CHEVROLET COLORADO · model year

2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO

85 NHTSA complaints, 7 crash reports, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021CHEVROLETCOLORADO carries 85 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 7 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries, and 2 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 3/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2021 COLORADO is unknown or other with 15 filings, followed by engine (15) and steering (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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2021 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.

85
Complaints
7
Crashes
1
Fires
4
Injuries
2
Deaths
2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 3.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

85 filings

Crashes Reported

7 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 3/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
UNKNOWN OR OTHER15
ENGINE15
STEERING9
POWER TRAIN8
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM8
SERVICE BRAKES8
AIR BAGS4
VISIBILITY/WIPER3
SUSPENSION3
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL1
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING1

Recalls (1)

20V81100023/12/2020

SEAT BELTS

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 m

Recent Complaints

20260217FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Transmission hesitates and/ or slams into gear.

20260217UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Transmission hesitates and/ or slams into gear.

20260214ENGINE

There is a coolant leak from the hoses stemming to the thermostat housing. This has been commonly Reported amongst the same vehicles across the country. No damage to the hoses and no accidents to trigger leak. No light triggered. Just leaks visibly under the car

20260129SEAT BELTS

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver’s side seat belt buckle failed to remain latched securely and independently unlatched. The “SRS” warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that on occasion, the driver’s side seat belt buckle failed to unlatch, and excessive force was needed to depress the unlatch button on the seat belt assembly. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to the cost. Upon further investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign: 20V811000 (Seat Belts); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

Mileage: 11,000

20260113STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn from a traffic light, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact depressed the brake pedal the vehicle started operating as intended. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred twice. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V213000 (STEERING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

20251231ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The engine coolant temperature gauge is stuck at approximately 160•F. Cooling fans are running at high speed constantly. The thermostat is stuck in the open position. The vehicle is less than 100,000 miles. There is a “Special Coverage Bulletin N242484760” that has indicated the issue is occurring regularly with my type of vehicle but my specific VIN is excluded due to misplaced parameters. The part is readily available at the dealership in which we are getting the part fixed because so many vehicles of my make and model are having this issue. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 and will be out of pocket because my VIN is excluded but clearly affected by the same faulty system for the coolant. This is a mistake as my vehicle is have the exact same issue as all of the others “covered” in the special coverage. We are seeking an appeal and want to file a complaint that my vehicle is excluded and will have to pay $1,200 where other customers will not be required to do so.

20251231ENGINE

The engine coolant temperature gauge is stuck at approximately 160•F. Cooling fans are running at high speed constantly. The thermostat is stuck in the open position. The vehicle is less than 100,000 miles. There is a “Special Coverage Bulletin N242484760” that has indicated the issue is occurring regularly with my type of vehicle but my specific VIN is excluded due to misplaced parameters. The part is readily available at the dealership in which we are getting the part fixed because so many vehicles of my make and model are having this issue. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 and will be out of pocket because my VIN is excluded but clearly affected by the same faulty system for the coolant. This is a mistake as my vehicle is have the exact same issue as all of the others “covered” in the special coverage. We are seeking an appeal and want to file a complaint that my vehicle is excluded and will have to pay $1,200 where other customers will not be required to do so.

20251218SERVICE BRAKES

In December 2024, at under 50,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado suffered complete brake failure caused by vacuum pump failure. The vacuum pump failure led to irreparable internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement under warranty. Sudden, complete brake failure in traffic could have led to a serious accident causing injuries or death to myself and/or others. The component was inspected by the manufacturer and the service advisor at the dealership stated this was "kind of a known issue on Colorados". There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This vacuum pump failure is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin #21-NA-268, which addresses vacuum pump failures on other GM vehicles. The identical failure mode in my 2021 Colorado demonstrates this is a systemic manufacturing defect, not an isolated incident.

20251218ENGINE

In December 2024, at under 50,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado suffered complete brake failure caused by vacuum pump failure. The vacuum pump failure led to irreparable internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement under warranty. Sudden, complete brake failure in traffic could have led to a serious accident causing injuries or death to myself and/or others. The component was inspected by the manufacturer and the service advisor at the dealership stated this was "kind of a known issue on Colorados". There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This vacuum pump failure is documented in GM Technical Service Bulletin #21-NA-268, which addresses vacuum pump failures on other GM vehicles. The identical failure mode in my 2021 Colorado demonstrates this is a systemic manufacturing defect, not an isolated incident.

20251125ENGINE

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.

Mileage: 70,029

20251125SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

Mileage: 70,029

20251115STEERING

Starting my 2021 Chevy Colorado Zr2 in the morning and noticed the "service power steering, drive with care message. 40,000 miles. No power steering. This would clear after leaving vehicle sit and restarting. After reading many articles and found the recall notice for 2015 colorados. Based off of postings I didn't drive it due to the possibility of losing power steering while on the highway, which had happened to several people after restarting and clearing the error. I think GM never corrected the issue and is present in newer models. I took my vehicle in for the repair of the power steering gear and it was very costly. I feel GM should issue another recall, specifically with the possibility of losing power steering on a crowded highway is a major safety concern.

20251112SERVICE BRAKES

This is the fifth vehicle with the 2.5l engine that has experienced vacuum pump failure resulting in a broken exhaust camshaft. Without warning, drivers have experienced a complete loss of brake function as a result of the vacuum pump failure.

20251112ENGINE

This is the fifth vehicle with the 2.5l engine that has experienced vacuum pump failure resulting in a broken exhaust camshaft. Without warning, drivers have experienced a complete loss of brake function as a result of the vacuum pump failure.

20251028SERVICE BRAKES

Today while driving my brakes got super hard. Had to use my entire weight to get it to stop and still was moving forward. Had to use the emergency brakes and a prayer. Luckily I wasn’t on the highway or it would’ve been a deadly accident. When I opened the hood the camshaft sensor was broken loose. Mind you I had taken the truck to the dealer a while back for a rattling noise at 1500 RPM and they couldn't figure out the issue. They replace the catalytic converter under warranty. But kept making the same noise around the same RPM. Obviously it wasn't the converter. My truck has 43,136 miles only. 2021 Colorado 2.5 Luckily I’m alive today but this must be taken care of as soon as possible. I read a lot of Colorado’s seem to have the same issues. Needs a recall.

20251022SERVICE BRAKES

I was on my way home from work and I was on Highway 16 in Washington state near Port Orchard and I was driving 64mph and all vehicles in front of me were all breaking slowing down pretty fast and when I pressed down on my brakes the brakes were totally stiff I could not stop and had to drive on the side of the road and passed 20 plus cars and was finally able to come to a stop. If I had no where to go I would’ve hit the car in front of me at a high rate of speed potentially causing a major or deadly accident. They were working fine 5 minutes before that. I think it is a major issue that will cause fatalities in the future if this problem isn’t taken care of. I’ve never had a vehicle do this and I’ve been driving for 38 years.

20250912ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Beginning at approximately 80,000 miles I began to notice I could not remove the key from the ignition switch at times. Turning the vehicle on and off, shifting repeatedly into park, turning the steering wheel and pressing the brake had no effect. I now have 90,000 miles and the problem occurs about half of the time when trying to exit the vehicle. It is dangerous to leave the vehicle with the key still in the switch. I called the dealership and they said they were familiar with the problem and if it was like others they had encountered, it would require changing out the shifter mechanism. I took the Colorado to the dealership on 9/10/2025 and the diagnostics showed that it was a switch problem in the shifter. The repair was $720.15 which I had completed. The shop people said it was a fairly frequent issue with that model and some others

20250909STEERING

The key does not release when in park! I have to adjust the steering wheel and gear shift multiple times to get it to release. This has been going on for a while and the truck only has 27,000 miles. I've called multiple chevy dealers (including the one I bought it from) they all want a 250 diagnostic fee! This should be under warranty. This problem is dangerous. I have seen I am not the only one having this issue. This issue needs to be investigated and recalled!

20250909ENGINE

The key does not release when in park! I have to adjust the steering wheel and gear shift multiple times to get it to release. This has been going on for a while and the truck only has 27,000 miles. I've called multiple chevy dealers (including the one I bought it from) they all want a 250 diagnostic fee! This should be under warranty. This problem is dangerous. I have seen I am not the only one having this issue. This issue needs to be investigated and recalled!

20250816POWER TRAIN

I own a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado Lt Extended Cab 2WD. The rear differential has failed prematurely at 70000 miles. the failure caused loud whining/grinding noises, vibration, and unsafe driving conditions. After researching online, i found many other 2021 Colorado owners reporting the same issue with rear differential failure, often at relatively low mileage. This indicates a widespread defect in the differential assembly. There are existing GM Technical Service Bulletins (20-NA-034, 20-NA-156) related to axle/differential noise and machining defects, but GM has not issued a recall or extended warranty coverage. Differential failure can lead to loss of power to the wheels or lockup while driving, which poses a serious safety risk. I request that NHTSA investigate this issue and require GM to issue a recall or Special coverage adjustment for the affected vehicles.

Compare 2021CHEVROLETCOLORADO to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 2 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO have?
The 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO has 85 NHTSA complaints, 7 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries, and 2 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
The 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 3/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
Yes, the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is SEAT BELTS. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO?
The most-complained component for the 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO is UNKNOWN OR OTHER with 15 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and STEERING.
Is the 2021 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. The 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. 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.