VehicleVerdict

2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado sits mid-pack among Colorado years: 94 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 131, with a single recall and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (16), other (16), and brakes (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

94

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries

2

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Colorado years?

Colorado NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Colorado years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Other1617%
Engine1617%
Brakes1213%
Electrical System1213%
Steering1011%
Transmission910%
Airbags44%
Suspension33%
Fuel System33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Seat Belts22%
Body & Structure11%
Speed Control11%
Lighting11%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V811000Seat BeltsDecember 23, 2020 · 470 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I was sitting at a traffic light stopped when all of a sudden the truck tried to accelerate, I stood on the brakes to get it to stop then all of a sudden it was like i was giving it gas again and I hit the car in front of me again but harder the second time.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 10, 2023 · crash

“The brakes went out on the vehicle while my service technician was driving and he barely missed getting in an accident. We had it towed to the Chevy dealer and the brake Pump shattered causing damage to the exhaust clamp and they are telling me it’s not under warranty or recall but I see this is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 16, 2023

“The brakes went out on the vehicle while my service technician was driving and he barely missed getting in an accident. We had it towed to the Chevy dealer and the brake Pump shattered causing damage to the exhaust clamp and they are telling me it’s not under warranty or recall but I see this is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 16, 2023

“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”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 15, 2025

“The power steering went out while driving. How can this not be a safety issue? What if someone was executing a turn when this happened? A warning lamp did briefly appear, however, steering never restored. GM obviously knows about this as there is a TSB for this very issue. Why are they not being…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · June 2, 2024

2021 Chevrolet Colorado — common questions

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 94 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Colorado year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Colorado problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), other (16 complaints), brakes (12 complaints).

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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.

How safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.