Chevrolet · Colorado · 2021
1
Recall
63
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has 1 recall and 63 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (8 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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Side Crash Test

Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
21.4% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
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.
Remedy Status
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.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started hesitating, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle immediately started to decelerate and failed to exceed 25 MPH. The contact moved over to the right lane and continued to drive until arriving at an independent mechanic shop. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump was detaching due to a fractured bolt connecting to the mounting flange. The mechanic informed the contact of an undisclosed recall with a similar failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed from the diagnostic result; however, it was also confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The dealer replaced the fuel pump and the fractured bolt. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall and did not provide a reimbursement for the repair. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
While driving a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado on Interstate 95 in Florida, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard and very difficult to press. The driver had difficulty slowing the vehicle and had to use the emergency brake to help bring the vehicle to a stop. This occurred on Interstate 95, which is a very busy highway with high-speed traffic. The sudden loss of braking assistance created a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in a crash. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop where the mechanic diagnosed the problem as a failed vacuum pump that broke and damaged the exhaust camshaft and related components. The repair required replacement of the vacuum pump, exhaust camshaft assembly, camshaft actuator and solenoid, and valve cover gasket. The total repair cost was approximately 2,329. The vehicle had approximately 64,348 miles at the time of the failure. No warning lights or prior symptoms were noticed before the failure occurred.
Transmission hesitates and/ or slams into gear.
2021 CPO Colorado, bought used with 27,000 miles. KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. After 9 months of occasional use the key is, more times than not, getting stuck in the ignition when the truck is turned off. You cannot leave it this way because some systems are still energized. You have to repeatedly put it in and out of park till the key comes out. An associated problem is lock/unlock. The fob and switches will not operate the lock unlock function. It is suspected the park problem makes the vehicle think the vehicle is being operated. It will also not let the remote start function work either. The dealer cleared a code and the problem is temporarily solved. They will not cover it under CPO because they cannot duplicate the problem despite the lock unlock not working at their facility. They ordered a new Gear Shift Mechanism for $800 and I am waiting for it to come in. It has been a few weeks of waiting thus far. It is theoretically possible to have the key get stuck and the doors staying locked thereby trapping all the occupants in the truck. I now carry the spare key if I must use the truck. I can turn the truck back on, lower the window, turn the key till it gets stuck, unlock the door by leaning out the window and then escaping but all the other occupants are still stuck inside till you can get the key out.
There is a coolant leak from the hoses stemming to the thermostat housing. This has been commonly Reported amongst the same vehicles across the country. No damage to the hoses and no accidents to trigger leak. No light triggered. Just leaks visibly under the car
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn from a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact depressed the brake pedal the vehicle started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.
The engine coolant temperature gauge is stuck at approximately 160•F. Cooling fans are running at high speed constantly. The thermostat is stuck in the open position. The vehicle is less than 100,000 miles. There is a “Special Coverage Bulletin N242484760” that has indicated the issue is occurring regularly with my type of vehicle but my specific VIN is excluded due to misplaced parameters. The part is readily available at the dealership in which we are getting the part fixed because so many vehicles of my make and model are having this issue. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 and will be out of pocket because my VIN is excluded but clearly affected by the same faulty system for the coolant. This is a mistake as my vehicle is have the exact same issue as all of the others “covered” in the special coverage. We are seeking an appeal and want to file a complaint that my vehicle is excluded and will have to pay $1,200 where other customers will not be required to do so.
Starting my 2021 Chevy Colorado Zr2 in the morning and noticed the "service power steering, drive with care message. 40,000 miles. No power steering. This would clear after leaving vehicle sit and restarting. After reading many articles and found the recall notice for 2015 colorados. Based off of postings I didn't drive it due to the possibility of losing power steering while on the highway, which had happened to several people after restarting and clearing the error. I think GM never corrected the issue and is present in newer models. I took my vehicle in for the repair of the power steering gear and it was very costly. I feel GM should issue another recall, specifically with the possibility of losing power steering on a crowded highway is a major safety concern.
This is the fifth vehicle with the 2.5l engine that has experienced vacuum pump failure resulting in a broken exhaust camshaft. Without warning, drivers have experienced a complete loss of brake function as a result of the vacuum pump failure.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. An unknown message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to respond properly while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an exploded brake booster and metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle remained at the local dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The local dealer could not guarantee that the repairs would correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Today while driving my brakes got super hard. Had to use my entire weight to get it to stop and still was moving forward. Had to use the emergency brakes and a prayer. Luckily I wasn’t on the highway or it would’ve been a deadly accident. When I opened the hood the camshaft sensor was broken loose. Mind you I had taken the truck to the dealer a while back for a rattling noise at 1500 RPM and they couldn't figure out the issue. They replace the catalytic converter under warranty. But kept making the same noise around the same RPM. Obviously it wasn't the converter. My truck has 43,136 miles only. 2021 Colorado 2.5 Luckily I’m alive today but this must be taken care of as soon as possible. I read a lot of Colorado’s seem to have the same issues. Needs a recall.
I was on my way home from work and I was on Highway 16 in Washington state near Port Orchard and I was driving 64mph and all vehicles in front of me were all breaking slowing down pretty fast and when I pressed down on my brakes the brakes were totally stiff I could not stop and had to drive on the side of the road and passed 20 plus cars and was finally able to come to a stop. If I had no where to go I would’ve hit the car in front of me at a high rate of speed potentially causing a major or deadly accident. They were working fine 5 minutes before that. I think it is a major issue that will cause fatalities in the future if this problem isn’t taken care of. I’ve never had a vehicle do this and I’ve been driving for 38 years.
The key does not release when in park! I have to adjust the steering wheel and gear shift multiple times to get it to release. This has been going on for a while and the truck only has 27,000 miles. I've called multiple chevy dealers (including the one I bought it from) they all want a 250 diagnostic fee! This should be under warranty. This problem is dangerous. I have seen I am not the only one having this issue. This issue needs to be investigated and recalled!
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side seat belt buckle failed to remain latched securely and independently unlatched. The “SRS” warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on occasion, the driver’s side seat belt buckle failed to unlatch, and excessive force was needed to depress the unlatch button on the seat belt assembly. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 20V811000 (Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
I own a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Lt Extended Cab 2WD. The rear differential has failed prematurely at 70000 miles. the failure caused loud whining/grinding noises, vibration, and unsafe driving conditions. After researching online, i found many other 2021 Colorado owners reporting the same issue with rear differential failure, often at relatively low mileage. This indicates a widespread defect in the differential assembly. There are existing GM Technical Service Bulletins (20-NA-034, 20-NA-156) related to axle/differential noise and machining defects, but GM has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage. Differential failure can lead to loss of power to the wheels or lockup while driving, which poses a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue and require GM to issue a recall or Special coverage adjustment for the affected vehicles.
Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded. Engine light came on and the engine failed completely 5-10 min after on a 2 hour return trip home. Certified repair shop informed me this is the exact same reason of the recall just that my vehicle wasn’t currently under the recall. Vehicle component has been recalled on other Chevrolet vehicles manufactured during the same time just not this one yet.
There was a catastrophic engine failure of a 2021 Colorado 3.6L V6 engine. The engine has been replaced by GM and the failed engine is in the dealers' possession. While driving on a congested street, the engine misfired and immediately stopped. The vehicle rolled to a stop in the middle of 3 lanes. Occupants had to flag down traffic while pushing vehicle to the side. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms, such as knocking, prior to the failure; and the oil service was maintained per manufacturer. Two separate dealers found "piston to valve contact, top of piston severely damaged, and metalic debris in intake plenum." GM Service Bulletin 19-NA-256 has identified "Seized engine" caused by defective "crankshaft main or rod bearing failure" that can put the oil filter "in by-pass and distribute unfiltered oil with bearing debris throughout the engine." In addition to the rod bearings, designated inspection points are the cam caps and camshaft journals on the heads and the timing change idler sprocket for stiffness when turning. Since the vehicle was 15,000 miles over the 60K warranty, they would not perform the designated diagnostic steps in Service Bulletin. Owner waiting on independent oil analysis. Service department provided pictures of metallic debris and valve damage, as well as the damaged spark plug. After opening Case # 9-14977425869 with GM Customer Service and asking why Warranty has not been extended or a Recall issued for the known manufacturer defect in the TSB, the response was "it likely has not occurred enough times to warrant a recall". With a dealer discount, total towing, diagnostic and repair costs exceed $11,000. Results of Blackstone Labs oil analysis will be provided when completed, however, the oil was just changed 462 miles prior to the failure, so a sample of the previous oil that would have contributed the most to the failure was not available (6,948 mi on previous oil).
The vacuum pump brake booster on my Chevy Colorado went out with no warning first the camshaft went out then once the cam shaft was fixed the brakes didnt work luckily I made it home but the risk was there as the brakes became incredibly stiff and hard to press with me using all my weight to stop the truck I had a mechanic look at it and confirm the pump/booster as the readings show it’s getting power and that it has air but the pump is not working there was no warning no lights no nothing one day it was working the next it wasn’t same with the camshaft both things happened with zero warning
I was unable to turn the truck off and remove my key. I restarted truck, backed up and put back in park. It took 10-15 minutes of sitting in truck to finally get key out.
When truck is put into park the key will not turn to the unlocked position, the key only goes as far as the accessories position. Not sure that the truck actually goes into park since I can not remove the key without playing with the shifter. This is a continuous problem with the truck
Showing 1–20 of 25 complaints
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 63 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado are unknown or other (8 reports), steering (6 reports), service brakes (5 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.