Owners have filed 60 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 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 — 13
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Colorado. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 53
31% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Chevrolet Colorado
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
36.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
511.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
48.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1431.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
48.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
817.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
613.3%
150,000+ miles
12.2%
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.
Apr 2012peak 4Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2012 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.
United States — NHTSA
12V594000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
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.
Risk: 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.
11V552000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201243915,264 units in Canada
Other
Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 113 – Hood Latch System. Specifically, the hood may be missing the secondary hood latch. If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. If this occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the hood could contact the windshield and compromise the driver’s ability to see the road and its users, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the hood.
Recall 2011408210 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 - Occupant Restraint Systems in Frontal Impact. An incorrect electrical connection at the driver seatbelt buckle may not allow visual or audible warning if the vehicle is operated by an unbelted driver. Failure to remind the driver to buckle-up would increase the risk of personal injuries during a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver seatbelt buckle electrical connector terminals.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Cedarbluff,, MSCrash
STEERING
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 driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11451449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarbluff,, MSCrash
SUSPENSION
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 driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11451449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hadley, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesCorydon, INCrash2 injured
POWER TRAIN
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 PASSENGER IN VEHICLE TRAVELING SOUTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10783275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesCorydon, INCrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
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 PASSENGER IN VEHICLE TRAVELING SOUTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10783275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesCorydon, INCrash2 injured
ENGINE
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 PASSENGER IN VEHICLE TRAVELING SOUTH SUSTAINED INJURIES AND TRANSPORTED TO HOSPITAL IN AMBULANCE.
NHTSA complaint #10783275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 106,000 milesColeman, TX
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richland, MI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Regarding a fuel leak on my 2012 Chevrolet Colorado WT, caused by severe corrosion of the in-tank fuel pump module. This issue is of great concern, as it poses a potential fire hazard due to fuel spray near the exhaust system. Upon reviewing official documentation, I found that Recall 17V-243 appears to address a similar defect affecting 2004–2012 Colorado and Canyon models with corrosion-prone fuel tank assemblies and retaining rings. However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall on NHTSA.gov. The only warning sign of a problem per GM protocol is detecting the odor of gasoline around the vehicle. The truck has not been inspected by GM, police, insurance, or anyone except myself. I have attached a video showing the leak.
NHTSA complaint #11669344 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 157,000 milesHarveys Lake, PA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver’s side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a welder who advised that the damaged was too severe to repair and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496703 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarbluff,, MSCrash
STEERING
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 driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11451449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedarbluff,, MSCrash
SUSPENSION
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 driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.
NHTSA complaint #11451449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hadley, MAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11448074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, VA
AIR BAGS
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 cause your airbags to not work.
NHTSA complaint #11430237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bowling Green, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
Traction control dash light is illuminated and display states "Traction Fault Service Stab Sys". Dealer stated there were no codes present and they did not know the cause. Fault occurs before engine crank and is intermittent, happening 8-9 times out of 10.
NHTSA complaint #11425894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Angelo, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE RANDOMLY DOES NOT START AND HAVE TO SIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS UP AGAIN. IS CONSIDERED A NON RUNNING VEHICLE!
NHTSA complaint #11395914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAurora, CO
STEERING
POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND APPLYING BRAKES.COME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRAME RAILS AT THE FACTORY WELDS. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CHEVY DEALER CONDEMNED THE TRUCK FOR SAFETY REASONS AND SAID THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11382757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesAurora, CO
SUSPENSION
POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND APPLYING BRAKES.COME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRAME RAILS AT THE FACTORY WELDS. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CHEVY DEALER CONDEMNED THE TRUCK FOR SAFETY REASONS AND SAID THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE FRAME.
NHTSA complaint #11382757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesLeslie, MI
AIR BAGS
ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON, I'VE CHECKED THE CODES IT GIVES ME AND IT B0065, B0066, I'VE CHECKED ALL THE WIRES AND THEY ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION, DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW
NHTSA complaint #11372893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,000 milesRossville, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT. I GOOGLED IT AND SEEN THERE ARE TONS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WENT TO START TRUCK AND IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA complaint #11355382 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesCrawley, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT A FEW MINUTES, REINSTALL THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT AN ADDITIONAL FEW MINUTES, AND THEN START THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEEDS A PAPER COPY OF EVOQ.
NHTSA complaint #11265489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesCrawley, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT A FEW MINUTES, REINSTALL THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT AN ADDITIONAL FEW MINUTES, AND THEN START THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT HAD NOT TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER OR MECHANIC TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. *DT THE CONSUMER STATED HE NEEDS A PAPER COPY OF EVOQ.
NHTSA complaint #11265489 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crowley, TX
ENGINE
AS LONG AS THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. I TAKE OFF THE NEGATIVE CLAMP OFF THE BATTERY AN WAIT 10 MINUTES IT WILL START. IF I USE THE REMOTE TO LOCK THE TRUCK EVERY THIRD TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. AN SOME TIMES IT DOES IT MORE THAN THAT. SO I DON'T USE THE REMOTE. STATIONARY. THIS HAPPENS SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #11258438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,356 milesCrowley, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WILL NOT START HAVE TO TAKE OFF - POST FROM BATTERY THEN 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR THE 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS.. EMS NEEDS REPLACED. IF I LOCK THE TRUCK AFTER THE 3 TIME IT STARTS THIS S(XXX). 2012 CHEVY. COLORADO. IT'S NOT THE KEY OR SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #11254863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,356 milesCrowley, TX
ENGINE
WILL NOT START HAVE TO TAKE OFF - POST FROM BATTERY THEN 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR THE 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS.. EMS NEEDS REPLACED. IF I LOCK THE TRUCK AFTER THE 3 TIME IT STARTS THIS S(XXX). 2012 CHEVY. COLORADO. IT'S NOT THE KEY OR SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #11254863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesCedarbluff, MS
AIR BAGS
SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH 33000 MILE ON IT IN JUNE OF 2018 THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND HAS CONTINUED TO REMAIN LIT SINCE THAT TIME. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRRANTY, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET IT REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #11197345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,346 milesEffingham, NH
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS MODULE LIGHT GM ISN'T MAKING THE MODULE TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND HAS NO PLANS TO MAKE MORE. THIS MEANS THIS ISSUE CANNOT BE FIXED.
NHTSA complaint #11189777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,456 milesLynchburg, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I KEEP GETTING WARNING. SERVICE STAB SYSTEM. WHAT I HAVE READ ON LINE IS THAT THIS IS A GM COMPUTER PROBLEM THAT GM DOESN'T WANT TO FIX
NHTSA complaint #11141594 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBurlington, NC
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET HAD FRACTURED, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BELT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DICK SHIRLEY CHEVROLET, 2616 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET FRACTURED AND THE BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11097065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesBurlington, NC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET HAD FRACTURED, WHICH ALSO CAUSED THE BELT TO FRACTURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (DICK SHIRLEY CHEVROLET, 2616 ALAMANCE RD, BURLINGTON, NC 27215) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE IDLER PULLEY BRACKET FRACTURED AND THE BELT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST WITH THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11097065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesWoodbine, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE WAS HEARD AND GREW WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11084925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesWoodbine, NJ
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE WAS HEARD AND GREW WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
NHTSA complaint #11084925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.