Holden Chevrolet Colorado: common faults & what to check
Thinking about buying a used Holden Chevrolet Colorado (2012–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 11 known faults for this model spanning cooling, transmission, suspension, and engine. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
11
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$800–$3,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Holden Chevrolet Colorado faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
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
Check coolant reservoir level and look for top-up evidence. Start cold and watch exhaust carefully on first acceleration run. Check oil filler cap and dipstick for milky contamination. 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
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?”
02EGR Cooler Carbonisation and Throttle Body Fouling
MajorVery commonEngine $600–$2,800 to fix
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
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?”
CoolingCritical
TransmissionCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
9 more documented faults on the Holden Chevrolet Colorado
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 11 documented faults for the Holden Chevrolet Colorado, the recurring problem areas are cooling, transmission, and suspension. 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?
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We've catalogued 11 known faults for the Holden Chevrolet Colorado, covering cooling, transmission, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Holden Chevrolet Colorado?
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Most single repairs on the Holden Chevrolet Colorado fall between $800–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 11 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?
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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 $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.