Chevrolet Colorado 3rd generation (2023–2026)
Generation-specific owner insights from 90+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
322
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2023–2026
8
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment for the 2023-2026 Colorado is mixed and heavily skewed negative in the early model years, with software and electrical gremlins dominating the conversation.
13 problems reported (3 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 5 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentBluetooth and Android Auto pairing failures, including phones unable to connect or re-pair
- Very frequentInfotainment system freezes or lockups requiring a hard reset via steering wheel buttons or battery disconnect
- Very frequentEngine ticking or rattling noise
Often described as coming from the passenger side engine bay under medium acceleration at 2-3k RPM.
+ 10 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentDead or drained batteries, including from failed repeated firmware update attempts
- RecurrentGauge cluster and infotainment screens going blank or not displaying
- RecurrentMetallic rattle at low RPM on inclines, with heat shields checked and sometimes found missing bolts
- RecurrentLoose fuses from the factory causing assorted electrical issues
- RecurrentAuto start-stop behavior discussed as an annoyance
With owners disabling it via plug-in devices or manual mode.
- IsolatedCameras going out
- IsolatedTruck stuck in four-wheel drive
- IsolatedConcern about rocker arm bearing failure producing a loud tick and misfire code, usually cylinder #4
- IsolatedTiming chain tensioner rattle concern
- IsolatedExposed under-carpet area with what appears to be a missing cover or flap
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. The Z71 is mentioned positively by at least one owner whose truck has had no issues, and the Trail Boss appears frequently in discussion but almost exclusively in the context of ticking and rattling noises. No trim or engine emerges as a clear owner favorite.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier, Ford Maverick and GMC Canyon.
Is a 2023–2026 Colorado right for you?
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Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment for the 2023-2026 Colorado is mixed and heavily skewed negative in the early model years, with software and electrical gremlins dominating the conversation. The most common complaints center on infotainment failures, Bluetooth and Android Auto pairing problems, dead batteries from failed firmware updates, and screen or gauge cluster dropouts. A recurring theme is that the truck drives well and has a strong interior, but owners describe it as having "multiple gremlins that appear and go away." Some owners report zero issues, including a Canyon Denali owner with no problems, suggesting inconsistent build quality rather than universal failure. Later model year discussion is sparse but suggests the software situation may have improved, with one owner noting they had not heard much about the screen issues in the months prior to their comment.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the Colorado's turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain favorably against the V6 engines in the Tacoma and Frontier, noting the 2.7 turbo makes more torque at a lower RPM and that the 2.3 turbo four is rated to tow 7,500 lbs, more than those V6 competitors. One owner argues the towing capability is competitive and that concerns should focus on longevity rather than towing ability. The Canyon is treated as a mechanical twin, with owners cross-referencing issues between the two. The Maverick is mentioned as a lighter-duty alternative in a work-vehicle context rather than a direct performance comparison.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. Owners note that the Z71 comes with the high output engine and that the base engine has a lower towing capacity than the optional higher-output version, so buyers intending to tow should confirm which powertrain the truck has. No configuration is broadly recommended across discussions.
General recommendations
Buyers should verify the truck's build sheet and confirm the powertrain before purchase, especially if towing is planned, since towing capacity varies significantly by engine option. Owners repeatedly advise checking that all fuses in the engine bay are fully seated, as loose fuses are blamed for a range of electrical issues. Prospective buyers should test the infotainment, Bluetooth pairing, and both screens thoroughly before purchase, and should be prepared for the possibility of needing dealer software updates. Given the concentration of complaints in the 2023 model year, later model years appear to carry less reported software trouble, though data is limited. Owners who value a quiet, trouble-free ownership experience should be cautious, while those willing to tolerate software quirks report the truck otherwise drives well.
Remarks
A notable thread of discussion attributes the early software problems to a platform transition, with one owner relaying that trucks were built with older software and bricked during a pre-delivery update, and that 2023 models may receive updates once the newer software is ironed out. Owners widely report that hard-resetting the infotainment by holding the steering wheel phone or fast-forward buttons for about ten seconds, pulling the radio fuse, or disconnecting the battery temporarily resolves Bluetooth issues, though several note the problem can return. One owner reports a dealer replacing the radio module to fix the issue. A GM technician in the discussions states that affected trucks need a radio module update at the dealership. Owners also note that dealership visits are inconvenient because service departments do not work weekends. Analysis based on approximately 90 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2025 | 29 | 1 | service brakes |
| 2024 | 130 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2023 | 135 | 3 | forward collision avoidance |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2026 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2025 · equipment:other:owners/service/other manualcampaign 26V114000
General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Coupe, Corvette Convertible E-Ray, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, Silverado EV, Suburban 1500, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Hummer EV Pickup, Hummer EV SUV, Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, Sierra EV, Terrain, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The radio may not have been set to the correct status to download the electronic owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Protection.”
2024 · tirescampaign 24V366000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles. Incorrect tires may have been installed that do not match the tire label, and the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) may provide inaccurate information for the installed tires. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 110, "Tire Selection and Rims" and 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."
2024 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 24V491000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The lock ring that secures the fuel pump to the fuel tank assembly may not have been fully locked during assembly, which can result in a fuel leak during a crash.
2024 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 24V703000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
2023 · electrical system:adas:driver monitoring:camera/sensorcampaign 24V133000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
2023 · wheels:lugs/nuts/bolts/studscampaign 24V237000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
2023 · seat belts:critical fastenerscampaign 24V703000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.