Avoid: 2016, 2015, 2005, 2004 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2012 · Best recent: 2022
18 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 21 model years, the Chevrolet Colorado has 3,692 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 50 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and electrical system. 2016 drew the most complaints (707), 2012 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (42).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Colorado vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $17,900–$28,090.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 |
| 2025 | 29 |
| 2024 | 130 |
| 2023 | 135 |
| 2022 | 55 |
| 2021 | 75 |
| 2020 | 84 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2017 | 216 |
| 2016 | 707 |
| 2015 | 491 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2010 | 84 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2008 | 81 |
| 2007 | 140 |
| 2006 | 236 |
| 2005 | 356 |
| 2004 | 361 |
Highest: 2016 (707 complaints). Lowest: 2012 (42).
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on the specific generation. The first generation (circa 2004-2012) is viewed as a basic, utilitarian work truck with significant reliability concerns, particularly regarding the four-cylinder engine's timing chain.
Including complete engine replacement, transmission replacement, torque converter failure, and cracked engine blocks, often under 65,000 miles.
Causing various system failures and leaving vehicles undriveable.
Causing check engine lights and complete engine failure, noted around 60,000-75,000 miles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Colorado. Individual model years are broken down above.
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