Chevrolet

Colorado (1st)

2004-2012 · Midsize Truck · 12 engines
Best Engine Recommended (4.6)
1,408 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
47 Fire Reports
68 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

L61

2.2L 4-cyl / 170 hp
Recommended (4.6)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
1
electrical
1

Known Issues

Steering Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)GMC L Series (2003-2003)OLDSMOBILE Aurora (2003-2003)CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)SATURN Sl (2001-2001)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2004-2004)OLDSMOBILE Alero (2003-2003) +70 more

1NZ-FE

1.5L 4-cyl / 106 hp
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)TOYOTA Yaris (2012-2018)TOYOTA Prius (2010-2015)TOYOTA Echo (2000-2005)TOYOTA Yaris (2006-2006)TOYOTA Yaris (2007-2011)HONDA Odyssey (2000-2004)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011) +1 more

3VZ-E

3.0L 6-cyl / 150 hp
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)DODGE Ram (2000-2001)TOYOTA Prerunner (2001-2001)TOYOTA 4Runner (2003-2009)TOYOTA Camry (2007-2011)TOYOTA Prius (2004-2009)

MR18DE

1.8L 4-cyl / 122 hp
Recommended (4.6)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
interior
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

NISSAN 350Z (2003-2008)NISSAN Titan (2004-2015)NISSAN Versa (2012-2019)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)NISSAN Versa (2011-2011)NISSAN 370Z (2009-2020)NISSAN Xterra (2000-2004)NISSAN Versa (2008-2008) +4 more

LH9

5.3L 8-cyl
Recommended (4.1)
3 complaints 3.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
3
wheels tires
3

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Wheels/Tires Issues (3 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)HUMMER H3T (2010-2010)

2H0

1.8L 4-cyl
Recommended (3.9)
4 complaints 4.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
2
body
1
steering
1
suspension
1

Known Issues

Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)CHEVROLET Traverse (2009-2017)CHEVROLET Trax (2015-2022)

LY7

3.6L 6-cyl
⚠️ Caution (3.1)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

fuel system
1

Known Issues

Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Grand Cherokee (2011-2021)CADILLAC XLR (2004-2009)PONTIAC G6 (2005-2010)SATURN Sky (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Cobalt (2005-2010)PONTIAC Torrent (2006-2009)SATURN Outlook (2007-2010)CHEVROLET Malibu (2000-2003) +44 more

LH8

5.3L 8-cyl
⚠️ Caution (2.3)
8 complaints 5.0 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
2
safety systems
2
engine
1
fuel system
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (2 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Engine Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)

LK5

2.8L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.6)
155 complaints 31.0 per year
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
43
engine
28
brakes
25
cooling
19
body
16

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (43 complaints)
Engine Issues (28 complaints)
Brakes Issues (25 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET HHR (2006-2011)CHEVROLET Equinox (2010-2017)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)GMC Terrain (2010-2017)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)ISUZU Ascender 7 (2005-2005)ISUZU I-280 (2006-2006)GMC Envoy (2002-2009) +2 more

LLV

2.9L 4-cyl
Avoid (1.4)
180 complaints 28.8 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
72
engine
38
safety systems
30
fuel system
19
brakes
18

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (72 complaints)
Engine Issues (38 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (30 complaints)

Also found in

CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)ISUZU I-290 (2007-2007)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2000-2006)ISUZU I-290 (2008-2008)ISUZU I-370 (2008-2008)CHRYSLER PT Cruiser (2001-2010)

LLR

3.7L 5-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
207 complaints 34.5 per year Gasoline
10 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
84
engine
33
brakes
32
exterior
29
safety systems
21

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (84 complaints)
Engine Issues (33 complaints)
Brakes Issues (32 complaints)

Also found in

JEEP Liberty (2002-2007)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)GMC Acadia (2007-2016)CHEVROLET Silverado 1500 (2007-2013)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)GMC Canyon (2004-2012)HUMMER H2 4-Dr W/Sab (2008-2008)ISUZU I-370 (2007-2007) +10 more

L52

3.5L 5-cyl
Avoid (1.0)
619 complaints 206.3 per year Gasoline
16 fire reports 3 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
150
brakes
127
exterior
86
body
82
engine
60

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (150 complaints)
Brakes Issues (127 complaints)
Exterior Issues (86 complaints)

Also found in

GMC L Series (2003-2003)GMC S Utility (2003-2003)ISUZU I-350 (2006-2006)CHEVROLET Colorado (2004-2012)CHEVROLET Trailblazer (2002-2009)GMC Sierra 1500 (2000-2006)HUMMER H3 (2006-2010)GMC Canyon (2004-2012) +5 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Colorado regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (356 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (203 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (160 complaints)
engine critical
Exterior Issues (115 complaints)
exterior critical
Body/Trim Issues (100 complaints)
body critical

Recalls (11)

12V594000Dec 18, 2012serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.

11V337000Jun 27, 2011serious
Powertrain

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.9 OR 3.7 LITER ENGINE AND A FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT," AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP THAT MAY NOT RETAIN THE SHIFT CABLE IN THE CORRECT POSITION. IF THE SHIFT CABLE IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK."

11V552000Nov 16, 2011serious
Seat Belts

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.

11V276000Jun 4, 2011serious
Visibility

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED WITH A BUILD-UP OF SNOW OR ICE, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED ON A DRY WINDSHIELD, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN. IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT LOOSENING OF THE NUT, THE WIPERS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.

11V007000May 31, 2011serious
Suspension

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.

10V575000Nov 17, 2010critical
Child Seat

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.

09V310000Jul 28, 2009serious
Exterior Lighting

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.

09V154000Jun 4, 2009serious
Fuel System

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.

06V139000Apr 26, 2006serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMP WIRING WILL MIMIC THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMPS WHEN EITHER CONDITION OCCURS.

06V307000Nov 7, 2006serious
Wheels

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES AND TRUCKS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES HAVE AN INCOMPLETE TIRE RIM DESIGNATION ON THE CERTIFICATION/TIRE LABEL LOCATED ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR EDGE. IN ADDITION, THE LABEL MAY ALSO BE MISSING THE TIRE LOAD RATING ON THE LABEL. ALTHOUGH THIS INFORMATION IS NOT REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD, IF A TIRE OF A LESSER LOAD RATING IS INSTALLED, THE TIRE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SUSTAIN THE LOADS ENCOUNTERED DURING USE.

05V552000Jul 11, 2005serious
Equipment

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Alternatives in Midsize Truck

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado has accumulated 1,408 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Brakes, Engine. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Colorado engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado was offered with 12 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.5L 5-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado a good used car?

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,408 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado has 1,408 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado?

There are 11 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Colorado?

Before buying a used Chevrolet Colorado, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Electrical System, Brakes, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,408 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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