2008 Chevrolet Colorado

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 81 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
53,000 milesMedian miles at failure

71 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 010,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System20
030
Air Bags11
300
Service Brakes6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic5
000
Power Train4
010
Unknown or Other3
120
Exterior Lighting3
000
Engine3
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor2
010
Tires2
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Child Seat10V575000
Filed Nov 18, 2010192,676 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. BOTH NHTSA AND GM DISCOURAGE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A FRONT SEAT. NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY REQUIRE PLACEMENT OF A CHILD IN A RESTRAINT IN THE FRONT CENTER SEATING POSITION OF THIS VEHICLE THAT DOES NOT OFFER A REAR SEAT. LACK OF ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR AND A LACK OF INSTRUCTIONS AS TO HOW TO USE IT, MAY RESULT IN IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT. IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF A CHILD RESTRAINT CAN RESULT IN A REDUCTION IN THE RESTRAINT'S PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH AND AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO THE CHILD SEATED IN THE RESTRAINT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL CUT A HOLE INTO THE BACK PANEL TRIM COVER TO ALLOW ACCESS TO THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT POSITION AND WILL PROVIDE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION AS TO USE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR VISIT GM'S WEBSITE AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch09V310000
Filed Jul 29, 2009185,903 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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.

Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE CAN OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR, HOWEVER THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN WHEN THE NEW DESIGN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Nov 24, 2025119,000 milesWI

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at an independent mechanic for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the sub frame underneath the vehicle was paper thin due to corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact was informed that the independent mechanic had four similar vehicles in the yard with the same failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was recently purchased. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Suspension
Filed Aug 17, 2022141,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. Upon inspection of his vehicle, the contact discovered a hole in his vehicle's subframe. The contact then had an independent mechanic perform a further inspection of the vehicle and two additional holes were discovered in the vehicle's subframe. The contact called the dealer who sold him the vehicle and was informed that the vehicle was sold as is. The contact was also given an estimate for the repair. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed May 4, 2022109,221 milesNY

The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that her son informed her that the frame was corroded. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay out-of-pocket for the diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and transferred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was 109,221.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 26, 2020CA

THE ELECTRIC INGNITION SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING ON THIS AND A MILLION TRUCKS IN THE COUNTRY PLEASE FIX THIS 10 MINUTE WAITING TIME TO START

Wheels
Filed Jun 14, 2020SC

THE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON BECAUSE OF TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR. THE SEAL AROUND WINDSHIELD IS LEAKING CAUSING WATER TO PILE UP IN DRIVER SIDE FLOOR. TALKED TO SOMEONE ELSE THAT HAS SAME YEAR MODEL TRUCK THEY HAVE EXACT SAME PROBLEMS AS MINE.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 28, 2020157,935 milesOH

FRAME IS RUSTING HAVE HOLES IN FRAME LEFT HAND SIDE BEHIND FRONT WHEEL CAN SEE ALL THE WAY THRU FRAME SUPPORT THAT HOLDS SPARE TIRE IS COMPLETELY RUSTED THRU ALSO IF THIS FRAME BRAKES AT THE POINT BEHIND LEFT FRONT WHEEL WILL CAUSE A COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING EMERGENCY BRAKE BRACKET ALSO MOUNTS HERE IT NO LONGER WORKS THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Oct 29, 2019100,000 milesTX

THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM WILL NOT LET THE TRUCK START HAS LEFT ME STRANDED MANY TIMES. HEATER BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING ON 1, 2, & 3 SETTINGS. BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR AND PLUG WERE BURNT, STARTED A MINOR FIRE COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. WHEN I TURN THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT MAKES A LARGE VIBRATION AND THE VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN CAN'T GET IT TO TURN BACK ON.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 16, 2019134,000 milesFL

THE PASS LOCK SYSTEM WILL NOT LET THE TRUCK START, I HAVE HAD THIS SAME COMPLAINT/PROBLEM FOR MANY YEARS, HAVE HAD IN MANY SHOPS FOR SAME ISSUE, YES EACH ONE REPLACED SOMETHING/FIXED IT FOR A SUM OF MONEY. IT HAPPENED AGAIN YESTERDAY LEAVING ME STRANDED ONCE AGAIN. IF I CAN GET IT RUNNING IT APPEARS MY ONLY FIX IS TO SELL/TRADE IT AND PASS THIS VERY PROBLEMATIC TRUCK ON TO OTHER.ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jul 30, 2019101,000 milesTN

I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ROAD AND SMOKE BEGAN TO FILL MY CABIN. THE SMOKE WAS STRONGER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE VENTS. SHORTLY AFTER FLAMES BEGAN TO APPEAR BETWEEN MY WIFE'S FEET THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. WE PULLED OVER IMMEDIATELY AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER IT WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. WE WERE IN SHOCK BECAUSE NOTHING HAD EVER HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE UP UNTIL THIS POINT. IT WAS A GREAT VEHICLE OTHERWISE. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED WHEN I GOOGLED THIS ISSUE AND FOUND OUT THAT THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON WITH SIMILAR MODELS FOR SOME TIME. IT'S A SHAME THAT SUNRISE CHEVY GMC IN BARLETT, TN HAD PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND STILL SOLD ME THE TRUCK. THERE SHOULD BE SOME KIND OF LEGAL RECOURSE. THE WORKING MAN ALWAYS GETS BURNED NO PUN INTENDED! I'M EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED.

Power Train
Filed May 23, 201955,000 milesNV

THE VEHICLE WILL GO FROM 2 WHEEL DRIVE TO 4 WHEEL DRIVE WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 DIFFERENT TIMES. I STOP AND PUSH THE BUTTON TO RETURN TO 2 WHEEL DRIVE AND IT GOES BACK TO 2 WHEEL. I DID NOT DO ANY INPUT WHEN IT CHANGES TO 4 WHEEL SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE MOVING AT 20 TO 30 MPH AND THEN TURNING A CORNER, THE WHEEL STUTTERS, I LOOK AT THE DASH AND IT'S IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE.

Electrical System
Filed Apr 11, 2019125,657 milesNJ

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. ALL BRAKE LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING; NO LONGER ILLUMINATE WHEN BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THIS INCLUDES THE TOP LAMP, ABOVE THE BACK WINDOW. THERE IS A RECALL NUMBER 09V310000 THAT DESCRIBES THIS SITUATION, BUT ONLY GOOD FOR CERTAIN STATES. IN PROCESS OF BRINGING TO CERTIFIED CHEVY DEALER FOR FORMAL DIAGNOSIS. REQUESTING CONSIDERATION ON EXPANDING THE CURRENT RECALL TO INCLUDE NJ, WHERE MY TRUCK IS REGISTERED. CRITICAL SAFETY HAZARD, AS CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 20, 2019115,000 milesMO

A FEW YEARS AGO, NOTICED MY CRUISE CONTROL WASN'T WORKING. I TOOK IT TO A CERTIFIED REPAIR SHOP AND FOUND OUT THE PART WAS UNDER RECALL, AND THAT MY BRAKE LIGHTS WEREN'T WORKING EITHER. THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED, UNTIL THIS WEEK. I NOTICED TODAY THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE CRUISE ISN'T WORKING. WHEN I PARKED MY TRUCK, I TESTED MY BACK BRAKES IN A REFLECTION- NOT WORKING EITHER! AGAIN! IS THIS PART UNDER RECALL STILL?

Air Bags
Filed Feb 16, 201991,000 milesIL

SITTING IN A PARKING LOT NONE WITHIN 100 FEET OF ME MY KEYS WERE ON PASSENGER SEAT WHEN THE AIR BAG EXPLOIDED THEN ON JANUARY 2019 BATTERY WENT DEAD PUT NEW BATTERY IN IT THEN ON FEBRUARY 13 LOST ALL POWER TO DASH STILL HAD ALL OTHER POWER BUT WHEN I TURNED IT OFF WILL NOT DO ANYTHING HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER SAID IT THE BODY CONTROL MODULE PUT IT IN AND STILL NOTHING I THINK IT ALL GOES BACK TO THE AIR BAG

Air Bags
Filed Oct 16, 2018116,347 milesPA

RECEIVED A SAFETY LETTER SEVERAL YEAR AGO (TOLD NUMBER WAS 14609), I CALLED THE DEALER WHEN I GOT THE LETTER (APPROXIMATELY 2014) AND WAS TOLD SINCE MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON EVEN THOUGH MY SEAT BELT DIDN'T RETRACT PROPERLY, I WAS NOT VALID FOR THE FIX. MOVE FORWARD TO TODAY, MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON A COUPLE WEEKS AGO (INTERMITTENT AT FIRST, THEN STEADY), MY SEAT BELT HASN'T RETRACTED PROPERLY FOR YEARS. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC FOR REPAIR AND THEY REPLACED THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR. SO 2 FOLD, I FIND OUT THE LETTER WAS JUST AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH I MISSED BY DATE BUT NOT BY MILES. AND EVERYTHING ONLINE IMPLIES THE WIRING HARNESS SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED SO NOT ONLY AM I OUT THE MONEY I AM NOT SURE IF WE SOLVED THE ISSUE. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW Y'ALL COULD HAVE MADE AN AIRBAG ISSUE JUST AN NOTE ON THE PAGE (EXTENDED WARRANTY WHICH EXPIRED ON ME) WHEN IF MY AIRBAG DOESN'T WORK IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE WHICH COULD RESULT IN MY DEATH.

Engine
Filed Aug 23, 201892,000 milesIA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING, IT SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RPMS INCREASED TO 2000 AND THEN DROPPED TO 500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE ALSO OCCURRED WHILE SWITCHING GEARS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT CALLED BILLION AUTO-CHEVY BUICK GMC CADILLAC OF IOWA CITY AT (319) 359-6905 (LOCATED AT 2733 MORMON TREK BLVD, IOWA CITY, IA 52240) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WHEN THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2018CA

HEATER BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING ON 1, 2, & 3 SETTINGS. BLOWER MOTOR RESISTOR AND PLUG WERE BURNT AND COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE.

Engine
Filed Jun 28, 2018CA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATING ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY. THE DEALER (SANBORN CHEVROLET, 1210 S CHEROKEE LN, LODI, CA 95240, 209-334-5000 EXT 8655) DIAGNOSED THAT THE VALVE GUIDES IN THE HEAD OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND SUGGESTED HAVING THE DEALER REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Electrical System
Filed May 24, 201823,723 milesKS

INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS WIHERE THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IS ACTIVATED WITHOUT INTERVENTION AND TRUCK WILL NOT START. I AM THE NEW OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE (3 WEEKS) PROBLEM BEGAN 10 DAYS AGO. HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES (TWICE IN ONE DAY). RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED PROBLEM.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Dec 18, 2017114,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO FUNCTION. WHILE INSPECTING THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V310000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED NO BRAKE LIGHTS OR CRUISE CONTROL, BOTH CONTROLLED BY THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WHICH WAS A RECALL ON PREVIOUS COLORADO'S AND CANYON'S AND CANYON'S. CONSUMER FIXED THE ISSUE HIMSELF, UPDATED 8/28/18*JB

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 201789,000 milesOH

BRAKE LIGHTS DON'T WORK. DISTRIBUTION BOX PERHAPS. DEALERS ARE U SURE.

20 of 81 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202614100Routine
202527100Routine
2024121310Routine
2023134300Routine
202254100Routine
202175112Fatalities reported
202084030Routine
2019149041Fatalities reported
2018183150Routine
2017216100Above average
2016707410Above average
2015491740Above average
20141000Routine
20131000Routine
201242220Routine
201142500Routine
201028210Routine
200967340Routine
2008 — this page81272Fatalities reported
2007140350Routine
2006236421Fatalities reported
20053563111Fatalities reported
20043613131Fatalities reported

Compare every Colorado year →

Reading this record

2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 18, 2010. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.