M MILEMARK Costs Guides

Chevrolet Colorado vs Ram 1500

For 2005–2021 models, the Chevrolet Colorado has 21.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 38.6 for the Ram 1500. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.

Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.

Chevrolet Colorado

21.4 complaints per 10,000 sold

45% fewer than the Ram 1500

Complaints
2,625
Sold
1,224,105
Recall campaigns
17
Open NHTSA investigations
1

Most complaints: 2009 and 2015–2017. Fewest: 2013–2014 and 2020–2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 45,000 mi

  2. Electric power steering motor and module

    Typically around 62,750 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  3. Power steering pump, rack and lines

    Typically around 62,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  4. Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting

    Typically around 9,000 mi

  5. Wiring harness, grounds and connectors

    Typically around 66,816 mi

Estimate costs for a specific Chevrolet Colorado →

Ram 1500

38.6 complaints per 10,000 sold

1.8× the Chevrolet Colorado’s rate

Complaints
26,404
Sold
6,842,094
Recall campaigns
122
Open NHTSA investigations
4

Most complaints: 2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2007 and 2019–2021. Every year →

Most-reported problems

  1. Body control and other modules

    Typically around 32,000 mi

  2. Electric power steering motor and module

    Typically around 76,900 mi · repair $750–$2,230

  3. ABS module and wheel speed sensors

    Typically around 85,000 mi · repair $660–$1,260

  4. Stalling and no-start

    Typically around 48,500 mi

  5. Power steering pump, rack and lines

    Typically around 70,000 mi · repair $750–$2,230

Estimate costs for a specific Ram 1500 →

Common questions

Which has fewer problems, the Chevrolet Colorado or the Ram 1500?

For 2005–2021 models, the Chevrolet Colorado has 21.4 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Ram 1500 has 38.6, counting the same model years for both.

What is the most common problem on the Chevrolet Colorado?

The most-reported problem on the Chevrolet Colorado is body control and other modules, typically around 45,000 miles.

What is the most common problem on the Ram 1500?

The most-reported problem on the Ram 1500 is body control and other modules, typically around 32,000 miles.

Which Chevrolet Colorado and Ram 1500 years have the most complaints?

Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Chevrolet Colorado: 2009 and 2015–2017; Ram 1500: 2009 and 2018.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.