Chevrolet Colorado Best and Worst Years (2010–2025)
Avoid the 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, which carry the highest Complaint Index scores (93, 100, 80, and 87) out of 16 model years covering 2,359 total complaints. The 2010 and 2012 model years score lowest (13 and 20) and are rated Best.
- Model years
- 16
- 2010–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 2,359
- Recall campaigns
- 24
- Crashes reported
- 69
- Fires reported
- 22
- Top problem area
- Steering
Colorado Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Colorado problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Best | 13 | 28 | 0 | 1 | 2 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Good | 27 | 42 | 4 | 0 | 5 | Electrical System | 19 | — |
| 2012 | Best | 20 | 42 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Brakes | 19 | — |
| 2013 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2014 | No verdict | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Steering | — | — |
| 2015 | Avoid | 93 | 491 | 17 | 4 | 7 | Steering | 21 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 100 | 707 | 14 | 1 | 4 | Steering | 21.5 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 67 | 216 | 5 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 60 | 183 | 3 | 5 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 73 | 150 | 6 | 4 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Good | 40 | 84 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 20.5 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Caution | 53 | 75 | 6 | 1 | 1 | Engine | 21 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Good | 33 | 55 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | 21 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Avoid | 80 | 135 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Electrical System | 19.5 | 4★ |
| 2024 | Avoid | 87 | 122 | 6 | 1 | 3 | Electrical System | 20 | 4★ |
| 2025 | Good | 47 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Brakes | 18 | 4★ |
Colorado years to avoid: what went wrong
2016 Chevrolet Colorado Index 100 · 707 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2016 Colorado has the highest Complaint Index of any year, 100. Steering issues account for 65% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 68,000, and this year shares the same steering gear torque sensor recall (17V621000) and a separate frontal airbag module recall (16V125000). A fuel system recall (18V358000) for the high-pressure fuel pump also applies. Owners reported brake pedals going to the floor and unexpected transmission surges, with 14 crashes and 6 injuries recorded.
2016 steering problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →
2015 Chevrolet Colorado Index 93 · 491 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2015 Colorado has a Complaint Index of 93, the second-worst of any year. Steering complaints dominate, making up 73% of the year's total, with a median failure mileage of 60,000 for that category. Owners describe loss of power steering assist tied to a steering gear torque sensor connection, which triggered two separate recalls (16V054000 and 21V213000). NHTSA also lists an airbag recall (17V621000) for improper second-stage inflation. The year logged 17 crashes and 9 injuries.
2015 steering problems →2015 brakes problems →2015 electrical system problems →
2024 Chevrolet Colorado Index 87 · 122 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2024 Colorado has a Complaint Index of 87. Electrical System problems make up 36% of complaints, with a very low median failure mileage of 3,750, and Brakes follow at 24% with a median of 4,700 miles. Recalls address seat belt buckle bolts, a fuel pump lock ring, and incorrect tires paired with inaccurate tire pressure monitoring. Owners reported turn signal malfunctions, automatic emergency braking failing to activate, and sudden brake behavior paired with warning messages, with 6 crashes recorded.
2024 electrical system problems →2024 brakes problems →2024 collision avoidance & cameras problems →
2023 Chevrolet Colorado Index 80 · 135 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2023 Colorado has a Complaint Index of 80. Electrical System complaints lead at 36% of the year's total, with a median failure mileage of 15,000, closely followed by Collision Avoidance & Cameras issues at 35%, with a much lower median mileage of 6,750. Recalls cover seat belt buckle bolts, wheel hub bolts, and a front camera module software update tied to false automatic emergency braking activations. Owners described phantom braking events and infotainment screen glitches affecting headlight controls.
2023 electrical system problems →2023 collision avoidance & cameras problems →2023 brakes problems →
Most common Chevrolet Colorado problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Steering925 (39%)
- Transmission & Powertrain472 (20%)
- Electrical System462 (20%)
- Engine311 (13%)
- Brakes308 (13%)
- Other238 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras101 (4%)
- Fuel System87 (4%)
- Airbags72 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires54 (2%)
Frequently asked questions
- What year Chevrolet Colorado should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, avoid the 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado. These years have Complaint Index scores of 93, 100, 80, and 87, the highest among the 16 model years covered.
- What is the best year for the Chevrolet Colorado?
- The 2010 and 2012 Chevrolet Colorado are rated Best, with Complaint Index scores of 13 and 20, the lowest of any model year in the data.
- Does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have a steering recall?
- Yes. The 2016 Colorado is covered by steering-related recalls including 17V621000 for the driver's frontal air bag and shares the steering gear torque sensor recall history with the 2015 model, and steering complaints make up 65% of its total complaints.
- Are 2023 and 2024 Chevrolet Colorado models reliable?
- Both years are rated Avoid relative to other Colorado years, with Complaint Index scores of 80 and 87. Electrical System problems are the top issue for both, reported at very low median mileages of 15,000 and 3,750.
- How many total complaints does the Chevrolet Colorado have?
- NHTSA lists 2,359 total complaints and 24 recall campaigns across the 2010-2025 Chevrolet Colorado model years.