There’s a lot to consider when buying a diesel truck. Odds are, one of the things you’re considering is just how reliable particular diesel pickup trucks are. Fortunately, Consumer Reports has already done the heavy-lifting, particularly when it comes to identifying the least reliable diesel trucks out there.

The Chevy Colorado is a diesel truck that struggles with reliability

If it’s a compact pickup truck you’re after, you may be considering the Chevy Colorado. After all, this year’s model is available with a Duramax 2.8-liter turbo-diesel engine. But, unfortunately for the Chevy Colorado, it is fairly unreliable.

In fact, according to Consumer Reports, the 2021 Chevy Colorado earned itself a paltry two out of five predicted reliability rating. But such a low score shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Although the 2020 model was given a five out of five reliability rating, more often than not, Consumer Reports has given the Chevy Colorado a one or two out of five reliability rating. 

Avoid the GMC Canyon if you want a reliable diesel pickup truck

The Chevy Colorado isn’t the only unreliable diesel truck out there, either. According to Consumer Reports, the GMC Canyon also struggles with reliability. Consumer Reports gave the 2021 model a two out of five predicted reliability rating. Fortunately, last year’s model did earn a significantly higher score. But before that? Much like the Chevy Colorado, the GMC Canyon has struggled to earn anything over a three out of five reliability rating. 

The Ram 1500 is a luxurious diesel truck, but it’s also unreliable

There’s a lot to like about the Ram 1500. It’s available with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine that boasts a best-in-class 480 lb-ft of diesel torque rating and can tow up to 12,560-pounds. Not to mention, this year’s new Ram 1500 can be had with a long list of premium interior amenities. 

But, unfortunately for the Ram 1500, it is one of the least reliable diesel pickup trucks available. In fact, according to Consumer Reports’ data, the 2021 Ram 1500 was only able to manage a two out of five predicted reliability rating. What’s more disappointing is that such a low rating is pretty typical for the Ram 1500. 

Steer clear of the Ford F-150 if you want a reliable diesel truck

The Ford F-150 may be America’s bestselling truck. But if you value reliability? Then you might want to steer clear of this year’s model. Although it is available with a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbo diesel engine, Consumer Reports’ data shows that the Ford F-150 is pretty unreliable. In fact, the 2021 Ford F-150 was only able to manage a two out of five predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports. With such a low score, the Ford F-150 is one of the least reliable diesel trucks available.

The Chevy Silverado is the least reliable diesel truck available

As for the least reliable diesel truck? Unfortunately, that honor goes to the Chevy Silverado, which Consumer Reports gave a one out of five predicted reliability rating. According to Consumer Reports, the Silverado has faced issues with its brakes, body hardware, power equipment, and even its in-car electronics.

There are better options out there

Fortunately, there are more reliable diesel pickup trucks out there, so avoiding the least reliable diesel pickup truck models isn’t all that difficult. Take, for example, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. This year’s model can be had with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine under the hood. Consumer Reports also gave it a five out of five predicted reliability rating, which is pretty hard to argue with.