2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Routine

Owners filed 42 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Chevrolet Colorado years to avoid. Which Chevrolet Colorado years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
43,000 milesMedian miles at failure

31 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems

9 of the 42 complaints (21%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags · airbags9
000
Service Brakes · brakes6
000
Engine6
010
Electrical System5
010
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control4
000
Steering3
100
Structure › Body · body and frame2
202
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration1
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Structure › Frame and Members · body and frame1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch12V594000
Filed Dec 19, 2012118,800 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

Seat Belts › Front11V552000
Filed Nov 17, 20115,593 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. THE LOOSE CONNECTIONS MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT RECEIVE A VISUAL OR AUDIBLE WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy. GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jul 28, 2026106,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 25, 2025MI

Regarding a fuel leak on my 2012 Chevrolet Colorado WT, caused by severe corrosion of the in-tank fuel pump module. This issue is of great concern, as it poses a potential fire hazard due to fuel spray near the exhaust system. Upon reviewing official documentation, I found that Recall 17V-243 appears to address a similar defect affecting 2004–2012 Colorado and Canyon models with corrosion-prone fuel tank assemblies and retaining rings. However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall on NHTSA.gov. The only warning sign of a problem per GM protocol is detecting the odor of gasoline around the vehicle. The truck has not been inspected by GM, police, insurance, or anyone except myself. I have attached a video showing the leak.

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Dec 9, 2022157,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver’s side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a welder who advised that the damaged was too severe to repair and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.

SteeringCrash
Filed Feb 10, 2022MS

The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up completely while driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jan 19, 2022MA

That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 in losses.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 23, 2021VA

The wiring for the airbags runs through a hinge in the extended cab doors. I don’t use my rear doors much, but I would say that I use them a normal amount. Regular opening and closing of the door will cause the wires to break, thus making the airbags inoperable. Normal use of doors should not cause your airbags to not work.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 21, 2021KY

Traction control dash light is illuminated and display states "Traction Fault Service Stab Sys". Dealer stated there were no codes present and they did not know the cause. Fault occurs before engine crank and is intermittent, happening 8-9 times out of 10.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 12, 2021TX

VEHICLE RANDOMLY DOES NOT START AND HAVE TO SIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS UP AGAIN. IS CONSIDERED A NON RUNNING VEHICLE!

Steering
Filed Dec 9, 2020130,000 milesCO

POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND APPLYING BRAKES.COME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRAME RAILS AT THE FACTORY WELDS. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CHEVY DEALER CONDEMNED THE TRUCK FOR SAFETY REASONS AND SAID THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2020140,000 milesMI

ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON, I'VE CHECKED THE CODES IT GIVES ME AND IT B0065, B0066, I'VE CHECKED ALL THE WIRES AND THEY ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION, DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW

Electrical System
Filed Sep 16, 202058,000 milesIL

THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT. I GOOGLED IT AND SEEN THERE ARE TONS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WENT TO START TRUCK AND IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING.

Engine
Filed Oct 1, 201947,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT A FEW MINUTES, REINSTALL THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT AN ADDITIONAL FEW MINUTES, AND THEN START THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEEDS A PAPER COPY OF EVOQ. *TR

Engine
Filed Sep 26, 2019TX

AS LONG AS THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. I TAKE OFF THE NEGATIVE CLAMP OFF THE BATTERY AN WAIT 10 MINUTES IT WILL START. IF I USE THE REMOTE TO LOCK THE TRUCK EVERY THIRD TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. AN SOME TIMES IT DOES IT MORE THAN THAT. SO I DON'T USE THE REMOTE. STATIONARY. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 11, 201985,356 milesTX

WILL NOT START HAVE TO TAKE OFF - POST FROM BATTERY THEN 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR THE 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS.. EMS NEEDS REPLACED. IF I LOCK THE TRUCK AFTER THE 3 TIME IT STARTS THIS S(XXX). 2012 CHEVY. COLORADO. IT'S NOT THE KEY OR SWITCH.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 19, 201934,000 milesMS

SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH 33000 MILE ON IT IN JUNE OF 2018 THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND HAS CONTINUED TO REMAIN LIT SINCE THAT TIME. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRRANTY, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET IT REPAIRED.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 18, 201988,346 milesNH

ABS MODULE LIGHT GM ISN'T MAKING THE MODULE TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND HAS NO PLANS TO MAKE MORE. THIS MEANS THIS ISSUE CANNOT BE FIXED.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 20, 201836,456 milesVA

I KEEP GETTING WARNING. SERVICE STAB SYSTEM. WHAT I HAVE READ ON LINE IS THAT THIS IS A GM COMPUTER PROBLEM THAT GM DOESN'T WANT TO FIX

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys
Filed May 21, 201885,000 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET HAD FRACTURED, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BELT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DICK SHIRLEY CHEVROLET, 2616 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET FRACTURED AND THE BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

Engine
Filed Apr 13, 2018118,000 milesNJ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE WAS HEARD AND GREW WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 15, 2017VA

VEHICLE HAS ONLY 40,000 MILES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG STAYED LIT. THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT COST ME $250 TO REPLACE THE WIRING.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 20, 201650,000 milesSD

SHUT OFF, DO NOT LOCK, TRY TO START AND THE CAR WITH THE PADLOCK IS LIT UP AND I CANNOT START THE PICKUP. HIT LOCK, UNLOCK, STILL WON'T GET RID OF CAR/PADLOCK LIGHT.. GET OUT HIT LOCK, UNLOCK. STILL WON'T GET RID OF CAR/PADLOCK LIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP DOING THIS UNTIL THE LIGHT GOES OFF SO I CAN START THE PICKUP. HAS HAPPEDED TWICE IN THE LAST 4 WEEKS.

Air Bags
Filed Jun 20, 201690,000 milesIL

AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND GO OFF PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING. TOOK TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY STATED THAT THERE IS A SHORT IN THE HARNESS AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT POST AIRBAG NEEDS TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED DUE TO THIS SHORT. THE VEHICLE HAD 90K MILES BUT IT IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD. THE COST OF THIS REPAIR WAS QUOTED AT $1200. WITH THE VEHICLE ONLY BEING 4 YEARS OLD, CHEVY NEEDS TO STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS AND COVER THIS SAFETY ITEM UNDER WARRANTY OR CONSIDER A RECALL FOR ANY FAULTY CONNECTERS THAT ARE PART OF THEIR AIR BAG SAFETY SYSTEM.

Air Bags
Filed May 24, 201632,000 milesMI

2012 CHEV COLORADO EXTENDED CAB (PURCHASED NEW IN 2012). AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON. 1ST INCIDENT AUG 2015 (32,000 MILES). DEALERSHIP RAN DIAG SCAN AND PULLED CODE B0092 AND REPAIRED WIRES UNDER PASSENGER SEAT AND CLEARED CODE. 2ND INCIDENT LESS THAN 4 MONTHS LATER (34,000 MILES) ' DEALERSHIP CLEARED CODE. 3RD INCIDENT APR. 2016 (37,000 MILES). DEALERSHIP FOUND B0092 SET IN SDM. AN INSPECTION FOUND THREE WIRES BROKEN. REPAIRED WIRING UNDER PASSENGER SEAT AND CLEARED CODE. NOTHING IS BEING PUT UNDER THE SEAT. THE SEAT OCCASIONALLY GETS MOVED FORWARD AND BACKWARD AND THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR GETS OPEN AND CLOSED. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS SAME PROBLEM IN OLDER MODELS. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. THE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IF THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE WIRES (POOR QUALITY OR TOO SHORT CAUSING TENSION AND WEAR & TEAR?). A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED AND PROPER WIRING AND/OR CONNECTIONS CORRECTED. ALSO SEEMS THAT THE COST OF REPAIRS ($120 - $140 PER INCIDENT) SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

Air Bags
Filed May 17, 201676,126 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO RESET THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND A LOUD POP SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE ODOR OF GUN POWDER. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR EXPLODED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STILL NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND BLEW A HOLE INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,126.

Service Brakes
Filed Mar 13, 201623,300 milesPA

THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE RUNNING FROM THE FOOT PEDAL TO THE MIDDLE OF THE TRUCK IS ATTACHED TO THE FRAME IN SUCH A WAY THAT IT WORE A HOLE THOUGH THE RUBBER CASING. THIS CAUSED THE INTERIOR METAL CABLE TO RUST. THE INTERIOR METAL THEN WOULD NOT MOVE FREELY THROUGH THE RUBBER CASING. WHILE DRIVING THE BECAUSE OF BUMPY ROADS WOULD CREEP UP AND ENGAGE WHILE DRIVING. THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2012, BUT IT ONLY HAS 23000 MILE ON IT. I CALLED THE CHEVY DEALER AND HE INDICATED THAT THERE WAS NOT RECALL. I HAD MY MECHANIC REPAIR THE BRAKE. I HAVE INCLUDED THREE PHOTOS. THE FIRST IS THE BILL FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE CABLE. THE 2ND IS A LONG VIEW OF THE PART CHANGED. THE 3RD IS A MEDIUM VIEW OF THE PART REMOVED. THE 4TH IS A CLOSE UP OF THE PROBLEM AREA.

Structure › BodyCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 19, 201543,000 milesIN

WAS TRAVELING SOUTH GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING NORTH IN A LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN, WHEN THE DESIGNATED GREEN ARROW IS NOT ILLUMINATED, TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE. DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER IN VEHICLE TRAVELING SOUTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 12, 2015FL

2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. CONSUMER REQUESTS FOR AIR BAG ON-OFF SWITCH. *SMD

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 16, 201539,138 milesNV

ABS BRAKES AND STABILITRAC LIGHTS ON DASH UPON STARTING, TAKEN TO DEALER ON 11/27/2014, MILES 39138, FAILED AGAIN 12/19/2014, MILES 39780, AND 12/31/2014 FOR SAME PROBLEM. TRUCK IS STILL AT DEALER AS OF 01/16/2015. AFTER FIRST FAILURE BRAKING WAS NOT RIGHT, AND THE TRUCK NEEDS A PART THAT CAN NOT SEEM TO BE FOUND TO DATE. I BELIEVE THIS TRUCK IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO THE BRAKE ISSUE, AND WILL NOT KEEP THE TRUCK UPON RETURN, BUT I AM FEARFUL THAT IT WILL BE SOLD TO ANOTHER CONSUMER, AND IT WILL BE INVOLVED IN A TRAGEDY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Nov 11, 201443,000 milesTN

I NOTICED THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT ON ONE MORNING IN LATE OCTOBER. AS I WAS GOING OUT OF TOWN, I COULD NOT DEAL WITH IT UNTIL I GOT BACK, LAST WEEK. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER, ON SATURDAY, THEY READ THE ERROR CODES FROM THE AIRBAG MODULE, BUT COULD NOT INTERPRET THEM, AS THE SPECIALIST WAS NOT ON DUTY. I RETURNED IT TUESDAY, (TODAY), AND THEY DIAGNOSED A BROKEN WIRE IN THE WIRING HARNESS TO THE LEFT REAR DOOR. THEY REPLACED IT, AT A CHARGE OF 247.07. THEY DID NOT COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY, THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 26 MONTHS OLD, BECAUSE IT IS OVER THE 36,000 MILE WARRANTY. THIS TYPE OF FAILURE SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE MILEAGE. I KNOW OTHERS WITH THIS SAME FAILURE. I HAVE READ NUMEROUS SIMILAR REPORTS ON-LINE. I USE THIS DOOR EVERY DAY, TO LOAD MY WHEELCHAIR BEHIND THE SEAT, AND I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER FAILURE. USING THE DOOR SHOULD NOT CAUSE A SAFETY SYSTEM FAILURE. BROKEN AND BARE WIRES IN ANY WIRING IS NOT SAFE, AND AS PART OF A MAJOR SAFETY SYSTEM, SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN, AND CERTAINLY NOT ON SUCH A NEW VEHICLE. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 27, 2014780 milesNC

THE "SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON AND STAYS ON UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. IT DOES THAT REPEATEDLY. THE CHEVROLET DEALER, JIM COOK CHEVROLET IN MARION, NC, SAYS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THE LIGHT OR DETECT A CODE AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THE LIGHT IS MEANINGLESS AND I SHOULD DISREGARD IT. THE USER MANUAL STATES THAT IF THIS LIGHT COMES ON THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY PARKED AND TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR THE YEAR I HAVE HAD THE TRUCK. IT HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP NUMEROUS TIMES. ON ONE OCCASION, MAY OF 2014, THE SHOP TECH AT JIM COOK DID SEE THE LIGHT COME ON AND HE CHANGED THE "YAW SENOR". IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NOW THE DEALER SERVICE MANAGER DENIES THAT ANYONE EVER SAW THE LIGHT COME ON AT THEIR SHOP. ALSO, THE JIM COOK MANAGER SAYS THAT ALL RECORDS THEY HAVE OF SERVING THIS TRUCK WERE SENT TO GM ON ORDERS OF THE REGIONAL GM OFFICE AND THEY NO LONGER HAVE ANY RECORDS OF SERVING THE TRUCK. THE LIGHT STILL COMES ON AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. CHEVROLET CUSTOMER SERVICE OPENED THEN CLOSED A CASE ON THE ISSUE AND NOW TELLS ME I AM SIMPLY A DISSATISFIED OWNER AND THEY WILL NOT LONGER SERVICE THE TRUCK OR DEAL WITH ME. I EVEN ASKED THE DEALER IF THEY WOULD TAKE THE TRUCK BACK IN TRADE FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE, AS I REALLY NEED A RELIABLE TRUCK. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD NOT TAKE THE TRUCK IN TRADE OR IN ANY OTHER MANNER AND I NEEDED TO TAKE THE MATTER UP WITH CHEVROLET. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 201414,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH ATTEMPTING TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 3, 201474,000 milesMN

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ON OUR 2012 CHEVY COLORADO. FROM REVIEW, CHEVY HAS RECALLED COLORADOS OF DIFFERENT YEARS FOR THIS SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO OTHER YEARS AS THIS PROBLEM IS OCCURRING IN LATER MODELS THAN THE MOST CURRENT RECALL YEAR OF 2009. WE HAVE NEVER HAD A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAIL ON ANY OF OUR OTHER VEHICLES. SEEMS MORE THAN COINCIDENTAL THAT IT WOULD OCCUR ON OUR COLORADO, WHEN THERE WAS A RECALL PREVIOUSLY ON THE SAME MODEL, BUT DIFFERENT MANUFACTURE YEARS. CHEVY SHOULD PAY FOR OUR REPAIR AS WELL AS RECALL THIS PART FOR ALL 2012 COLORADOS. THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH RESULTS IN THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT LIGHTING WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS PRESSED. THIS COULD RESULT IN A DANGEROUS REAR END COLLISION AS DRIVERS FOLLOWING WOULD BE UNAWARE THAT THE BRAKES WERE DEPLOYED. *TR

Structure › BodyCrash
Filed May 1, 20143,000 milesTX

I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK AT 5:00 AM WITH ALMOST NO TRAFFIC. A PICKUP TRUCK IN THE NEXT LANE LEFT OF ME HAD A PIECE OF PLYWOOD EJECTED FROM THE BED AND WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR TOWARDS THE FRONT OF MY PICKUP. I SAW IT COMING AT ME AND I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ONCE BUT MY TRUCK DID NOT SLOW TO AVOID IT AND THE PLYWOOD DESTROYED THE FRONT NOSE (GRILL, LIGHTS AND ALL FRONT GRILL EMBLEMS AND SO FORTH). IT WAS DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY TRUCK HAS HAD BAD BRAKES SINCE IT WAS BRAND NEW. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER 4 TIMES FOR REPAIR WITH NO RESOLUTION. MY TRUCK IS AT TOM BENSON CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP WITH 8700 MILES ON IT CURRENTLY SINCE 4/26/2014 AND TODAY 4/30/2014 THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TO SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH IT. THEY ARE WRONG. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE 7/28/2012. THE BRAKE PEDAL FADES ALWAYS AT A RED TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE BRAKES LOSE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ALWAYS, BUT THE DEALER TELLS ME I AM WRONG. *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 26, 201338,000 milesMS

AT FIRST, TRUCK SHOWED TPS ALARM ,THEN STABILITY ALARM ,NEXT IT HAD THE HEADLIGHTS CUT OUT ON THE HIGHWAY AT NIGHT @ 70 MPH FOR 15-30 SECONDS. IT HAS SHOWN THESE PROBLEMS SEPARATELY AND SIMULTANEOUSLY AT DIFFERENT TIMES. FINALLY IT MANIFESTED A NEW SYMPTOM I WOULD INTERMITTENTLY NOT CRANK THE ENGINE OVER EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS AT FULL CHARGE. AFTER REPEATED TRIPS TO THE DEALER(THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM) WITH NO EFFECT OR IMPROVEMENT, A CALL TO CHEVROLET NETTED A CASE NUMBER #71-1257538002. AS A RESULT OF THIS CALL( I FEEL) WORK WAS RESTARTED ON THE VEHICLE. AS OF TODAY 12/26/13 THE CHEVROLET DEALER HAS NOW CHANGED THE IGNITION SWITCH. WE SHALL SEE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Electrical System
Filed Dec 23, 201310,000 milesFL

I HAVE A 12 MONTH OLD CHEVY COLORADO, BOUGHT NEW. FOR 9 MONTHS, NO ISSUES. THEN IN OCTOBER, IT SIMPLY WON'T START. DEAD BATTERY. I DROVE IT REGULARLY TO AND FROM WORK EACH DAY, SO IT'S NOT FROM NON-USE. I TOOK IT TO SERVICE AND THEY SAID IT WAS A BAD BATTERY. THEY REPLACED IT. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, SAME THING. DEAD BATTERY AND CAR WON'T START, BUT LIGHTS WORK, RADIO WORKS. I TAKE IT IN AGAIN, AND THEY CAN'T FIND A REASON. THEY KEEP IT A WEEK (STATIC) AND SAY THERE IS NOTHING WRONG. BUT IT WORKS WHEN I LEAVE THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THREE WEEKS LATER, SAME THING. CAR WON'T START AND I'M TIRED OF GETTING STRANDED. AND I DRIVE IT REGULARLY. THEY TAKE IT TO ANOTHER DEALERS SERVICE AND THEY RUN TESTS BUT CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THEY CALL CHEVY WHO GIVES THEM DIRECTION, BUT CHEVY DOESN'T LET ON THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM. BUT I GO ONLINE AND FIND MANY ISSUES WITH THE SAME VEHICLE. SINCE THIS IS THE 3RD ATTEMPT TO FIX IT, I'M GOING TO PURSUE THE LEMON LAW. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 9, 2013OH

2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TRANSMISSION ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. WHEN THE CONSUMER CALLED THE DEALER A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, HE WAS INFORMED THE ISSUE WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THE NEXT WEEK, THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED, THE PARTS REPLACED IN THE TRANSMISSION WERE NOT ISSUE, AND AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATION, THE ISSUE WAS A LOOSE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER. LATER IN THE WEEK, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED AND THERE MAY HAVE BEEN A SPUN BEARING THAT CAUSED THE ISSUES. THE CONSUMER WAS THEN INFORMED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO REPLACED, BUT IT WOULD TAKE COUPLE OF DAYS TO GET AN APPROVAL FOR THE REPLACEMENT. THE AUTHORIZATION FINALLY CAME THROUGH AND THE DEALER PROCEEDED TO REPLACE THE ENGINE THE FOLLOWING WEEK. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD HE COULD PICK THE VEHICLE UP ON JUNE 1ST. HOWEVER, THEY WANTED TO PUT SOME ADDITIONAL MILES ON THE TRUCK TO CONFIRM EVERYTHING WAS IN SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED AT THE DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALER HAD THE VEHICLE FOR TWO WEEKS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. HE STATED THE TRUCK WOULD IDLE IN A ROUGH MANNER , AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER STATED HE CHECKED THE CODES ON THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED THEY WERE TRANSMISSION RELATED. THE CONSUMER WENT TO ANOTHER DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A WIRING HARNESS ISSUE A

Steering
Filed Dec 20, 20121,550 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THE STEERING WHEEL WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT RETURN TO THE CENTER AFTER COMPLETING A TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE RACK AND PINION SHAFT TWICE AND THE POWER STEERING PUMP ONCE. THE STEERING CONTINUED TO FAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NORMAL FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,550.

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Nov 30, 2012WI

2012 CHEVY COLORADO EXTENDED CAB 2X4 I4 ENGINE LT1. THE PROBLEM IS IN THE STEERING. THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY HARD TURNING. THE STEERING DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AT MORE THAN 30 DEGREASE WHEN AFTER MAKING A TURN. WHEN STARTING OUT, TURN WHEEL 90 DEGREASE AND THEN PROCEED FORWARD AND THE STEERING WHEEL WILL STAY IN THIS POSITION AND CAR WILL JUST DRIVE IN CIRCLES. TOOK TO ANDREW CHEVY HAD SAE CERTIFIED TEK TEST DRIVE, STATED THERE IS A PROBLEM MAKE AN APPOINTMENT. ANDREW CALLED AND SAID IT WOULD NEED A NEW RACK AND PINION, REPLACED. STILL ALL STEERING IS THE SAME. TOOK TO HEISER CHEVY THEY LOOKED AT IT AND THE RACK AND PINION WAS LEAKING OIL. HEISER REPLACE RACK AND PINION STILL STEERING NOT FIXED. TWO DAYS LATER POWER STEERING PUMP GOES OUT. HEISER REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP. STILL REMAINS WITH STEERING PROBLEM, DOES NOT RETURN AND REALLY HARD TO STEER. LIKE A TANK. 900 MILES, $23,000.00 HMMMM. CHEVY CUSTOMER SERVICE USELESS TELLING ME NOW THAT THIS IS THE WAY THE TRUCK IS SUPPOSED TO BE. NOT, OWNED A 2008 SAME MODEL NEVER HAD AND ISSUE LIKE THIS AND ALL GOOD OPERATING VEHICLE DO NOT STEER LIKE THIS!!! WHEN DRIVING THIS TRUCK BE VERY AWARE AND READY TO RETURN WHEEL "DANGEROUS". SURELY NOT WHAT I LEARNED IN DRIVERS ED, AFTER MAKING THE TURN LET THE WHEEL SLIDE BACK THREW YOUR HANDS. 51 AND SOME THINGS YOU NEVER FORGET... *TR

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 12, 2012350 milesNC

AT APPROXIMATELY 350 MILES ON THE TRUCK ODOMETER, THE DASHBOARD WARNING MODULE ON MY NEW 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO PICKUP TRUCK ILLUMINATED WITH "SERVICE STAB SYS". THE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ON UNTIL I PARKED THE TRUCK. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE AT THE DEALER TOLD ME TO IGNORE THE WARNING LIGHT. THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAULT CODE STORED THAT REFLECTED A STABILITY PROBLEM. HE TOLD ME THAT NO SUCH WARNING COULD HAVE ILLUMINATED OR IT WOULD BE IN THE MEMORY OF THE VEHICLE??S COMPUTER. THIS WARNING MESSAGE: " SERVICE STAB SYS" AND THE TRACTION WARNING LIGHT NOW COME ON REPEATEDLY. IN JULY 2012, WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON I-40, THE SAME WARNING ILLUMINATED. THIS WAS FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A VIOLENT SHUDDER IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND WHAT FELT LIKE UNEVEN APPLICATION OF THE FRONT BRAKES FOR FRACTIONS OF A SECOND. I PULLED OVER AND CALLED ONSTAR WHO RAN A SYSTEM CHECK. ONSTAR COULD SEE THE STABILITY SYSTEM WARNING WAS ON BUT NO FAULT CODE WAS DETECTED. I TOOK THE TRUCK BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO FAULT RECORDED IN THE VEHICLE MEMORY AND THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TRUCK AND WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO SYSTEM OR FUNCTION IN THE TRUCK OR THE STABILITY SYSTEM THAT COULD MAKE THE TRUCK SHUDDER AS I DESCRIBED OR THAT COULD INDEPENDENTLY APPLY BRAKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY, WITH THE SHUDDER ALSO RE-OCCURRING. CHEVROLET AND THE DEALER TELL ME TH

EngineFire
Filed Jun 21, 2012380 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND RESTARTED BUT THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT AN UNKNOWN SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TEST DRIVEN, A FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 380.

Engine
Filed Jun 13, 20122,500 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH THE CONTACT HEARD A POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE MUFFLER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE MUFFLER WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500. ...UPDATED 07/19/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WOULD MIS-FIRE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD, AND IT WOULD LOSE POWER AFTER IT WARMED UP. UPDATED 02/06/13

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 19, 201213,350 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AT THE SAME SPEED AS THE CONTACT REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ONCE THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE RENTAL COMPANY WAS ADVISED OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FURTHER INSPECTED TO ASSESS ANY POSSIBLE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,350.

All 42 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2016
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202618100Routine
202528100Routine
2024126310Routine
2023138300Routine
202256100Routine
202180112Fatalities reported
202088030Routine
2019150041Fatalities reported
2018183150Routine
2017216100Above average
2016715410Above average
2015498740Above average
20141000Routine
20131000Routine
2012 — this page42220Routine
201142500Routine
201029210Routine
200967340Routine
200881272Fatalities reported
2007140350Routine
2006236421Fatalities reported
20053563111Fatalities reported
20043613131Fatalities reported

Compare every Colorado year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

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: Dec 19, 2012. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.