2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems, complaints & recalls
Far fewerRising
NHTSA has received 74 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, or 13.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.31, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #28 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Chevrolet models its rate is 72% lower; against other Midsize pickups it is 37% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2020-10-20 and 2026-09-02. Median delay from incident to filing: 18 days.
74Complaints
13.0Complaints per year on the road
0.31Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
1Recalls
8.1%Share involving a crash or fire
27Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2020) drew 12.3 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2022) drew 10.9 per year, fewer than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2021 model collected 13 complaints, 79% lower than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Engine (25.7% of complaints), followed by Interior & equipment (13.5%) and Brakes (12.2%). Within Engine reports, owners most often mention “engine”, “exhaust”, “camshaft”, “bank” and “vacuum pump”. 6 reports (8.1%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 4 injuries and 2 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 44 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (43% of incidents). In the last 12 months 27 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for this model year. 8% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles0.31
vs. other Chevrolet models0.28
vs. other 2021 models0.34
vs. other Midsize pickups0.63
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (13)0.21
Backup camera has failed at 38,000 miles. Backed into a tree damaging the rear bumper.
Interior & equipment · 2025-06-27 · ODI 11669679 · Crash
I was involved in accident where a driver ran a red light traveling approximately 60-70MPH and collided with the front of my 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (22700 Miles).
Brake boost vacuum pump failure. While approaching a traffic light that was red, I applied the brakes. The pedal was very hard to press and required me using both feet to bring the vehicle to a stop. Stopping distance was much longer than normal.
Brakes · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761541
My 2021 Chevy Colorado experienced a distinct bucking and shuddering sensation under slow acceleration at lower RPMs, specifically when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. There were no dashboard warning lights or malfunction codes prior to the issue.
Transmission / powertrain · 2026-08-25 · ODI 11759346
Iba sobre el freeway a 60 millas y de la nada el freno se puso duro no respondían me pasé a los carril de la orilla y fui metiendo freno de mano poco a poco bendito Dios me puse a salvo!
Brakes · 2026-08-21 · ODI 11758604
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
74 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, or about 13.0 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The most common category is Engine, accounting for 25.7% of complaints.
Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 27 new complaints were filed, versus 12 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
How does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 74 owner complaints about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, or 13.0 per year on the road — far fewer complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 0.31, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 85 model-year 2021 vehicles we track, it ranks #28 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Chevrolet models its rate is 72% lower; against other Midsize pickups it is 37% lower.