Chevrolet

Colorado (1st)

2004-2012 · Pickup ยท 5 engines
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.7)
1,336 NHTSA Complaints
11 Recalls
45 Fire Reports
67 Crash Reports
Includes data from: COLORADOCOLORADO CREW CABCOLORADO EXTENDED CABCOLORADO REGULAR CAB
View all 3 generations of the Chevrolet Colorado → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (18.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: No FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

LK5

2.8L 4-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.7)
154 complaints 30.8 per year
4 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
43
engine
28
brakes
25
cooling
19
exterior
16

Known Issues

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

Chevrolet Colorado Unidentified Engine

โŒ Avoid (1.6)
208 complaints 26.0 per year
7 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
50
brakes
41
engine
31
body
23
exterior
21

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (50 complaints)
Brakes Issues (41 complaints)
Engine Issues (31 complaints)

LLV

2.9L 4-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.6)
158 complaints 25.2 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
60
engine
30
safety systems
24
fuel system
19
brakes
18

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (60 complaints)
Engine Issues (30 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (24 complaints)

LLR

3.7L 5-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.5)
183 complaints 30.5 per year Gasoline
8 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
74
brakes
28
engine
27
exterior
25
safety systems
21

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (74 complaints)
Brakes Issues (28 complaints)
Engine Issues (27 complaints)

L52

3.5L 5-cyl
โŒ 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)
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

LH8

5.3L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.4)
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)

Same engine used in

2H0

1.8L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.1)
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)

LH9

5.3L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.8)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Chevrolet Colorado regardless of engine variant.

Electrical System Issues (380 complaints)
electrical critical
Brakes Issues (239 complaints)
brakes critical
Engine Issues (177 complaints)
engine critical
Exterior Issues (148 complaints)
exterior critical
Body/Trim Issues (106 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 Pickup

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado has accumulated 1,336 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Electrical System, Brakes, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Chevrolet Colorado engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2012 Chevrolet Colorado was offered with 9 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.8L 4-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 sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 1,336 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 1,336 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 โ€” 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Colorado?

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 1,336 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver