Owners have filed 87 complaints
about the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado with NHTSA between 2009 and 2023.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 21 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 19
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Colorado. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 53
10.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Chevrolet Colorado
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
11.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
56.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2129.2%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1622.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1723.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
811.1%
150,000+ miles
45.6%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2009peak 10Nov 2023
Recalls on the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20104187,193 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles with regular or extended cab without a rear seat, and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat, fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 210.1 - User-ready Tether Anchorages for Restraint Systems. The child restraint top tether anchor for the front centre seat position in these vehicles is not accessible as required by the Standard. Without the top tether anchor, a child restraint may not be properly secured in the vehicle. Correction: If requested by the customers, dealers will modify the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor. In addition, owner letters will include an Owner Manual Supplement that describes how to install a child restraint using a top tether in the centre seating position.
Recall 20091323,106 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel system control module may be subject to water intrusion. This could cause a short or open circuit, illumination of the Service Engine Soon lamp, setting diagnostic trouble codes, or the engine may be hard to start, may not start or may stall. Engine stalling would result in lost propulsion which, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel system control module.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
ENGINE
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,228 milesNorthville, MIFire1 injured
ENGINE
RUBBER HOOD WEATHER STRIP AT REAR OF HOOD CLOSURE AREA DETACHED, DROPPED DOWN FROM INSUFFICIENT RETENTION CLIP DESIGN, ATOP OF DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYST, AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE GREW QUICKLY AND TRAVELED UP VERTICAL LAYING WEATHER STRIP, MELTED THROUGH PLASTIC PCV HOSES AND CONVOLUTE OVER PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE SOFT FLEX HOSE PORTION. WAS ABLE TO SMELL BURNING, SEE SMOKE, OPEN HOOD, AND EXTINGUISH FIRE WITH PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE FIRE PENETRATED PRESSURIZED FUEL FLEX HOSE AREA. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AFTER PULLING UP TO MY WORKPLACE. THIS IS A STOCK VEHICLE KEPT IN EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. I KEPT THE WEATHER STRIP AND RETENTION CLIPS AS PROOF.
NHTSA complaint #11240904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON DECEMBER 6, 2015 I WAS DRIVING MY COLORADO WHEN I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. A FEW MINUTES LATER MY PASSENGER TOLD ME TO PULL OVER. THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. IT WAS THE AC BLOWER FAN RESISTOR. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND PUT IT OUT BUT AFTER SOME RESEARCH FOUND THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN CHEVYS STARTING IN 2005. I CALLED GM AND STARTED A CLAIM. I THEN TOOK IT TO A CHEVY DEALER TO BE FIXED. I WAS INFORMED THAT BECAUSE THE TRUCK WAS OUT OF WARRANTY THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY GM AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $1700 TO HAVE IT FIXED. THIS IS A FACTORY PART. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY MODIFICATIONS DONE TO THE VEHICLE SINE I DROVE IT OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10809153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesAuburn, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON FRIDAY MORNING AT 8:10AM I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK DOWN AUBURN WAY WHEN MY CHEVROLET COLORADO BEGAN TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS BURNING SECONDS LATER I NOTICED SMOKED COMING FROM UNDER MY GLOVE BOX ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW SECOND S LATER I SAW FLAMES DRIPPING DOWN TO MY FLOOR BOARD. IT ALL HAPPENED VERY QUICKLY AND SOON AS I PULLED INTO A SIDE ROAD I TRIED TO LOOK AROUND TO SEE WHERE THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM AND I EVEN ATTEMPTED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE STARTED ON MY FLOOR MAT BUT IN SECOND THE TRUCK CAUGHT FIRE AND I WAS ONLY ABLE TO GET A HANDFUL OF MY PAPERS AND MY SONS CAR TOY BEFORE THE FLAMES REALLY TOOK HOLD. I CALLED 9-11 AND THEY RESPONDED RARELY QUICKLY CONSIDERING THE STATION IS ABOUT A MILE AWAY. BUT BY THE TIME THEY ARRIVE THE TRUCK WAS FULLY ENGAGED IN FLAMES. WHEN THEY FINALLY WERE ABLE TO PUT IT OUT THE FIRE CAPTAIN SAID IT SEEMED TO HAVE STARTED U DEAR THE HOOD AS ELECTRICAL FIRE AND BLEW RIGHT THE FIRE WAY. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY THE FIRE WOULD HAVE GOT OXYGEN AND I MAY NOT HAD HAD A CHANCE TO GET OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10786600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 88,000 milesSeymour, IL
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted. The subframe was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesSeymour, IL
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted. The subframe was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11553952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
York, SC
SUSPENSION
Frame has rusted to the point it is dangerous to drive looking at available date this is a problem on most model Colorado and canyon mine is so bad I will not drive it and it looks like most of them are the same. I do not know satitics but I am sure there have been many injury’s or death. These results are all related to road salt.
NHTSA complaint #11550869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
ENGINE
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Caddo Mills, TXFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
NHTSA complaint #11530336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesRogers, AR
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #11526829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesHurst, TX
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun visor fell down obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame was not properly aligned which caused loud wind noise to enter the cabin which interfered with hearing sirens or horns honking. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesHurst, TX
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun visor fell down obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame was not properly aligned which caused loud wind noise to enter the cabin which interfered with hearing sirens or horns honking. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
NHTSA complaint #11482496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesGermantown, NY
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of the corrosion, the vehicle could no longer be driven. The vehicle failed the inspection. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,000 milesGermantown, NY
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of the corrosion, the vehicle could no longer be driven. The vehicle failed the inspection. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
NHTSA complaint #11420385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBloomfield, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. AFTER 20 MINUTES THE ANTI-THEFT FEATURE WAS RESET AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER JOHN ELWAY CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 5200 S. BROADWAY, INGLEWOOD, CO 80113 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.
NHTSA complaint #11389393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesLawton, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HAS SOME KIND OF SECURTY MALFUNCTION THAT WONT LET ME START TRUCK FO 9 MINUTES
NHTSA complaint #11351741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesPompton Plains, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE CAUSING BUCKING, STALLING THEN WILL SUDDENLY RUNS FINE AGAIN CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION CREATING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING. APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE IT OCCURS IN DAMP, RAIN WEATHER. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AS PER RECALL BEFORE PURCHASE. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE BODY WAS ALSO REPLACED AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM STILL EXIST BUT GM IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS.
NHTSA complaint #11288200 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesPompton Plains, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP LINE CORROSION ON FUEL PUMP MODULE FAILED CAUSING MAJOR FUEL LEAKAGE AND EXTREME FIRE HAZARD DUE TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN ADDITION TO PERMEATING INSIDE OF VEHICLE WITH TOXIC GAS FUMES.GM REFUSED ANY RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #11288206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesJersey Shore, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. UNABLE TO START FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE
NHTSA complaint #11253369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 222,228 milesNorthville, MIFire1 injured
ENGINE
RUBBER HOOD WEATHER STRIP AT REAR OF HOOD CLOSURE AREA DETACHED, DROPPED DOWN FROM INSUFFICIENT RETENTION CLIP DESIGN, ATOP OF DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYST, AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE GREW QUICKLY AND TRAVELED UP VERTICAL LAYING WEATHER STRIP, MELTED THROUGH PLASTIC PCV HOSES AND CONVOLUTE OVER PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE SOFT FLEX HOSE PORTION. WAS ABLE TO SMELL BURNING, SEE SMOKE, OPEN HOOD, AND EXTINGUISH FIRE WITH PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE FIRE PENETRATED PRESSURIZED FUEL FLEX HOSE AREA. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AFTER PULLING UP TO MY WORKPLACE. THIS IS A STOCK VEHICLE KEPT IN EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. I KEPT THE WEATHER STRIP AND RETENTION CLIPS AS PROOF.
NHTSA complaint #11240904 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,552 milesMillington, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN MOTION ON PUBLIC STREETS OR ROADS NOW I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ALONG AND WENT TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL KEPT GOING DOWN UNTIL THE PEDAL STUCK WIDE OPEN AND STUCK FULLY ACCELERATED. I HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID DISASTER BUT THIS IS ALARMING THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT I SEE A LOT ABOUT ON THE INTERNET CHAT ROOMS WITH THIS MODEL OF CHEVROLET!!
NHTSA complaint #11191731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesKansas City, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE 2009 CHEVY COLORADO. AT TIMES IT WILL NOT START AND THEN IT WILL TAKE 10 MINUTES FOR IT TO COME BACK ON. ALL THE LIGHTS WORK IN THE CAR AND LOCK SYMBOL FLASHES. THE BATTERY IS NOT DEAD AND I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO RESTART IT BESIDES WAIT THE TEN MINUTES FOR IT TO RESET. NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT FOR MY CHILDREN THIS IS NOT SAFE. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START EVERY TIME I TURN THE KEY. NOT SURE IF ITS PASSLOCK SYSTEM OR IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11155172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 243,222 milesSelbyville, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. OCCURRED WHILE MOVING AT 50 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES WITHIN LAST 48 HOURS WHILE STATIONARY AND TRYING TO START THE TRUCK. I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM BEHIND THE LEFT END OF THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA complaint #11129643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesCrossville, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR A TSB - 09V310000 - CONCERNING A FAILED / MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. *JS *JS *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DOES NOT RESIDE IN LOUISANA OR GEORGIA. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11099891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesCrossville, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR A TSB - 09V310000 - CONCERNING A FAILED / MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. *JS *JS *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DOES NOT RESIDE IN LOUISANA OR GEORGIA. *TR
NHTSA complaint #11099891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 123,000 milesGreenville, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABOUT 3 TIMES A WEEK MY TRUCK WILL NOT CRANK AND I'M THERE HAVING TO JUMP IT OFFF. I TRIED PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN BUT IT STILL DOES IT. I DON'T SEE THIS HELPING ME OUT IF I'M HAVING TO RUSH TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR IF I'M SOMEWHERE AND NEED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
NHTSA complaint #11081433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesOntario, WI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11079816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesOntario, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
NHTSA complaint #11079816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.