Thinking about buying a used Holden Colorado (2008–2020) in New Zealand? We've documented 14 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.
14
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$700–$3,500
Typical repair
4
Systems covered
Known Holden 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?”
02RG 2.8 LWH exhaust brake VNT actuator failure
MajorCommonEngine $600–$2,200 to fix
The 2.8L Duramax LWH diesel in the RG Colorado uses a variable nozzle turbine (VNT) turbocharger whose movable vanes also function as an exhaust brake by restricting exhaust flow on overrun. The electric or vacuum actuator that moves the vane ring sticks due to carbon deposit accumulation on the vane pivot pins inside the turbine housing. Once stuck, exhaust braking is lost entirely. In some cases the vanes seize open, causing over-boost or limp mode. Actuator diaphragm failure in vacuum-type units is an additional failure mode. Repair may involve turbo removal and cleaning or actuator replacement.
Symptoms to notice
No or greatly reduced engine braking on downhill driving with exhaust brake switch on
Check engine light with turbo-related DTC codes P0046, P0047, or P132B
Limp mode with reduced power
Black smoke on acceleration if vanes stick open
Exhaust brake dashboard light active but no braking felt
What to check
Enable the exhaust brake function and drive down a moderate hill at 60 kph in 3rd gear with foot off the accelerator - there should be strong, noticeable retardation. Scan the ECU for VNT or exhaust brake actuator fault codes. Inspect the actuator rod movement while an assistant blips the exhaust brake switch; it should move freely through its full range.
Where to look: VNT actuator mounted on the turbocharger, located on the left side of the engine in the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Does the exhaust brake work correctly when descending hills?”
“Has a check engine light appeared related to turbo or exhaust brake faults?”
“Has the turbocharger been cleaned, rebuilt, or replaced?”
CoolingCritical
TransmissionCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
12 more documented faults on the Holden 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 14 documented faults for the Holden Colorado, the recurring problem areas are cooling, transmission, and suspension. A Holden 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 Colorado?
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We've catalogued 14 known faults for the Holden 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 Colorado?
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Most single repairs on the Holden Colorado fall between $700–$3,500 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 14 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 Colorado?
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Yes. A Holden 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.