VehicleVerdict

2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado sits mid-pack among Colorado years: 59 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 131, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (13), engine (11), and airbags (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

59

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Colorado years?

Colorado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted936 complaints2004: 502 complaints2005: 459 complaints2006: 323 complaints2007: 199 complaints2008: 130 complaints2009: 87 complaints2010: 48 complaints2011: 54 complaints2012: 59 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 635 complaints2016: 936 complaints2017: 282 complaints2018: 238 complaints2019: 190 complaints2020: 98 complaints2021: 94 complaints2022: 62 complaints2023: 206 complaints2024: 182 complaints2025: 45 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Colorado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colorado years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1322%
Engine1119%
Airbags915%
Brakes712%
Steering610%
Body & Structure35%
Transmission23%
Lighting23%
Suspension23%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%
Fuel System12%
Speed Control12%

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V594000Latches & LocksDecember 19, 2012 · 118,800 units

Defect

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.

Consequence

If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

11V552000Seat BeltsNovember 17, 2011 · 5,593 units

Defect

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.

Consequence

THE LOOSE CONNECTIONS MAY CAUSE THE DRIVER TO NOT RECEIVE A VISUAL OR AUDIBLE WARNING THAT THE DRIVER SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 in losses. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 18, 2021 · fire

“WAS TRAVELING SOUTH GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION ON A GREEN TRAFFIC LIGHT WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING NORTH IN A LEFT TURN YIELD ON GREEN, WHEN THE DESIGNATED GREEN ARROW IS NOT ILLUMINATED, TURNED IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON EITHER SIDE. DRIVER AND FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 9, 2015 · crash

“The wiring for the airbags runs through a hinge in the extended cab doors. I don’t use my rear doors much, but I would say that I use them a normal amount. Regular opening and closing of the door will cause the wires to break, thus making the airbags inoperable. Normal use of doors should not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 1, 2021

“I WAS ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK AT 5:00 AM WITH ALMOST NO TRAFFIC. A PICKUP TRUCK IN THE NEXT LANE LEFT OF ME HAD A PIECE OF PLYWOOD EJECTED FROM THE BED AND WAS FLYING THROUGH THE AIR TOWARDS THE FRONT OF MY PICKUP. I SAW IT COMING AT ME AND I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL ONCE BUT MY TRUCK DID NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 28, 2012 · crash

“The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up completely while…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 10, 2022 · crash

2012 Chevrolet Colorado — common questions

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 59 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Colorado year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 Colorado problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (13 complaints), engine (11 complaints), airbags (9 complaints).

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Chevrolet Colorado years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Colorado years to avoid are 2016, 2015, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2017, 2018, 2023, 2007. The cleanest record among Colorado years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.