CHEVROLET COLORADO · model year

2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO

502 NHTSA complaints, 15 crash reports, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004CHEVROLETCOLORADO carries 502 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 15 crashes, 16 fires, 21 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2004 COLORADO is electrical system with 80 filings, followed by structure:body (40) and exterior lighting:brake lights:switch (25). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 57 investigation files overlapping the 2004 COLORADO, and 2 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

502
Complaints
15
Crashes
16
Fires
21
Injuries
1
Deaths

Total Complaints

502 filings

Crashes Reported

15 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
STRUCTURE:BODY40
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH25
AIR BAGS23
UNKNOWN OR OTHER22
SUSPENSION21
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC18
EXTERIOR LIGHTING15
SERVICE BRAKES15
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP12
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE11
STRUCTURE10
TIRES10
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH8
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION8

Recalls (3)

09V31000029/07/2009

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIP

06V13900027/04/2006

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH AR

10V57500018/11/2010

CHILD SEAT

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY

Recent Complaints

20250527TIRES:SIDEWALL

Tire size 245/45R20 I purchased a set a 4 Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus tires for my truck in 2022. I haven't driven a lot of miles on them due to the fact that I live on the Island of Oahu, in Honolulu, Hawaii and have a lot of thread life left. I noticed that the sidewalls on 2 of 4 tires are cracking and separating. I removed them from the vehicle due to the risk of tire blowout and injury in the event of an accident. I've emailed Cooper tires for information and warranty resolution and have yet had a reply.

20231013FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

There apparently was fuel dripping onto the starter and soaking the starter so when we went to start the truck. It caught on fire 🔥🔥 And my truck is a total loss

20230829ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

One day, after I turned my truck off, I noticed that my taillights and overhead cargo light remained on. Key was out, truck was off, but the lights stayed on. So for the time being, I disconnected the battery. I brought it to a mechanic, who ran the codes that came back that the rear driver turn signal was high, the rear passenger turn signal was high, and the overhead cargo light was high. He checked the entire truck for a short, replaced the taillights, replaced the fuse box, replaced the body control module, and numerous other attempts at a repair, with no success. I was without a vehicle for many months, since I can't afford the absurd prices of the current vehicle market and was hopeful it could be fixed. Reading through some other complaints/online threads, this seems like a fairly common problem with these vehicles. Electrical issues that affect my ability to use a turn signal are a huge safety concern and this needs to be addressed.

20230829EXTERIOR LIGHTING

One day, after I turned my truck off, I noticed that my taillights and overhead cargo light remained on. Key was out, truck was off, but the lights stayed on. So for the time being, I disconnected the battery. I brought it to a mechanic, who ran the codes that came back that the rear driver turn signal was high, the rear passenger turn signal was high, and the overhead cargo light was high. He checked the entire truck for a short, replaced the taillights, replaced the fuse box, replaced the body control module, and numerous other attempts at a repair, with no success. I was without a vehicle for many months, since I can't afford the absurd prices of the current vehicle market and was hopeful it could be fixed. Reading through some other complaints/online threads, this seems like a fairly common problem with these vehicles. Electrical issues that affect my ability to use a turn signal are a huge safety concern and this needs to be addressed.

20230721UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The frame on my 2004 Chevy Colorado has rusted/rotted to the point that it snapped, causing the bed to rub against the cab. Mechanic said it is not fixable.

20230609STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame rust

20230609UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frame rust

20230606UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Frame of my vehicle is rotting away causing to fail inspection. Just finding out that Toyota did a recall on one of there pick up models replacing their frame due rotting frames that may be a safety factor if it gets into an accident. Does Chevy Colorado have a recall as such? Just had my frame recently welded on a piece of heavy metal to reinforce my frame in order to pass a safety inspection

20221211ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you’re driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.

20221211POWER TRAIN

Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you’re driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.

20220817ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Body Control Module, BCM. Controls everything. Air bag can deploy, breaks can lock up. Mine, the hazards were staying on. Chevy Dealer says they are on National Back Order and GM is canceling those orders after so long placed. “We can get you one from a junk yard for $350 but GM won’t let us properly program them with correct codes, and so many times they won’t take, and I can’t return the part”. My response to GM already and to Congressman Westerman, BBB, and the WH. A part such as the on board computer, SAFETY first, should never come from a junk yard and if GM doesn’t want to supply the part AS we all know they need them for newer cars right now….. You, the NHTSB and all of us are in danger. There is an expiration date on our cars, but we’re not being told. A computer that controls EVERYTHING in a vehicle is more important than a safety belt. Me not wearing it kills me. Me being told by the dealer I could leave my fuses out and put my arm out the window. Boy

20220410STRUCTURE:BODY

Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. I looked up online if other Colorado owners had the same issue and others have the same problem. I’m am forced to junk this vehicle even though the rest of the truck is in very good condition

20220410SUSPENSION

Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. I looked up online if other Colorado owners had the same issue and others have the same problem. I’m am forced to junk this vehicle even though the rest of the truck is in very good condition

20220410UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Mechanic had the truck on the lift raised up to check the brakes for squeaking and while under the truck the mechanic inspected the frame because he noticed a lot of rust and called me to come look at it and pointed out that the frame has rotted to the point that he should not be driven and could break in half and cause major problems for the safety of the occupants and other drivers on the road. I looked up online if other Colorado owners had the same issue and others have the same problem. I’m am forced to junk this vehicle even though the rest of the truck is in very good condition

20220325STRUCTURE:BODY

I was checking on the common rear cab rust and noticed the frame looked rusted through just in front of the rear wheel suspension mount. I took it to my local mechanic (Bob's Repair of Mayer) and they said it was not safe to drive. It is a complete blindside to me and now I have to find a spare (safe) car to help drive around my newborn and toddler. I am going to attempt to repair the frame as I do not have any other options for vehicles. There were obviously no warnings are notices that about this issue, but it seems to be uncannily common for this generation of Chevrolet vehicles. The truck only has 160,000 miles on it and surface rust on the cab. The vehicle is not drivable and not safe as the frame could give away at any moment.

20210420UNKNOWN OR OTHER

FRAME RUSTED OUT LIKE THE TOYOTAS DID AND IS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE.

Mileage: 150,000

20210330SUSPENSION

THE FRAME OF THE TRUCK ROTTED AND IS NO LONGER DRIVEABLE WITHOUT A CHANCE OF AN ACCIDENT. THE PA INSPECTION IS ABOUT TO RUN OUT ALSO AND WILL NOT PASS INPECTION. I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK USED AND JUST PAID IT OFF AND WAS HOPING I WAS CLEAR OF ANY VEHICLE PAYMENTS. AT THIS POINT THERE IS NO WAY I WILL EVEN GET CLOSE TO WHAT I PAID FOR IT AS IT IS ONLY GOOD FOR SCRAP. I AGREE WITH ANOTHER POST I SAW ON HERE THAT SAID IF TOYOTA HAD TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES FOR THE SAME REASON THEN WHY DOES GM NOT HAVE TO DO THE SAME THING? IT ONLY SEEMS RIGHT. I KNOW THEY HAVE HEARD OF THIS ISSUE BUT ARE JUST TRYING TO BRUSH IT UNDER THE RUG HOPING IT DOESN'T COME UP. HOPING YOU HAVE OUR BACK ON THIS WITH TRYING TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER.

20210222STRUCTURE:BODY

VEHICLE HAS 96,800 MILES, AND THE FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE REAR SUSPENSION TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME, AS WELL AS THE BED TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE PUT ON LIFT TO HAVE TIRES ROTATED AS THE FRAME DISINTEGRATES UPON CONTACT. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, AND I AM CURIOUS WHY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NOT FORCED GM TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES LIKE TOYOTA WAS FORCED TO DO WITH THEIR IDENTICAL SITUATION. DO YOUR JOBS, AND HOLD THESE CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE FOR CHEAP WORKMANSHIP.

Mileage: 96,800

20210222SUSPENSION

VEHICLE HAS 96,800 MILES, AND THE FRAME HAS COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH CAUSING THE REAR SUSPENSION TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME, AS WELL AS THE BED TO DETACH FROM THE FRAME. VEHICLE IS NO LONGER ABLE TO BE PUT ON LIFT TO HAVE TIRES ROTATED AS THE FRAME DISINTEGRATES UPON CONTACT. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, AND I AM CURIOUS WHY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS NOT FORCED GM TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES LIKE TOYOTA WAS FORCED TO DO WITH THEIR IDENTICAL SITUATION. DO YOUR JOBS, AND HOLD THESE CORPORATIONS ACCOUNTABLE FOR CHEAP WORKMANSHIP.

Mileage: 96,800

20210218UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I SOLD THIS TRUCK LAST SPRING WITH 243,829 ON THE ODOMETER, IT IS NOW FOR SALE WITH 155,000 ON IT

Compare 2004CHEVROLETCOLORADO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO have?
The 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO has 502 NHTSA complaints, 15 crashes, 16 fires, 21 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
Yes, the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
The most-complained component for the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 80 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH.
Is the 2004 CHEVROLET COLORADO safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.