2021 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has a Complaint Index of 65 and ranks 8th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 75 complaints, one recall, and top problem areas in Engine (27%) and Brakes (25%).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 65/100
- #8 of 21 Colorado years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 75
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 6
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 24.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 2
Top 2021 Chevy Colorado problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine20 (27%)
- Brakes19 (25%)
- Other18 (24%)
- Electrical System12 (16%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (15%)
- Steering10 (13%)
- Airbags5 (7%)
- Fuel System3 (4%)
- Seat Belts3 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including a low-speed rollover off a road and a high-speed collision.
- Owners describe windows and windshields as prone to cracking or appearing wavy shortly after purchase, sometimes within a month of ownership.
- Some drivers report a vibration at highway speeds along with squeaking noises from the suspension.
- The DEF system has malfunctioned while towing, illuminating the check engine light and disabling temperature and towing controller displays.
- Owners describe the infotainment system spiking radio volume unexpectedly and controls becoming unresponsive, distracting drivers.
- One owner cited missing safety features such as a step bar, grab handle, and wheel well shielding on a new truck.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V811000Dec 23, 2020Seat Belts470 vehicles
Seat belts:critical fasteners
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 24.5 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,600
- 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.
2021 compared with other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a Complaint Index of 65 for the 2021 Colorado, ranking it 8th worst among 21 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other Colorado years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
- Engine complaints account for 27% of reports and Brakes for 25%, followed by Electrical System issues at 16%, according to NHTSA complaint data.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall for the 2021 Colorado, campaign 20V811000, involving suspect seat belt bolts that GM dealers replace free of charge.
- How does the 2021 Colorado compare to other model years?
- With a Complaint Index of 65, the 2021 model is worse than years like 2022 (30) and 2025 (40) but better than 2016 (100) and 2015 (95), which carry Avoid verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
- EPA rates the 2021 Colorado at 21 mpg combined (18.5 city / 24.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,600.