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 26% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

2021 Chevrolet Colorado

▲ Better than typical

2021 Chevrolet Colorado
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:50:49.934Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 78
Recalls: 1
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Service brakes

Complaints per year

2021: 78 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2004	361
2005	356
2006	236
2007	140
2008	81
2009	67
2010	29
2011	42
2012	42
2013	1
2014	1
2015	498
2016	713
2017	216
2018	183
2019	150
2020	88
2021	78
2022	55
2023	136
2024	125
2025	28
2026	16

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Service brakes

26% · 20 reports

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…

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-29

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, 2026-07-09

Engine

24% · 19 reports

Power train

17% · 13 reports

Electrical system

14% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.

Steering

13% · 10 reports

Safety timeline

1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2021-01-29Seat belts20V811000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2021 Chevrolet Colorado — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 20 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 19 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 20V811000 · Seat belts

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?: 1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.