Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I own a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado which I bought new in November 2006. The vehicle was manufactured in April 2006. I was rear ended causing $1,500.00 of damage to the rear bumper assembly and the bumper was pushed into the painted area under the driver side tail light. The collision was the cause of the brake light switch being burned up, not allowing contacts to engage brake lamps. I have notified Chevrolet customer service of this issue and they have done nothing. I had to purchase a replacement switch and have it installed at my cost. I am seeking for Chevrolet to repair my vehicle as the person's insurance company said this would be considered a fault of the vehicle and would not pay for the damages.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. While driving and depressing the brake pedal, the brake lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that both brake lights failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 06V139000 (exterior lighting) and 09V310000 (exterior lighting). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000. Updated 05/10/17
Stopped at right turn yield sign behind other vehicles; cars started to move the car ahead of me stopped again I put on my brakes and slowly hit the vehicle in the rear. After the incident I notice that my brake pedal would slowly go to the floor. When I hit the vehicle my pedal was hitting the floor, I had no brakes. No damage to my vehicle, minor damage to other vehicle's plastic bumper.
My brake lights all went out at the same time. I was driving on the interstate and had to stop suddenly. The tractor trailer behind me nearly rear ended me. The cruise control also went out. I had this issue repaired under recall number 06030 five years ago. It is identically the same, yet Chevrolet says they will not repair it due to mileage and vehicle age. This is extremely dangerous.
There appears to be a design flaw with the front brake assembly of the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. Under normal operating conditions the inner brake pads can fail to function. Inspection of the front brakes on my 2006 Colorado showed the outer pads had normal wear while the inner pads showed virtually no wear (pads were almost factory spec thickness). This was after 80,000 miles (85% highway driving) which indicated the inner pads were never functioning properly. The inner side of the brake rotors were badly corroded which required that the rotors be replaced even though they had no scoring or warpage. The vehicle was safety inspected in pennsylvania 4 times (2006-2009) by a Chevrolet dealer who never noted this problem. I can't understand how they could miss the fact that one the bake pads on the outside of the rotors were getting thinner while the inside pads never changed in thickness. …
For the past couple of years there has been a problem with my anti-lock brakes. When applying the brakes, the brake pedal vibrates excessively as if the anti-lock brakes are activating. After a short time driving, an ABS warning light activates indicating a fault. I am very concerned because first, the brakes do not act in the way a driver would expect and when applying the brakes I get concerned every time that the brakes will not work. Secondly, I believe the fault May cause the ABS to no longer function in conditions it has been designed for. Upon further research of this problem, it is apparent that this is a widespread issue among Colorado and canyon trucks. A "fix" for this problem is reportedly in the range of $1500 with many owners reporting that the problem has returned or continued. I feel that any issue involving a faulty brake component must be addressed as soon as possible. …
I was driving home from work during the night-time hours and both headlights quit working. Now, the left headlight continues to go out but I can touch it and it will come on. I have replaced the light several times and nothing works. Also, 1 week ago, the ABS failure message appeared. There are multiple complaints with this problem and frankly, both of my issues are safety concerns. GM has installed defective parts as usual and now the customers are bearing the cost of repairing their failures. These are safety concerns that need to be recalled. I have recently had the intake valve seats replaced because of a GM defective part. This ABS failure concern is my number 1 concern as I have very small children.
Anti lock brakes make noise. Warning lights come on . OK above 30 MPH but brake warning lights stay on. Dealer says both front wheel hubs need to be replaced. They want around $1000 to do this. Contacted Chevrolet customer assistance center. Service request number [redacted]. They will not do anything about this,requested this in writing they refused to give me this in writing . This has been an ongoing thing with this truck, and many others from what I see on the internet. They say truck to old & to many miles, but they advertise long lasting Chevy trucks.06 59000 miles . Also had a $2900 problem with engine . Chevrolet helped on this. Cost me about $530 to fix a factory defect. Thanks
ABS failure on info screen of truck. 06 Chevy Colorado. Taken to dealer and was told left side hub and sensor need replaced. Truck has at this time a little over 10K miles on it. In less than another 1K miles it started again. Dealer checked out the truck and said both sides now need replaced at a cost of around $1300. I reminded them they did replace the left side. O OK we'll cover that side but you'll have to pay for the other side. I told them I would get it fixed just before my yr was up on the left side repair warranty. I ask them if the truck was safe to drive and the answer is yes, we just state inspected it while it was here. So, April 2011 is the time I have to get the repairs done by.
Have a 2006 Chevy Colorado I am the only owner and at about 30,000 miles the ABS fault light started to come on and off .took to dealer and they could not find anything wrong. At 37,000 miles light stays on and brakeing feels interupted at times . Took back to dealer and they said that whole hub needed replaced on the left side at a cost of nearly $700.00 and that the right side would probably need replaced soon to. I am 77 years old and the cost of the truck was $33,000 .I have been into the forums for this truck and there are hundreds of same complaints . Should this not be a reason for a GM recall ? Thanks GM I have been a loyal GM purchaser for 58 years.
Brake complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the brakes of the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado, 17% of the model year's 236 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chevrolet Colorado brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Chevrolet Colorado brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.