2020 Critical issues documented

Holden Chevrolet Colorado: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Holden Chevrolet Colorado (2012–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 6 known faults for this model spanning cooling, transmission, and engine. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

Check this exact Holden Chevrolet Colorado

  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

Type the plate for the free basics. The full record is a paid check from $13.49, one car at a time, no subscription.

No NZ plate yet, or buying in Australia? Pick the generation and engine and start a free check below. New to KickTyres? How the check works →

6

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$600–$3,500

Typical repair

3

Systems covered

Which Holden Chevrolet Colorado are you looking at?

4 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Petrol

1 variant documented

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Holden Chevrolet Colorado

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

Holden Chevrolet ColoradoEngine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the Chevrolet Colorado came with 3, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Holden Chevrolet Colorado

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Holden Chevrolet Colorado before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Check coolant reservoir level and look for top-up evidence.

    See why

    LWN 2.8L Diesel EGR Cooler Internal Failure – Coolant Contamination

    The LWN 2.8L Duramax diesel used in the RG Colorado has an EGR cooler that is prone to internal cracking, allowing coolant to enter the EGR gas circuit. This contamination causes a distinctive white smoke from the exhaust under acceleration and progressive coolant loss. Continued operation leads to hydrolocking risk and potential engine damage. Holden Australia issued a recall and extended warranty coverage for this fault. One of the most commonly documented faults on the RG Colorado.

    What you would notice

    • White smoke from exhaust on acceleration, not present at idle warm
    • Coolant loss without visible external leak
    • Sweet smell from exhaust
    • Low coolant warning light
    • Milky or frothy residue on oil filler cap (advanced cases)

    Typically $1,800–$4,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Check if the vehicle is subject to the relevant recall using the VIN.

    See why

    LWN 2.8L Diesel Automatic Flywheel Bolt Shearing

    The automatic transmission variant of the RG Colorado LWN 2.8L diesel is subject to flywheel (flex plate) bolt shearing. The bolts connecting the torque converter to the flex plate can shear under the torque loads of the diesel engine, particularly when towing. The failure produces a loud knocking noise and renders the vehicle unable to drive. Holden Australia issued a recall for this fault covering certain build date ranges.

    What you would notice

    • Loud knocking or banging noise from bellhousing area under load
    • Vibration through drivetrain when accelerating
    • Complete loss of drive in severe cases
    • Noise worsens on acceleration and reduces on overrun

    Typically $1,200–$2,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    A healthy example has minimal carbon at 150,000 km.

    See why

    EGR Cooler Carbonisation and Throttle Body Fouling

    On the 2.8TD (LWH/LML) diesel, exhaust gas recirculation deposits accumulate in the EGR cooler matrix, EGR valve, intake manifold, and throttle body at high rates due to the closed-loop emissions calibration used in AU/NZ spec vehicles. Carbon restriction reduces effective airflow, pushes the ECM toward richer fuelling, and accelerates DPF loading. Left untreated, the EGR cooler can crack internally, allowing coolant to enter the intake stream and causing hydrostatic lock risk.

    What you would notice

    • Progressive loss of power and turbo spool under load
    • Rough idle and lumpy off-idle throttle response
    • Black or blue smoke on acceleration after idle
    • DTC P040x or P042x EGR-related fault codes stored
    • Coolant level dropping slowly with no visible external leak (cooler crack)

    Typically $600–$2,800 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Request service records confirming glow plug inspection or replacement.

    See why

    Glow Plug Seizure and Broken Tip on Extraction

    Glow plugs on the 2.8TD, 3.0TD, and 2.5TD engines seize into the cylinder head due to galvanic corrosion between the steel plug body and the aluminium head over years of heat cycling. When a workshop attempts to extract a seized glow plug during routine maintenance or fault diagnosis, the ceramic heater tip frequently shears off inside the combustion chamber, requiring specialist drill-out procedures or head removal. A broken glow plug tip left in-cylinder causes hard starting, misfires, and eventual valve damage.

    What you would notice

    • Extended cranking before start when ambient temperature is below 10°C
    • Glow plug warning light cycling on repeatedly or staying on longer than 3 seconds at start-up
    • Rough idle and misfires limited to cold soak that clear after 2–3 minutes of running
    • Individual cylinder misfire codes that appear only on cold starts
    • DTC P0671–P0674 (glow plug circuit faults for cylinders 1–4)

    Typically $350–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Drive the vehicle at 90–100 km/h in AWD-auto mode on a straight road and feel for a rhythmic drivetrain shudder.

    See why

    Automatic Transfer Case Shudder and Engagement Hesitation

    The Borg-Warner 44-44 transfer case fitted to automatic Colorado variants develops a torque-binding shudder at highway speeds in AWD-auto mode, caused by friction material degradation and incorrect transfer case fluid viscosity. The centre differential clutch pack wears, producing a pronounced vibration felt through the drivetrain between 80–110 km/h that is often mistaken for a wheel balance or driveshaft issue. Delayed or harsh engagement when switching between 2H and 4H is a related symptom of clutch pack wear and low fluid.

    What you would notice

    • Rhythmic shudder or vibration felt in cabin at highway cruising speeds in AWD mode
    • Hesitation or harsh clunk when engaging 4H or 4L from 2H
    • Transfer case differential lock warning light cycling on and off
    • Whining or growling noise from underfloor at speed that changes with road speed not engine speed
    • Transfer case fluid dark black and smelling burnt at service

    Typically $400–$3,500 to put right.

  • Costly issue

    Scan for DPF-related fault codes (P2002, P244A and related).

    See why

    LWN 2.8L Diesel DPF Blockage from Urban / Short-Trip Use

    The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on the LWN 2.8L Colorado requires extended highway driving for passive regeneration. Vehicles used predominantly in urban or short-trip conditions accumulate soot faster than the system can regenerate, leading to DPF blockage. Forced active regeneration cycles may fail if blockage is severe, requiring physical DPF removal and cleaning or replacement. A known pattern across all diesel 4x4 utes used in city environments in NZ and AU.

    What you would notice

    • DPF or exhaust filter warning light on dash
    • Noticeable loss of power
    • Increased fuel consumption
    • Engine entering limp mode

    Typically $800–$3,500 to put right.

See all 6 documented issuesEverything researched for the Holden Chevrolet Colorado, including 2 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Holden Chevrolet Colorado has — 6Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling6

01LWN 2.8L Diesel EGR Cooler Internal Failure – Coolant Contamination

Check coolant reservoir level and look for top-up evidence.diesel2012–2020Cooling
Very commonCooling $1,800–$4,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The LWN 2.8L Duramax diesel used in the RG Colorado has an EGR cooler that is prone to internal cracking, allowing coolant to enter the EGR gas circuit. This contamination causes a distinctive white smoke from the exhaust under acceleration and progressive coolant loss. Continued operation leads to hydrolocking risk and potential engine damage. Holden Australia issued a recall and extended warranty coverage for this fault. One of the most commonly documented faults on the RG Colorado.

Symptoms to notice

  • White smoke from exhaust on acceleration, not present at idle warm
  • Coolant loss without visible external leak
  • Sweet smell from exhaust
  • Low coolant warning light
  • Milky or frothy residue on oil filler cap (advanced cases)

What to check

  1. Check coolant reservoir level and look for top-up evidence.
  2. Start cold and watch exhaust carefully on first acceleration run.
  3. Check oil filler cap and dipstick for milky contamination.
  4. Confirm whether recall work was completed using the VIN against Holden recall database.

Where to look: EGR cooler mounted on left side of LWN diesel engine, connected to EGR valve and coolant circuit

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR cooler recall or extended warranty repair been completed?”
  • “Any white smoke from the exhaust?”
  • “Any unexplained coolant loss?”
  • “Has the engine oil been checked for contamination?”

02LWN 2.8L Diesel Automatic Flywheel Bolt Shearing

Check if the vehicle is subject to the relevant recall using the VIN.diesel2012–2016Transmission
OccasionalTransmission $1,200–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The automatic transmission variant of the RG Colorado LWN 2.8L diesel is subject to flywheel (flex plate) bolt shearing. The bolts connecting the torque converter to the flex plate can shear under the torque loads of the diesel engine, particularly when towing. The failure produces a loud knocking noise and renders the vehicle unable to drive. Holden Australia issued a recall for this fault covering certain build date ranges.

Symptoms to notice

  • Loud knocking or banging noise from bellhousing area under load
  • Vibration through drivetrain when accelerating
  • Complete loss of drive in severe cases
  • Noise worsens on acceleration and reduces on overrun

What to check

  1. Check if the vehicle is subject to the relevant recall using the VIN.
  2. Listen during a hard acceleration run for any rhythmic knock from the transmission area.
  3. Ask specifically about towing history and any drivetrain noises.

Where to look: Flex plate (flywheel) and torque converter bolt interface, automatic transmission bellhousing

Parts involved: Torque converter.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the flywheel bolt recall been completed?”
  • “Any knocking or banging from the drivetrain under load?”
  • “Has the vehicle been used for towing and at what loads?”

03Glow Plug Seizure and Broken Tip on Extraction

Request service records confirming glow plug inspection or replacement.diesel2014–2020Engine
CommonEngine $350–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Glow plugs on the 2.8TD, 3.0TD, and 2.5TD engines seize into the cylinder head due to galvanic corrosion between the steel plug body and the aluminium head over years of heat cycling. When a workshop attempts to extract a seized glow plug during routine maintenance or fault diagnosis, the ceramic heater tip frequently shears off inside the combustion chamber, requiring specialist drill-out procedures or head removal. A broken glow plug tip left in-cylinder causes hard starting, misfires, and eventual valve damage.

Symptoms to notice

  • Extended cranking before start when ambient temperature is below 10°C
  • Glow plug warning light cycling on repeatedly or staying on longer than 3 seconds at start-up
  • Rough idle and misfires limited to cold soak that clear after 2–3 minutes of running
  • Individual cylinder misfire codes that appear only on cold starts
  • DTC P0671–P0674 (glow plug circuit faults for cylinders 1–4)

What to check

Request service records confirming glow plug inspection or replacement. Check for hard or extended cold starting, particularly below 10°C. If the vehicle is above 120,000 km and glow plugs have never been replaced, treat this as a near-future expense. If a workshop inspection is possible: On a scan tool, actuate each glow plug individually and check current draw — a plug that draws no current or throws a relay fault is already failed.

Where to look: Cylinder head — one glow plug per cylinder, accessible from top of engine under the intake manifold runners

Parts involved: Glow plug.

Ask the seller

  • “When were the glow plugs last replaced, and was there any difficulty removing the old ones?”
  • “Does the vehicle start easily in cold weather without multiple crank attempts?”
  • “Has a glow plug warning light appeared on the dash in recent months?”

04Automatic Transfer Case Shudder and Engagement Hesitation

Drive the vehicle at 90–100 km/h in AWD-auto mode on a straight road and feel for a rhythmic drivetrain shudder.diesel2012–2020Transmission
CommonTransmission $400–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Borg-Warner 44-44 transfer case fitted to automatic Colorado variants develops a torque-binding shudder at highway speeds in AWD-auto mode, caused by friction material degradation and incorrect transfer case fluid viscosity. The centre differential clutch pack wears, producing a pronounced vibration felt through the drivetrain between 80–110 km/h that is often mistaken for a wheel balance or driveshaft issue. Delayed or harsh engagement when switching between 2H and 4H is a related symptom of clutch pack wear and low fluid.

Symptoms to notice

  • Rhythmic shudder or vibration felt in cabin at highway cruising speeds in AWD mode
  • Hesitation or harsh clunk when engaging 4H or 4L from 2H
  • Transfer case differential lock warning light cycling on and off
  • Whining or growling noise from underfloor at speed that changes with road speed not engine speed
  • Transfer case fluid dark black and smelling burnt at service

What to check

  1. Drive the vehicle at 90–100 km/h in AWD-auto mode on a straight road and feel for a rhythmic drivetrain shudder.
  2. Check the transfer case fluid condition via the filler plug — fresh fluid is amber; black or burnt fluid indicates clutch wear.
  3. Note any hesitation or grinding when cycling the dial from 2H to 4H at low speed.

Where to look: Centre of vehicle underfloor — transfer case mounted directly behind automatic gearbox

Parts involved: Transfer case.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the transfer case fluid last changed, and what specification fluid was used?”
  • “Does the vehicle vibrate at highway speed when in AWD-auto mode?”
  • “Has any workshop diagnosed or repaired a transfer case issue?”

05LWN 2.8L Diesel DPF Blockage from Urban / Short-Trip Use

Scan for DPF-related fault codes (P2002, P244A and related).diesel2012–2020Engine
CommonEngine $800–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on the LWN 2.8L Colorado requires extended highway driving for passive regeneration. Vehicles used predominantly in urban or short-trip conditions accumulate soot faster than the system can regenerate, leading to DPF blockage. Forced active regeneration cycles may fail if blockage is severe, requiring physical DPF removal and cleaning or replacement. A known pattern across all diesel 4x4 utes used in city environments in NZ and AU.

Symptoms to notice

  • DPF or exhaust filter warning light on dash
  • Noticeable loss of power
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Engine entering limp mode

What to check

  1. Scan for DPF-related fault codes (P2002, P244A and related).
  2. Ask about usage pattern – is the vehicle used primarily in town?
  3. Check DPF soot and ash load percentage via live data if available.
  4. Look for any evidence of DPF removal or modification.

Where to look: DPF canister in exhaust system, typically beneath cab on RG Colorado

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

Ask the seller

  • “What is the typical driving pattern – mostly city or highway?”
  • “Has the DPF warning light ever come on?”
  • “Has the DPF been cleaned or replaced?”
  • “Has the vehicle had any forced regeneration performed?”

06EGR Cooler Carbonisation and Throttle Body Fouling

A healthy example has minimal carbon at 150,000 km.diesel2012–2020Engine
Very commonEngine $600–$2,800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the 2.8TD (LWH/LML) diesel, exhaust gas recirculation deposits accumulate in the EGR cooler matrix, EGR valve, intake manifold, and throttle body at high rates due to the closed-loop emissions calibration used in AU/NZ spec vehicles. Carbon restriction reduces effective airflow, pushes the ECM toward richer fuelling, and accelerates DPF loading. Left untreated, the EGR cooler can crack internally, allowing coolant to enter the intake stream and causing hydrostatic lock risk.

Symptoms to notice

  • Progressive loss of power and turbo spool under load
  • Rough idle and lumpy off-idle throttle response
  • Black or blue smoke on acceleration after idle
  • DTC P040x or P042x EGR-related fault codes stored
  • Coolant level dropping slowly with no visible external leak (cooler crack)

What to check

A healthy example has minimal carbon at 150,000 km; heavy fouling present before 80,000 km suggests predominantly urban use or EGR delete already attempted. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the intake hose at the throttle body and inspect bore for carbon caking; check EGR valve operation and cooler for coolant weeping.

Where to look: Top of engine — EGR cooler on exhaust manifold side, throttle body at intake manifold entry

Parts involved: EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the EGR cooler and throttle body ever been cleaned or deleted — if so, when and who did it?”
  • “Has the coolant ever been topped up without an obvious external leak?”
  • “Does the vehicle spend most of its time on short urban trips or highway driving?”

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Holden Chevrolet Colorado’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Holden models

Holden Commodore51 documented faultsHolden Captiva18 documented faultsHolden Barina17 documented faultsHolden Vectra6 documented faultsHolden Caprice5 documented faultsHolden Epica5 documented faults

Holden Chevrolet Colorado buyer questions

Is the Holden Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 6 documented faults for the Holden Chevrolet Colorado, the recurring problem areas are cooling, transmission, and engine. A Holden Chevrolet Colorado with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Holden Chevrolet Colorado?

We've catalogued 6 known faults for the Holden Chevrolet Colorado, covering cooling, transmission, and engine. All 6 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Holden Chevrolet Colorado?

Most single repairs on the Holden Chevrolet Colorado fall between $600–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 6 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Holden Chevrolet Colorado?

Yes. A Holden Chevrolet Colorado inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.