Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG Inspection Checklist

2012-2020 · 8 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highManual 5th/6th gear thrust washer (early manuals)

Look for: Some early manual-transmission Colorados had a thrust-washer issue on the top gear that could fracture under heavy towing loads; when it failed the vehicle could jump out of gear and, in the worst cases, lock the rear wheels.

If you find it: Confirm the gearbox has the updated/superseded parts or a documented repair; favour the auto, or have a specialist inspect a manual used for towing.

Any (manual, towing) · ~$2000-4000

highTorque-converter shudder (6L50 auto)

Look for: The signature fault: a shudder/judder felt through the body under light-throttle acceleration, lock-up or when towing. Caused by torque-converter clutch wear and/or Dexron-VI fluid degradation and moisture contamination, sometimes traced to a faulty valve in the valve body that kills the converter.

If you find it: Fresh Dexron-VI fluid service can cure mild cases; persistent shudder needs a torque-converter (and often valve-body) replacement. Verify it under load on a test drive before buying.

From 60k+ km · ~$1500-4500

mediumSteering shaft / rack spline play

Look for: On some 2016 Trailblazer/Colorado 7 RG vehicles the lower steering-shaft spline to the steering rack could be loose, giving vague or knocking steering - subject to dealer rectification.

If you find it: Have the steering-shaft-to-rack coupling inspected and tightened/replaced per the service bulletin.

Any · ~$200-800

mediumThird-row seatbelt retractor recall (early build)

Look for: A recall covered Colorado 7 vehicles built 24 Jan 2012 to 24 Sep 2014 where the third-row seatbelt retractor lock-sensing mechanism may not meet ADR requirements for locking on an incline.

If you find it: Confirm the recall rectification has been completed (free); check against VIN with the manufacturer/regulator.

Any (2012-2014 build) · Recall - $0 if done

mediumDPF clogging / failed regen on short trips

Look for: The Euro 5 DPF won't passively regenerate on short, low-speed urban driving, leading to DPF-blocked warnings, failed regen cycles and limp mode - worst on city-only or short-trip cars.

If you find it: Regular sustained highway runs to allow regeneration; forced regen or DPF clean/replacement if blocked. Avoid as a pure city car.

Any · ~$300-2500

mediumTiming belt - mandatory interference-engine service

Look for: Unlike many rivals' chains, the 2.8 uses a timing belt. It is an interference engine, so an overdue or snapped belt destroys valves and pistons.

If you find it: Replace belt (with tensioner/idlers and water pump) on schedule; demand belt history before buying.

From 150k km / 7.5 years · ~$700-1500

2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel (Series 1, 132kW)

mediumOil consumption / oil-spec change

Look for: Early 2.8 engines could consume oil and need topping up between services. Holden revised the specified oil from 5W-30 to 5W-40 and released an updated oil-cap design to address it. Persistent heavy consumption can point to deeper engine wear.

If you find it: Use the updated 5W-40 spec, check oil regularly, and confirm consumption is normal during inspection; heavy users should investigate before purchase.

Any (early build) · ~$0-2500

2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel (Series 2 / Trailblazer, 147kW)

mediumInjector / fuel-system wear at high km

Look for: The common-rail injectors and fuel system can develop faults at higher km, causing rough running, smoke and hard starting, worsened by poor-quality diesel.

If you find it: Fit a quality secondary fuel/water-separator filter, use good diesel, and have injectors tested/replaced by a diesel specialist when symptoms appear.

From 150k+ km · ~$1500-3500

From FlamingCars' Holden Colorado 7 / Trailblazer guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.

Colorado 7 / Trailblazer RG inspection checklist

All engines

2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel (Series 1, 132kW)

2.8L Duramax turbo-diesel (Series 2 / Trailblazer, 147kW)