Most common 2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems
Share of the 79 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Colorado complaints by model year
Best Colorado years: 2011, 2012, 2020. Years to avoid: 2016, 2015, 2024, 2023, 2017. Compare all years →
2021 Chevrolet Colorado recalls (1)
Seat belts › Critical fasteners
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.
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…
What 2021 Chevrolet Colorado owners say
Engine & cooling all 20 →
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. An unknown message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to respond properly while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an exploded brake booster and metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle remained at the local dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The local dealer could not guarantee that the repairs would correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the navigational system and radio continued to reboot, and volume increased to high levels without driver interaction. The contact replaced bank two and valve two and stated that the cam shaft exhaust was faulty. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to bank two, the cam shaft, and that the vehicle was idling roughly. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Brakes all 20 →
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. An unknown message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to respond properly while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an exploded brake booster and metal shavings inside the engine. The vehicle remained at the local dealer unrepaired due to the cost. The local dealer could not guarantee that the repairs would correct the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while turning onto an exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, there was resistance to the brake pedal, and an excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that failure might cause the complete engine failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel briefly vibrated, and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the steering rack. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the lower steering shaft, and the transmission 4x4 climbing gear. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 53,000. The VIN was not available.
While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the removal of the valve cover, the tech found the pump in pieces, and the end of the exhaust camshaft was damaged, as presented in the photos. The quote attached depicts all that is being replaced with this repair." The is a know and acknowledged GM defect that has affected well over 3 million vehicles to date. There was a recall issued for some models, but not the Chevrolet Colorado. …
2021 Chevrolet Colorado engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 20 / 30 / 23 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 19 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | 8-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado a good car?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Colorado rates average: 39% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Colorado at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The engine & cooling — 20 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine › crank/camshaft position sensor. Next are the brakes (20) and transmission & drivetrain (13).
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, the most recent from December 23, 2020 (critical fasteners). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Colorado?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2011, 2012 and 2020. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2016, 2015, 2024, 2023 and 2017. See the full Chevrolet Colorado years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 61% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.