YearToAvoid

2010 Chevrolet Colorado Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Best

Complaint Index

13/100

#14 most-complained of 16 Colorado years

The 2010 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 14th out of 16 model years for reported problems, with a complaint index of 13 and a "Best" verdict among Colorado years. It has 28 complaints, 2 recalls, and no crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported.

Complaints
28
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
0 / 1
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
19
17 city / 23 hwy

Top 2010 Chevrolet Colorado problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Electrical System14 (50%)
  2. Engine10 (36%)
  3. Other6 (21%)
  4. Brakes5 (18%)
  5. Airbags4 (14%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (11%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain3 (11%)
  8. Fuel System1 (4%)
  9. HVAC1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Blower motor operated only on the highest fan setting and emitted a burning odor before the resistor was replaced.
  • A transmission or differential fluid leak appeared just days after delivery, with lines near the seal possibly damaged.
  • The keyless remote lock and unlock system malfunctioned repeatedly, tied to a failed control module that needed reordering.
  • Brakes stopped abruptly and unpredictably, throwing occupants forward, with the dealer denying assistance.
  • Tire sidewalls blew out at highway speed despite normal tire pressure readings.
  • Wheel studs detached while driving around 70 mph, causing the tire and rim to separate from the vehicle.
2010 Chevrolet Colorado complaints: complaints filed per month5May 2010Aug 2011Jan 2014Mar 2015Dec 2015Jun 2016Sep 2017Nov 2018
47 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2010 to Feb 2023; peak Feb 2015 (5).

2010 Chevrolet Colorado recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 12V594000Dec 19, 2012Structure & Body118,800 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch

    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.

  2. NHTSA 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Other192,676 vehicles

    Child seat

    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.

2010 Chevrolet Colorado fuel economy and fuel cost

City
17 MPG
Highway
23 MPG
Combined
19 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,400
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2010 compared with other Colorado years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Best1328219
2011Good2742519
2012Best2042219

All Chevrolet Colorado years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Among Colorado model years, 2010 ranks 14th out of 16 with a complaint index of 13, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other years. It has 28 NHTSA complaints and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado?
Electrical System issues make up 50% of complaints, followed by Engine at 36% and Brakes at 18%. Median mileage at failure for electrical complaints was 51,000 miles.
Does the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2010 Colorado: one for a missing secondary hood latch (campaign 12V594000) and one involving rear seat tether anchor access (campaign 10V575000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2010 Colorado compare to other Colorado years?
The 2010 model has a much lower complaint index (13) than later years like 2015 and 2016, which scored 93 and 100 and carry "Avoid" verdicts. Among all 16 model years tracked, 2010 sits near the good end.
What is the fuel economy of the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado?
EPA rates the 2010 Colorado at 19 mpg combined (17 city / 23 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,400.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.