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2021 Chevrolet Colorado maintenance schedule

The 2021 Colorado is part of the GMT31XX generation (2015-2022), sold as a pickup. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Colorado needs, and when

All 13 of these items come from Chevrolet's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Chevrolet's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Per OLM

7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Engine air filter

Inspect at 22.5k

45,000 mi / 4 yearsManufacturer
Cabin air filter22,500 mi / 2 yearsManufacturer
Tire rotation7,500 mi / 1 yearManufacturer
Brake fluid

Replace fluid

45,000 mi / 3 yearsManufacturer
Engine coolant150,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Severe schedule

45,000 miManufacturer
Spark plugs (LCV, LFX, LGZ)

2.5L/3.6L only

97,500 miManufacturer
Timing belt (LWN)

Timing belt on 2.8L Diesel

150,000 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine belt97,500 mi / 10 yearsManufacturer
Differential and transfer case fluid

4WD/Severe duty

45,000 miManufacturer
PCV valve (LCV, LFX, LGZ)97,500 miManufacturer
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
5W-20 (LCV), 5W-30 (LFX/LGZ), 5W-30 dexos2 (LWN)
Coolant
Dex-Cool
Transmission fluid
Dexron VI (6spd) / Mobil 1 LV ATF HP (8L45)

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L 4-cyl (LCV), 200 hp, 6-speed auto / manual, RWD/4WD
  • 3.6L 6-cyl (LFX/LGZ), 6-speed / 8-speed auto, RWD/4WD
  • 2.8L 4-cyl diesel (LWN), 181 hp, 6-speed auto, RWD/4WD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Colorado owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

8L45 transmission shudder

high severity

20,000-80,000 mi · $300-$4,200 to fix

High-frequency vibration 20-60mph

Source: repairpal.com

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Chevrolet dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Seat belts

NHTSA 20V811000

December 2020

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$744
Five years of maintenance
$4,320
The major service near 100,000 mi
$2,160

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Colorado model years

GMT31XX-2 (2023-2026)

2023202420252026

GMT31XX (2015-2022)

20152016201720182019202020212022

Shopping new? The Chevrolet Colorado guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-18. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Colorado for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Colorado earns before you buy it.

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