Verdict
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for truck.
Owners filed 68 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 64% of 2021 trucks. Unknown Or Other leads the reports (18%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 trucks, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
68
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
21
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 64% of 2021 trucks
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 trucks by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Unknown Or Other issues lead owner complaints (18% of 68 reports), followed by service brakes (15%).
+ 6 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 68 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11669679, ODI 11549877, ODI 11731793, ODI 11718422, ODI 11639205.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Seat Belts · 20V811000Details +Close −
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.
Risk: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 4WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 2WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2021 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 2WD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 20 | 30 | 23 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 28 | 22 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 25 | 22 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 19 | 24 | 21 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Rear-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 18 | 25 | 21 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 2.8L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 6-spd | 18 | 22 | 19 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 17 | 24 | 19 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD | 3.6L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic 8-spd | 16 | 18 | 17 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Chevrolet Colorado: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
Owners filed 68 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado — fewer complaints than 64% of comparable 2021 trucks, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The most-reported problem areas are Unknown Or Other (18% of complaints) and service brakes (15%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, covering components such as seat belts. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado between 17 and 23 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.