2021 Chevrolet Colorado Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
53/100
#8 most-complained of 16 Colorado years
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has 75 NHTSA complaints and a Complaint Index of 53, ranking 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a 'Caution' rating relative to other Colorado years. Engine complaints (27%) and brakes (25%) lead reported issues, with one recall for seat belt bolts.
- Complaints
- 75
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 2
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 24.5 hwy
Top 2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
What owners report
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple crash situations, including low-speed and off-road incidents.
- Owners describe windows and windshields as prone to cracking or warping shortly after purchase, sometimes at very low mileage.
- Some owners report vibration at highway speeds and during deceleration along with squeaking suspension noises.
- The DEF system has been reported to malfunction while towing, triggering check engine lights and loss of temperature/towing controller readouts.
- Electrical issues include the infotainment system spontaneously raising radio volume to maximum and becoming unresponsive.
- One owner noted missing safety features like a step bar, grab handle, and wheel well shielding compared to expectations for 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?
- Compared to other Colorado model years, the 2021 has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th worst out of 16 years, earning a 'Caution' verdict. It is not among the worst years (2015, 2016) but is behind years like 2020 and 2022.
- What is the top problem area for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
- Engine complaints make up 27% of reported issues, the largest share, with a median mileage at failure of 46,000 miles. Brakes follow closely at 25% with a median mileage of 88,014.5 miles.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 20V811000) for a seat belt bolt issue shared across several GM vehicles including the 2021 Colorado. It is not a do-not-drive recall.
- How many complaints does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
- NHTSA lists 75 complaints for the 2021 Colorado, including 6 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 2 deaths.
- What year Chevrolet Colorado should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA data, 2015, 2016, 2023, and 2024 are marked 'Avoid' with higher Complaint Index values (93, 100, 80, and 87 respectively), making the 2021 model comparatively less problematic.