Model year guide

2008 Chevrolet Colorado

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 102 on record.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Chevrolet Colorado at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints81
Combined18 mpg
Typical price$9,072

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado recalls 2

Child Seat NHTSA Campaign #10V575000 · 18/11/2010

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP T…

Fix: DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OW…

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #09V310000 · 29/07/2009

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE …

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS …

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Suspension
Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado MPG & running costs

Combined18 mpg
City16 mpg
Highway22 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,396

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado worth?

Low
$3,700
Typical price
$9,072
High
$14,000

From 98 comparable 2008 Chevrolet Colorado listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$16,980
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,700
Total$21,680
Per mile$0.29

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,072) with the same model 4 model-years older ($5,319), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Chevrolet Colorado trims & engines on record

Trims
LT · Work Truck · LS · LT1 · 4x2 ex lt w/1lt · LTZ
Engines
3.7L 5-cyl · 2.9L 4-cyl

2008 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles on record

Other Chevrolet Colorado model years

2008 Chevrolet Colorado — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado?

Based on 81 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, structure, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Chevrolet Colorado at about 18 mpg combined (16 city / 22 highway).

How much is a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado worth?

Comparable 2008 Chevrolet Colorado listings run roughly $3,700–$14,000, typically around $9,072 (from 98 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.