Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2018 Chevrolet Colorado pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2018 Chevrolet Colorado
Check another vehicle
2018 Chevrolet Colorado
Base / WT / LT / Z71 / ZR2 (2nd gen, 2015-2022)
Watchful

The 2nd-gen Colorado is the best mid-size truck GM has made. The 3.6L LFX V6 is the preferred engine — proven and powerful. The 2.5L I4 is adequate for light duty. The 2.8L Duramax diesel is fuel-efficient and torquey but DEF system maintenance is required. No AFM on the Colorado — a significant advantage over Silverado/Sierra siblings.

Items to check
12
Open recalls
1
NHTSA complaints
120
Top concern
DEF system (diesel) / 8-speed shudder (V6) / frame rust

Powertrain

3.6L LFX V6 — solid choice

Low Risk
LFX is GM's proven V6 — runs reliably past 200k miles with synthetic oil.
Standard check — cold-start, oil level, transmission shudder test.
Est. cost: Maintenance only Source: GM LFX reliability record

2.8L Duramax diesel DEF system

Monitor
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system requires fluid top-up every 5,000 miles. DEF pump and injector failures are reported.
Check DEF level and verify DEF system warning lights are off.
Est. cost: $300–$1,500 DEF system repair Source: Duramax diesel service standard

Frame

Frame rust (salt-belt trucks)

High Attention
Colorado frames rust on salt-belt trucks.
Full undercarriage inspection.
Est. cost: Walk away from through-rust Source: Truck inspection standard

Transmission

8-speed automatic shudder (V6)

Monitor
V6 Colorado 8-speed can shudder at light throttle. Fluid service resolves most cases.
Test highway light throttle for shudder.
Est. cost: $300–$500 fluid flush Source: GM 8L90 service pattern

Electrical

MyLink infotainment

Low Risk
Known Bluetooth issues. Software updates help.
Test all infotainment functions.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: GM campaigns

Documentation

Frame rust check + recall verification

High Attention
Frame rust is the primary concern. Three recalls possible.
Undercarriage inspection + run nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Est. cost: Walk away from through-rust Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

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