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Most common issues - 16/17 diesels

134K views 75 replies 49 participants last post by  RockyMtnMax  
#1 ·
I'm a non-Chevy owner seriously considering buying a diesel Colorado. Would someone please give me a quick summary of the common issues people are seeing with these so far, and how prevalent the issues are? I'm mostly interested in the diesel 4x4. My goal is just to get my expectations in check before I go drop the cash on one.

Every model has some known weaknesses, I've been driving the same Tacoma for 19 years so I'm very familiar with the common Toyota issues, but I'm completely out of the loop on the Chevy diesels and would greatly appreciate any info. Especially any issues that might require dealer help to fix (dealers give me the willies). ;)
 
#2 ·
While I dont have the diesel, just asking before someone else does....are you talking about the 2017 or getting an older one.

I know the 2015-16 gassers changed to a diff engine/trans, but not sure if the 2017 diesel trans changed from 16 to17.

Overall, I have not seen many complaints other that little minor ones so far.
The My Link seems to be the one I see most often here....and since I changed out my entire stereo system to me it is a non-issue.

GM seems to have been fixing the major issues once they become prevalent......key words 'so far" :grin2:
 
#4 ·
I currently have a 16 and haven't had any issues so far. I know some folks have had transmissions that wernt as smooth as they would have liked. But for me, its been smooth sailing. I went from a full size 1 ton Chevy to a new Colly and haven't looked back.
 
#5 ·
Some exhaust particulate sensors and DEF pumps seem to go out more often than expected but overall very reliable. I think some of that is getting this engine setup for US emissions and the growing pains associated with it. Only issue I've had is dealers being clueless not knowing anything about them or their maintenance when I take it in for routine service. Watch them like a hawk or do it yourself. I'm only using them for the 2 free services then they'll never touch it again.
 
#6 · (Edited)
Off the top of my head:

Exhaust Particulate matter sensor - has been an issue for some
NOx sensors - a few reported issues
Alternator pulley - at least 3 reported issues, including mine
MISC. other exhaust fluid component issues - couple
Turbo issues - couple

There have been other issues that diesel owners have that are similar to gasser issues like radio interface, etc

Other than the pulley issue I haven't had any problems with mine though.


I believe the only significant change between 16 and 17 diesels is the new ECU that overs added security and a minor inconvenience when try to flash/tune. Not sure if that would even apply to you though
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys, please keep the info coming!

Are those sensor, pulley and exhaust fluid issues things that leave you stranded, and can they be fixed at home? Even if it's under warranty, I would prefer to spend a couple hundred bucks and fix it myself than let a dealer touch it. ;)
 
#10 ·
Sensors and pumps are simple to do, all under the truck and easy to get to. For those that had an issue with the infotainment system, you really need that done at a dealer since it's a reflash but that's not diesel related and to me an equal risk with any of the overly complex and ridiculous electronics on new vehicles.
 
#9 ·
Like nearly all the diesel owners, I've never had a single issue ever and nobody has had a major problem of any kind. I consider my truck to be a model of perfection. A year ago I never would have believed it.
 
#11 ·
I have 20K on mine and have had a few issues but nothing that stranded me. One of the big diferences between 1996 and 2016 , COMPUTER , COMPUTER, COMPUTER. The new cars ( all cars, all mfg. ) are more computer controlled so to fix a problem you must have a good OBDII tool and be able to understand the error. This forum is a wealth of information on problems and resolutions that can point you in the right direction.
I spent 40+ years servicing mainframe computers so looking for the failure that only happened on Tuesday in the third week of the month on a day that had a 3 in the date caused a failure was common. If that is you, then maybe you can take care of everything on your new truck, if not, welcome to 2017.
 
#13 ·
I took delivery on 1/7/16 and have almost 33k miles on it and I am very happy with the truck. I am having the sensor problem that everyone seems to have (it is still on back order) and the issue with the hot air door. It has a lot of torque in a usable rpm range and I have gotten just under 25 mpg based on actual calculation. It is fun and very comfortable to drive. The electronics works well with my iphone (I have the nav and Bose).
 
#15 ·
The heater blend door on 15/16 Auto climate systems has a design flaw that causes it to crack, leaving you with no heat. Replacement requires 90% of the dash be removed to access, but if the crack is still small, a reinforcement clamp is added in 5 minutes.
 
#16 ·
Came from Toyota to the Duramax 16. I love this diesel truck. No issues at all. Mind you it took awhile to get the right seat cushion to make the seat the correct angle for me. I also don't like the mast antenna in the middle of the roof. But as far as the power and drivability I have never had a truck so nice to be in.
 
#18 ·
I picked up a 16 Diesel, 4x4 January 2016. It just crossed 22k miles and I have had no issues related to the engine, or transmission.
 
#19 ·
What problems? I have a '16 with about 15K on it. No issues, except that I frequently have to make a special stop at a gas station for something to drink, for me, the truck isn't thirsty...........
 
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#20 ·
Only 1400 miles on my new '17 Canyon, but it had no up front issues at all. Off to a good start, and the truck is just too darn cool to drive. If you have not had a chance to, take one for a test drive. The diesel in a easy handling truck is a very cool package.
 
#23 ·
Had mine for about a year with 13,000 miles on it. Very minor issues but none pertaining to the diesel.
As someone mentioned before keep an eye on the dealers and salesman. They tend to be clueless about the diesels. A lot of people on here have been running into problems with them.

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#25 ·
Just over 1 year and 18K. Love the truck, great fuel mileage, tows my 6k Travel trailer with ease. Transmission shifts perfectly . Exhaust brake works well here in the mountains when towing. 28.43 mpg lifetime average( towing, Daily driver, 4 months of sub zero temps, lots of remote starts.)

ZERO issues.
 
#26 ·
Had mine for 13 months now. 23,000 miles I think.
Steering wheel rattle-new wheel fixed.
Hose from the after cooler to the intake blew a hole-New hose fixed it.
That's about it. For the first model year, it's pretty impressive.
Average about 28.5 MPG not towing.
 
#28 ·
I'm at 40,000 miles. I pull 6500# regularly now. I still like it, knock on wood. I had two alternator pulleys leaking that the dealer took care of. It does not stop the truck. Biggest fear with that would be someone washes off the alternator then your pulley is empty of fluid and not dampening the vibrations as it should. I do however have weird squeak squeak squeak at low to could be 40mph that is not in time with the motor or wheels and it's driving me bonkers. It's not the brakes either. It actually sppeds up when the truck slows down. Friggin weird.


I think the choice of getting a diesel Colorado is simply that there was nothing to compete with it for the 2016 model. Towing capacity, size, usefulness and MPG. There is absolutely nothing else out there that can get 30mpg and then tow serious weight.