2021 Chevrolet Colorado
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 361 |
| 2005 | 356 |
| 2006 | 236 |
| 2007 | 140 |
| 2008 | 81 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 491 |
| 2016 | 704 |
| 2017 | 216 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2019 | 149 |
| 2020 | 84 |
| 2021 | 75 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2023 | 132 |
| 2024 | 121 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 14 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
25% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine
NHTSA ODI report, 20260729
Also filed under ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving downhill nearing a stop sign my wife went to apply the brakes to stop and all she had was an extremely hard brake pedal.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260709
24% of complaints: engine — 18 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: power train — 11 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
13% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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...
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021.
Campaign 20V811000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2021 Chevrolet Colorado — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 20V811000 (seat belts) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.