Holden Colorado Problems: 3 Issues To Know

Explore the top 3 worrisome Holden Colorado problems before you buy. If you are shopping for a used Holden Colorado, you need to know what lies beneath the surface. While the Colorado is a staple of the tradie and touring scene, certain model years are prone to expensive failures.

I recently performed a Brisbane Southside mobile pre-purchase inspection on the Holden Colorado pictured above at a dealership on Logan Road in Greenslopes. Being situated in a major Southern Brisbane dealer hub, this vehicle provided a classic example of the common faults I look for during my on-site assessments.

As an independent mechanic specialising in Brisbane Southside inspections, I’ve seen these “Colorado Woes” turn a bargain into a money pit. Here is my expert breakdown of what to check to ensure you aren’t buying a lemon.

Holden Colorado Problems and Issues:

Transmission Problems

Some common issues that can occur in a Holden Colorado with a 6-speed automatic transmission include shifting, slipping gears and sudden jerks. In 2017, a recall of over 10,000 utes was due to transmission problems. This recall specifically affected those manufactured between 2015 and 2017. The purpose of the recall was to address an issue with the transmission software that could lead to shifting or gear slippage.

Outside of the recall, there have been complaints from Holden Colorado owners regarding transmission problems. Some of these include experiencing shifting during acceleration or deceleration, gear slippage when going uphill or towing a trailer, or jerking suddenly during gear shifts.

Holden Colorado Transmission Shudder – Fix Guide

The Honest Mechanic Colorado says,

This is caused by a problem with the torque converter. This is the most common issue with the Holden colorado and many owners have reported this problem.

But after watching the Holden Colorado Problems Playlist below, there’s a lot more to it.

Holden Colorado Problems Playlist

Watch the video by Wholesale Automatic Transmission titled: Holden Colorado Shudder! What went Wrong?

Holden Colorado Torque Converter Replacement Cost

If your Holden Colorado is shuddering during acceleration or deceleration, especially when towing, it could be a failing torque converter.

You can purchase a remanufactured Holden Colorado 6L50 Torque Converter* (eBay affiliate link) that’s been upgraded with Triple Billet Lock-Up Clutches to suit the 6L50E transmission. This high-performance replacement is ideal for reducing shudder and improving towing reliability.

Not sure what a torque converter is? It’s a fluid coupling that connects your engine to the transmission, allowing your vehicle to shift smoothly without a manual clutch.

When a torque converter fails, it may not transfer power efficiently, causing shuddering, slipping, or overheating – especially under load. Replacing a faulty unit can restore proper performance and prevent further transmission damage.

🔁 Recommended Torque Converters for Holden Colorado (6L50E)

✅ Tip: Always confirm compatibility with your exact model and year before purchase. Prices and availability may vary.

There are a few things that can cause a torque converter to fail, including:

• Low fluid level
• Contaminated fluid
• Worn or damaged seals
• Worn or damaged bearings

To help prevent transmission problems in your Holden Colorado;

1. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations regarding fluid and filter changes for your transmission.
2. Avoid engaging in shifting maneuvers or making stops.
3. Be mindful of not towing loads.
4. If you notice any signs of transmission issues, it is crucial to bring your vehicle to an authorised dealership for assessment or to an automatic transmission specialist.

These steps should assist in maintaining the functioning of your vehicle’s transmission system and minimise the risk of encountering complications in the future.

By following these suggestions, you can ensure that the transmission lasts longer and avoid incurring repair costs or, even worse, the cost of a reconditioned or new automatic transmission.

Dreaded Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogs

Yes, there have been reports of DPF blockages in Holden Colorados. DPFs are designed to capture soot particles from the exhaust gas. They can become obstructed if they are not regularly regenerated. Regeneration involves burning off the soot particles in the DPF.

Several factors can contribute to DPF blockages in Holden Colorado Utes

• Driving distances: DPFs require temperatures for regeneration, which can only be achieved when the vehicle is driven at high speeds for an extended period. If your Colorado is only used for trips, the DPF may not have time to regenerate properly,y leading to a buildup of soot particles.
• EGR valve issues: The EGR valve recirculates some exhaust gas back into the engine. If this valve malfunctions, it can cause a clog in the DPF.
• Incorrect engine oil usage

If your Holden Colorado ute experiences a DPF blockage, you may encounter these symptoms;

• Decreased engine power
• Increased fuel consumption
• Illumination of a warning light on the dashboard

To avoid any clogs, here are a few suggestions;

• Make sure you drive regularly. This will aid in the regeneration process. Help burn off any soot particles.
• It’s essential to have your DPF checked at intervals by the dealership. They can inspect it for any signs of clogging and clean it if needed.
• Always use the recommended low-ash engine oil as specified by the manufacturer.
• Try to steer off stop-and-go traffic whenever possible, as this can prevent the DPF from reaching the required temperatures for regeneration.

By following these recommendations, you’ll be able to prolong the lifespan of your Holden Colorado DPF and avoid repairs down the line.

Rust and Corrosion Woes

In a coastal city like Brisbane, rust is a silent killer for utes. While the 2019 Holden recall addressed chassis paint issues for models between 2012 and 2016, I still find significant corrosion on vehicles that have spent time near the Redlands coast or have been used for beach trips to Moreton or Straddie.

Apart from the recall-related cases, I’ve seen “hidden” rust in these areas during my Southern Brisbane inspections:

• Underbody/Chassis (especially near the rear shackles)
• The “inner” wheel arches are hidden by plastic liners
• Door sills and tailgate lips

Back in 2019, Holden recalled over 10,000 Colorado utes in Australia due to rust concerns. The recall affected utes manufactured between 2012 and 2016. The purpose of the recall was to address a problem with the paint on the chassis that could result in cracks and subsequent rust formation.

We bought a 2013 BRAND NEW HOLDEN COLORADO 7 which we had for 2-3 weeks, we started to notice small orange looking rust spots on all panels, this same problem we have noticed on the Holden Cruze & Colorado Ute models, Holden Dealers call this FALLOUT, this problem was put back onto us as to where we live. The Holden Dealer we brought from do not warrant this problem after repair, so if & when the rust spots reappear it would be our cost to repair. Please check your cars, the white colours show up this problem more clearly.

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