What Year Holden Colorado to Avoid? A Complete Used-Buyer Guide

If you are shopping for a second-hand Holden Colorado, one question tends to appear before almost everything else: what year Holden Colorado should we avoid? It makes sense. A used dual-cab ute can look rugged enough to survive the apocalypse while quietly hiding thousands of dollars in mechanical headaches beneath the bonnet.

The short answer is that the earliest RG-series Colorados, particularly 2012 and 2013 models, deserve the most caution. We would not automatically reject every example from those years, but they sit at the top of our inspection list because early vehicles attracted complaints involving oil consumption, vibrations, engine-related problems and other teething issues. CarsGuide has documented owner concerns surrounding 2012 Colorados, while broader owner reports include oil consumption and various drivetrain complaints.

The story becomes more encouraging as we move through the generation. Later RG Colorados—especially well-maintained examples from the second half of the model run—can make capable tow vehicles, work utes and family 4x4s.

However, there is an important point we should establish immediately: year alone does not decide whether a Holden Colorado is good or bad.

A carefully maintained 2013 Colorado with full service records can be a smarter purchase than a neglected 2018 model that spent its life towing three tonnes through the Outback.

So rather than simply throwing model years onto a blacklist, let us look at which Holden Colorado years deserve extra caution, what problems we should watch for and which versions generally make more attractive used purchases.

Quick Answer: Which Holden Colorado Years Should You Avoid?

If we had to narrow the answer down, we would approach the Holden Colorado model years like this:

• 2012: highest caution, particularly early RG examples.
• 2013: still worth inspecting carefully because it belongs to the early RG period.
• 2014–2016: not automatic avoids, but condition and service history become extremely important.
• 2017–2020: generally our preferred hunting ground when budget permits, particularly well-maintained facelift models.

That does not mean every 2012 Colorado is unreliable or every 2019 Colorado is perfect.

Owner experiences vary significantly. ProductReview, for example, contains both strongly negative reports involving mechanical and drivetrain concerns and positive reports from owners of Colorados that have performed reliably for years.

That contradiction tells us something useful: with the Colorado, individual vehicle history matters enormously.

Understanding Holden Colorado Generations First

Before asking which Holden Colorado year is worst, we need to know which Colorado we are actually talking about.

First-Generation Holden Colorado: 2008–2011

The original Holden Colorado arrived as the successor to the Holden Rodeo. These earlier vehicles were mechanically different from the later RG generation most people picture when they hear “Colorado.”

CarsGuide's used review of 2008–2011 examples notes issues and characteristics such as diesel turbo lag, relatively high fuel use from petrol V6 versions and the need to inspect vehicles carefully for evidence of serious off-road use.

Age is now the biggest enemy of these vehicles.

A 2009 Colorado may have been reliable when new, but by 2026 it has potentially endured more than 15 years of towing, job sites, corrugated roads, mud, water crossings and questionable aftermarket modifications.

That is a lot of life.

Should We Avoid Every 2008–2011 Colorado?

No.

These models can still appeal to buyers seeking a simple, relatively affordable work ute. But we would buy them almost entirely on condition rather than model year.

A beautifully maintained 2010 diesel with extensive records could still make sense. A cheap example covered in oversized tyres, suspension modifications and dried mud beneath the chassis should make us considerably more nervous.

The RG Colorado Changed Everything in 2012

The RG-generation Holden Colorado arrived in Australia during 2012 and represented a major change.

It became bigger, more modern and more competitive against rivals such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Mitsubishi Triton and Isuzu D-Max.

The 2.8-litre turbo-diesel became one of the defining engines of the range. Contemporary testing praised its strong low-speed performance and useful mid-range pulling power, although the engine was noticeably diesel-like at idle.

And this brings us to the year that deserves the biggest warning label.

2012 Holden Colorado: The Year We Would Approach Most Carefully

If someone asks us, “What year Holden Colorado should I avoid?”, 2012 is the first year we would mention.

Why?

Because it represents the beginning of the RG generation.

First-year vehicles often expose problems that are corrected or refined as production matures, and early RG Colorados generated enough owner questions and complaints to justify additional caution.

CarsGuide maintains a dedicated collection of reported questions and problems associated with the 2012 Colorado, including vibration-related concerns.

That does not prove that the entire production year is defective. It does tell us that anyone purchasing one today should investigate the vehicle rather than assuming the Colorado badge guarantees bulletproof reliability.

Potential 2012 Holden Colorado Problems

Problems reported across early RG vehicles include areas such as:

• excessive or unexpected engine oil consumption;
• driveline vibrations;
• diesel emissions-system problems;
• EGR contamination;
• transmission behaviour;
• cooling-system problems;
• electrical faults;
• worn suspension components;
• turbo or intake-system problems on poorly maintained vehicles.

CarsGuide has specifically discussed oil-consumption concerns on some Colorados, noting that Holden changed the recommended oil specification from 5W-30 to 5W-40 and introduced an updated oil-cap arrangement in response.

That is exactly why service documentation matters.

A seller saying, “Mate, she's never missed a beat,” is pleasant conversation.

A folder containing twelve years of invoices is evidence.

Would We Buy a 2012 Colorado?

Possibly—but only under the right circumstances.

We would want a thorough mechanical inspection, cold start, scan-tool diagnostic check and detailed maintenance history.

If the seller cannot explain how frequently the engine oil has been changed, whether oil consumption has ever been an issue or what repairs have already been completed, we would probably keep shopping.

There are too many Colorados on the used market to gamble blindly.

2013 Holden Colorado: Better, but Still an Early RG

The 2013 model year lands in a similar category.

We would not place every 2013 Colorado in the “never buy” basket, yet it is still close enough to the RG's introduction that we would remain cautious.

Owner reviews of early RG Colorados are mixed. Some drivers report years of dependable service, while others describe oil leaks, engine replacements, blown hoses or other frustrating failures. ProductReview contains examples of both experiences.

This is exactly why online reliability discussions can become confusing.

One owner has covered hundreds of thousands of kilometres without drama.

Another has had enough repairs to memorise the mechanic's phone number.

Both stories can be true.

Check a 2013 Colorado for Hard Use

A larger concern today is that a 2013 ute has had plenty of time to work.

Many Colorados were purchased for towing, construction, agriculture and commercial fleets. That is what utes are designed to do, of course, but heavy use accelerates wear.

Check the:

• towbar and trailer wiring;
• rear springs;
• chassis;
• transfer case;
• underbody;
• differential;
• transmission;
• engine cooling system.

Scratches on the tray do not frighten us.

Signs of poor servicing combined with repeated heavy towing certainly do.

2014 Holden Colorado: A Year to Avoid or Consider?

The 2014 Colorado sits in a much greyer zone.

We would not call 2014 a blanket year to avoid.

In fact, some owners report very good experiences with 2014 vehicles. ProductReview includes positive accounts from owners praising performance and overall reliability, although other complaints involving early RG vehicles also exist.

At this point, maintenance starts becoming more important than the calendar.

A 2014 Colorado that has travelled 130,000 highway kilometres and received regular servicing may be attractive.

A 2014 Colorado with 240,000 kilometres, no receipts and a massive caravan permanently attached to the towbar tells a very different story.

Oil Consumption Deserves Special Attention

Ask whether the vehicle ever required regular oil top-ups between services.

We would also look around the engine bay and underside for leaks, inspect the exhaust behaviour and ask whether modifications have been made to the engine management system.

On any diesel ute of this age, neglect can turn manageable issues into expensive ones remarkably quickly.

2015 Holden Colorado: Usually a Case-by-Case Decision

By 2015, we are moving further away from the earliest RG production.

We would consider a well-maintained 2015 Colorado, but we would still treat inspection as non-negotiable.

Age-related problems now matter nearly as much as original design weaknesses.

Rubber hoses harden.

Suspension bushes wear.

Batteries die.

Alternators age.

Injectors accumulate kilometres.

Automatic transmissions endure thousands of heat cycles.

And diesel emissions equipment certainly does not become younger with time.

Australian government recall records also show that Holden Colorados have been subject to official safety campaigns during the model's life, so checking the VIN against Australia's official recall database should be part of any purchase process.

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2016 Holden Colorado: The Transitional Sweet Spot?

The 2016 model year can be interesting because it sits close to the major facelift.

Depending on production timing and specification, buyers may encounter differences between earlier and later configurations.

Would we automatically avoid a 2016?

No.

But if a later facelift vehicle costs only slightly more, we would normally lean toward the newer truck.

Think of it like buying a smartphone shortly before the redesigned version arrived. The older one may still work perfectly, but the updated one often includes years of accumulated improvements.

2017 Holden Colorado: One of the Better Years to Target

For many used buyers, 2017 is where the Colorado becomes particularly interesting.

The facelifted RG Colorado received substantial refinement work and became noticeably more polished than the earliest versions.

Owner experiences still vary—no used vehicle achieves universal perfection—but later Colorados often feel better resolved.

ProductReview includes positive experiences from owners of 2017 LTZ models praising comfort, equipment, economy and engine responsiveness.

Why We Prefer the Later RG Colorado

Later RG models generally make sense because buyers gain a newer vehicle while avoiding some of the uncertainty attached to the earliest production years.

They also tend to feel more competitive with modern dual-cab rivals.

If our budget allowed a 2017 instead of a 2012, we would generally spend the additional money.

The purchase price hurts once.

Mechanical problems have a habit of sending invoices repeatedly.

2018 Holden Colorado: A Strong Used-Buy Candidate

A well-maintained 2018 Colorado would normally sit near the top of our shortlist.

By this stage, the platform was mature and the vehicle had benefited from years of development.

The important caveat is usage.

A five-year-old private vehicle and a five-year-old mining ute can technically share the same model year while living completely different lives.

Mining, agricultural and construction vehicles can accumulate extraordinary wear even when the odometer does not initially look frightening.

Look Beneath the Shine

Fresh tyre dressing and polished paint can make almost anything look loved.

Get underneath.

Look for:

• smashed bash plates;
• damaged crossmembers;
• corrosion;
• leaking differentials;
• deteriorated suspension bushes;
• bent brackets;
• heavy stone damage;
• evidence of repeated beach driving.

A ute tells its life story underneath.

We just have to look.

2019 Holden Colorado: One of Our Preferred Years

For buyers asking which Holden Colorado year we would actually choose, 2019 deserves serious consideration.

It is late enough in the production cycle to benefit from accumulated updates while still offering the traditional Colorado formula that made the vehicle popular.

By then the Colorado had become a mature product rather than a newly introduced platform.

Of course, purchase price increases as model years get newer.

That means the question becomes value versus risk.

We would rather buy an excellent 2017 than a questionable 2019 simply because the 2019 badge looks more reassuring.

2020 Holden Colorado: Newest, but Not Automatically Best

The 2020 model represents the final chapter of Holden Colorado sales in Australia.

General Motors announced the retirement of the Holden brand in 2020, and the Colorado disappeared with it. CarsGuide notes that the Colorado remained part of Holden's range around the time the brand's withdrawal was announced.

Being the newest Colorado gives the 2020 model an obvious advantage: age.

A 2020 ute will generally have fewer years of accumulated wear than a 2012 example.

But there is a catch.

Holden No Longer Sells New Cars

Holden's disappearance makes some buyers nervous about servicing and parts.

The brand nevertheless continues to provide ownership and service support resources through its Australian operation.

Colorado mechanical knowledge is also widespread in Australia's automotive repair industry because so many vehicles were sold.

Still, anyone planning to keep one for another decade should consider future parts availability and repair costs rather than assuming support will remain identical to that of an actively sold new model.

What Is the Worst Holden Colorado Year?

If we must name one, 2012 receives our vote as the Holden Colorado year requiring the greatest caution.

That statement needs context.

We are not saying every 2012 Colorado will fail.

We are saying it combines three risk factors:

1. it was the first year of the RG generation;
2. early models have documented owner complaints and troubleshooting reports;
3. surviving examples are now old enough to have accumulated substantial mileage and wear.

That combination makes careful inspection essential.

Is 2013 Much Better Than 2012?

We would call it slightly more reassuring, but not dramatically enough that we would ignore condition.

If choosing between a beautifully maintained 2012 and a neglected 2013, we take the 2012.

Between equally maintained examples, we would generally lean toward the newer vehicle.

Common Holden Colorado Problems Across Multiple Years

No meaningful used-car guide should pretend problems obey January-to-December boundaries.

Most mechanical weaknesses span several production years.

Engine Oil Consumption

Oil consumption is one of the better-known concerns associated with some Colorado diesels.

CarsGuide notes that owners reported engines requiring oil between scheduled changes and that an updated oil specification and oil cap were introduced.

When inspecting a vehicle, ask the owner directly:

“Does this engine use oil between services?”

Then inspect the dipstick yourself.

Do Not Ignore Low Oil

A diesel engine running repeatedly with insufficient oil can suffer serious damage.

If the owner casually says, “Yeah, it burns a bit, just chuck a litre in every couple of weeks,” that is not a charming personality trait.

That is information.

EGR and Diesel Emissions Problems

Diesel Colorados used exhaust-gas-recirculation equipment, and contamination or clogging can create drivability problems.

Owner Q&A reports include cases where limp mode was traced to a dirty or clogged EGR system.

Vehicles driven mainly on short urban trips can sometimes experience more diesel emissions-system trouble than vehicles regularly reaching full operating temperature on longer journeys.

Ask about driving patterns as well as kilometres.

A 100,000km ute driven entirely around town may not necessarily have lived an easier life than a 160,000km highway vehicle.

Automatic Transmission Problems

Transmission complaints appear in owner reports across the RG generation, including harsh engagement and driveline thumps in some cases.

During a test drive, we would check the transmission both cold and warm.

Pay attention to:

• delayed engagement into Drive;
• delayed engagement into Reverse;
• harsh shifting;
• flaring between gears;
• clunks;
• shudder under acceleration;
• unusual noises when slowing down.

Do not conduct a five-minute test drive around the dealer car park.

Give the vehicle enough time to reveal itself.

Cooling-System Problems

Cooling-system health matters enormously on an older diesel ute.

Check coolant colour and level when the engine is cold.

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Look for staining around hoses, the radiator, expansion tank and engine.

Repeated overheating can become catastrophic.

If a seller mentions that “the temperature gauge only went up once,” our next question would be why.

Electrical Problems

Older Colorados can also develop electrical annoyances, ranging from sensors to accessories and lighting.

ProductReview includes owner reports involving headlight electrics, rain sensors and other electrical concerns.

Electrical problems may sound minor until diagnostics begin.

One faulty sensor can be cheap.

Weeks spent tracing intermittent wiring faults are something else entirely.

Suspension and Wheel-Bearing Wear

A Colorado used for towing, corrugated-road driving or off-roading can naturally wear suspension and wheel-bearing components.

Listen for:

• knocking over bumps;
• humming that increases with road speed;
• uneven tyre wear;
• steering vibration;
• vague handling.

Heavy aftermarket wheels and tyres can also increase stress on components.

We do not automatically reject modified Colorados, but modifications should make us inspect more carefully, not less.

How to Buy a Used Holden Colorado Without Regretting It

The safest Holden Colorado is not necessarily a particular model year.

It is the one with the strongest evidence of proper ownership.

Demand a Proper Service History

Receipts matter more than promises.

Ideally, we want documentation showing regular:

• engine-oil changes;
• filter replacement;
• transmission servicing where applicable;
• differential servicing;
• cooling-system maintenance;
• brake work;
• scheduled inspections.

Missing one invoice is not the end of the world.

Missing ten years is different.

Start the Engine Cold

Ask the seller not to start the vehicle before you arrive.

A cold engine can reveal:

• difficult starting;
• excessive smoke;
• rattles;
• rough idle;
• unusual injector noise;
• weak battery performance.

A vehicle already warm when we arrive can hide symptoms.

Get an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection

This may be the best money we spend.

A competent mechanic familiar with diesel 4x4s can identify signs we may miss during an enthusiastic test drive.

The inspection should ideally include a diagnostic scan.

Modern vehicles can store fault information even when the dashboard is not currently displaying a warning light.

Check for Outstanding Recalls

Australia's Vehicle Recalls database allows owners and buyers to search official safety recalls.

Use the VIN, not merely the registration year.

Recall campaigns can apply to specific production ranges, meaning two Colorados wearing the same year badge might not necessarily be affected by exactly the same campaign.

The Best Holden Colorado Years to Buy

If our budget allowed, we would generally focus on 2017–2020 RG Colorado models.

They are newer, belong to the mature part of the production run and offer a more polished ownership proposition than the earliest RG trucks.

Our rough hierarchy would be:

Best target: 2017–2020
Worth considering: 2014–2016
Buy cautiously: 2012–2013
Older-budget option: 2008–2011, judged almost entirely on condition.

Again, this is not a scientific reliability ranking.

It is a practical used-buyer strategy based on model evolution, age, documented problem reports and the realities of buying an older work-oriented vehicle.

Should You Avoid High-Mileage Holden Colorados?

Not necessarily.

Mileage by itself can mislead us.

A Colorado with 220,000km of regular highway use and meticulous servicing may still be healthier than one showing 120,000km after years of short trips, hard towing and ignored maintenance.

What matters is how those kilometres were accumulated.

Ask what the ute did.

Was it commuting?

Towing a caravan?

Pulling machinery?

Driving underground at a mine?

Launching boats?

Crossing beaches?

A ute's occupation matters almost as much as its odometer.

Is a Holden Colorado Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Yes, under the right circumstances.

The Colorado still offers the basic qualities that made it popular: strong diesel torque, useful towing ability, practical body configurations and genuine 4x4 capability.

The model is no longer sold new in Australia, but Holden continues to maintain ownership and customer-support resources.

Used prices can also make the Colorado appealing against equivalent Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger models.

But we should not buy one purely because it looks cheap.

A $5,000 saving disappears quickly after a major engine, turbo or transmission repair.

Our Final Verdict: What Year Holden Colorado Should You Avoid?

So, what year Holden Colorado should you avoid?

If we have to choose, 2012 is the model year we would approach most cautiously, followed by 2013.

These earliest RG Colorados combine first-year-production concerns with the natural risks that now come from age and mileage. Documented owner questions include vibration and oil-consumption issues, while broader RG owner reviews contain both positive experiences and reports of significant drivetrain and engine problems.

However, calling every early Colorado unreliable would be unfair.

A maintained example can still provide years of useful service.

Our preference would generally be a 2017–2020 Holden Colorado with complete service records, sensible mileage, minimal modifications and evidence of careful ownership.

And here is the rule we would remember above everything else:

Buy the condition, history and owner—not simply the year printed on the registration papers.

A ute can wear polished paint like a business suit, but underneath, its mechanical history never lies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the worst year Holden Colorado to buy?

The 2012 RG Colorado is the year we would inspect most cautiously because it was the first year of the new generation and has accumulated reports involving issues such as vibration and oil consumption. A well-maintained 2012 is not automatically a bad purchase, however.

2. Is the 2013 Holden Colorado reliable?

Some 2013 Colorados have delivered long-term service without major trouble, while others have generated owner complaints involving engines, leaks, hoses and other mechanical components. We would only purchase one after checking its service history and completing an independent mechanical inspection.

3. What is the best year Holden Colorado to buy?

We generally prefer 2017–2020 models because they come from the later, more mature stage of RG production. A well-maintained 2017 or 2018 can offer particularly good value if newer examples are significantly more expensive.

4. How many kilometres is too many for a Holden Colorado?

There is no universal cut-off. A properly maintained Colorado with more than 200,000km can still be preferable to a neglected vehicle with half that mileage. Service history, towing use, engine condition, transmission behaviour and previous repairs matter more than the odometer alone.

5. Should I buy a Holden Colorado now that Holden is gone?

It can still make sense. Holden no longer sells new vehicles in Australia, but ownership and service-support resources remain available through Holden's Australian operation. The key is buying a good example and considering long-term parts and maintenance availability before committing.

Closing Thoughts

Finding the right Holden Colorado is less about discovering a magical “perfect year” and more about eliminating risky individual vehicles.

We would be most careful with 2012 and 2013 RG Colorados, more open-minded toward 2014–2016 models, and generally favour 2017–2020 examples when our budget allows.

Check the service book. Check the invoices. Check the oil. Check underneath. Scan the computer. Drive it cold and hot.

Do those things, and the badge on the tailgate becomes far less mysterious.

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Skip them, and even the supposedly “best” Holden Colorado year can become the most expensive ute we ever bought.

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