Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On Friday morning at 8:10 am 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. …
My truck will not start sometimes. This happens randomly. It might start fine for several months, then it will not start every other day or week for several weeks. I have found through trial and error and internet research, that it will eventually start after waiting either 10, 20 or 30 minutes. I never know which one. This not starting has, so far, only been a nuisance because I am retired and I have been able to use our other car if it is here. I have been late to some appointments and stranded for some time in parking lots. I am concerned that there might come a time when I need the truck for some emergency or to leave an area right away. I had taken the truck to the dealer twice several years back on related ignition issues when the truck was still under warranty, and the dealer was very good at correcting those issues. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the instrument panel dimmed. The ABS and brake warning indicators illuminated. Later, the contact was unable to unlock the doors. The contact jiggled the key for a while to unlock the door. Also, it took several attempts to start the ignition. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failures. The failures recurred and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The technician diagnosed there was a loose ground harness connector at the front passenger side inner fender, below the air filter box. The dealer cleaned and tightened the ground harness connector cable. The failures recurred after six weeks. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,289.
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.
Vehichle will not start when padlock dash indicator is blinking, if you wait 10-15 minutes padlock dash indicator will stay steady and vehichle will start. This has happened off and on going on 6-8 years now. You never know when the vehicle will do this, when I took it to the dealership it was working fine and they dealer would not look at it. A lot of other people have had the same problem according to some of the online forums I have visited. The ignition switch is bad but GM won't aknowledge the problem exists. Bought the vehicle new and it has happened on and off again for 6-8 years.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start after turning the key in the ignition. The contact stated that the vehicle must remain parked for ten minutes in order to become operable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact initially believed the failure was due to a dead battery. The contact replaced the battery, but the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Driving straight at 55 MPH on indiana highway 3 with cruise on engine died and would turn over but not start.coasted off onto a country road,had the Colorado towed to a auto repair shop.repair shop found a blown 20 amp ignition fuse, replaced fuse and engine started up ran fine.repair shop could not get the fuse to blow again.on other internet sites people have had the same problems,but no GM service bulletins or recalls.the truck has about 80,000 miles on it.I'm concerned I May have a wreck or get killed if this happens again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. Once the vehicle was shifted into the on position, the vehicle was not operable for ten minutes. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the passlock sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.
Will not start when dash padlock indicator is blinking. After waiting 10-15 minutes the indicator will stay solid and vehicle will start. Does this off and on every week or so. You do not know when it will happen. Dealership would not check it out as it did not occur when I was there. They do not acknowledge this as being a problem but checking online forums a lot of other people have had the same problem.
Electrical complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the electrical system of the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, 54% of the model year's 67 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 3 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 2009 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.