CHEVROLET COLORADO · model year

2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO

87 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2009CHEVROLETCOLORADO carries 87 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. 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 2009 COLORADO is electrical system with 33 filings, followed by engine (10) and fuel/propulsion system (9). 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 2009 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.

87
Complaints
1
Crashes
6
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

87 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM33
ENGINE10
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM9
AIR BAGS6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER6
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH2
EXTERIOR LIGHTING2
SERVICE BRAKES2
SUSPENSION2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS2
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE1
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY1
POWER TRAIN1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY1

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

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

09V15400006/05/2009

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE

Recent Complaints

20231107STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted. The subframe was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Mileage: 88,000

20231107STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted. The subframe was not replaced, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and determined that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

Mileage: 88,000

20231019SUSPENSION

Frame has rusted to the point it is dangerous to drive looking at available date this is a problem on most model Colorado and canyon mine is so bad I will not drive it and it looks like most of them are the same. I do not know satitics but I am sure there have been many injury’s or death. These results are all related to road salt.

20230704FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle caught fire and lost everything

20230704FireENGINE

Vehicle caught fire and lost everything

20230704FireFUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicle caught fire and lost everything

20230613AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

Mileage: 114,000

20220901STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun visor fell down obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame was not properly aligned which caused loud wind noise to enter the cabin which interfered with hearing sirens or horns honking. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Mileage: 33,000

20220901STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun visor fell down obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame was not properly aligned which caused loud wind noise to enter the cabin which interfered with hearing sirens or horns honking. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.

Mileage: 33,000

20210610SUSPENSION

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of the corrosion, the vehicle could no longer be driven. The vehicle failed the inspection. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Mileage: 46,000

20210610STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of the corrosion, the vehicle could no longer be driven. The vehicle failed the inspection. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Mileage: 46,000

20210122ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Mileage: 135,000

20200828ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HAS SOME KIND OF SECURTY MALFUNCTION THAT WONT LET ME START TRUCK FO 9 MINUTES

Mileage: 30,000

20191210FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE CAUSING BUCKING, STALLING THEN WILL SUDDENLY RUNS FINE AGAIN CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION CREATING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING. APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE IT OCCURS IN DAMP, RAIN WEATHER. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AS PER RECALL BEFORE PURCHASE. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE BODY WAS ALSO REPLACED AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM STILL EXIST BUT GM IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS.

Mileage: 53,000

20191210FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL PUMP LINE CORROSION ON FUEL PUMP MODULE FAILED CAUSING MAJOR FUEL LEAKAGE AND EXTREME FIRE HAZARD DUE TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN ADDITION TO PERMEATING INSIDE OF VEHICLE WITH TOXIC GAS FUMES.GM REFUSED ANY RECALL.

Mileage: 45,000

20190905UNKNOWN OR OTHER

VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. UNABLE TO START FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE

Mileage: 170,000

20190731FireENGINE

RUBBER HOOD WEATHER STRIP AT REAR OF HOOD CLOSURE AREA DETACHED, DROPPED DOWN FROM INSUFFICIENT RETENTION CLIP DESIGN, ATOP OF DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYST, AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE GREW QUICKLY AND TRAVELED UP VERTICAL LAYING WEATHER STRIP, MELTED THROUGH PLASTIC PCV HOSES AND CONVOLUTE OVER PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE SOFT FLEX HOSE PORTION. WAS ABLE TO SMELL BURNING, SEE SMOKE, OPEN HOOD, AND EXTINGUISH FIRE WITH PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE FIRE PENETRATED PRESSURIZED FUEL FLEX HOSE AREA. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AFTER PULLING UP TO MY WORKPLACE. THIS IS A STOCK VEHICLE KEPT IN EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. I KEPT THE WEATHER STRIP AND RETENTION CLIPS AS PROOF.

Mileage: 222,228

20190326FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN MOTION ON PUBLIC STREETS OR ROADS NOW I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ALONG AND WENT TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL KEPT GOING DOWN UNTIL THE PEDAL STUCK WIDE OPEN AND STUCK FULLY ACCELERATED. I HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID DISASTER BUT THIS IS ALARMING THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM THAT I SEE A LOT ABOUT ON THE INTERNET CHAT ROOMS WITH THIS MODEL OF CHEVROLET!!

Mileage: 143,552

20181130UNKNOWN OR OTHER

SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE 2009 CHEVY COLORADO. AT TIMES IT WILL NOT START AND THEN IT WILL TAKE 10 MINUTES FOR IT TO COME BACK ON. ALL THE LIGHTS WORK IN THE CAR AND LOCK SYMBOL FLASHES. THE BATTERY IS NOT DEAD AND I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO RESTART IT BESIDES WAIT THE TEN MINUTES FOR IT TO RESET. NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF BUT FOR MY CHILDREN THIS IS NOT SAFE. I SHOULD BE ABLE TO RELY ON MY VEHICLE TO START EVERY TIME I TURN THE KEY. NOT SURE IF ITS PASSLOCK SYSTEM OR IGNITION.

Mileage: 90,000

20180915ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. OCCURRED WHILE MOVING AT 50 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES WITHIN LAST 48 HOURS WHILE STATIONARY AND TRYING TO START THE TRUCK. I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM BEHIND THE LEFT END OF THE DASHBOARD.

Mileage: 243,222

Compare 2009CHEVROLETCOLORADO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO have?
The 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO has 87 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 6 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
Yes, the 2009 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 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
The most-complained component for the 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 33 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM.
Is the 2009 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.