2021 Chevrolet Colorado Problems & Owner Complaints

Engine 17

“Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine”
NHTSA complaint #11753572, 2026

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11748403, 2026

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11717975, 2026

Unknown Or Other 16 2 crash 1 injury

“The truck has only 40K miles on it. I was checking under the hood when without notice the heed dropped hitting me in the head and pinning my hand under the hood thus trapping me there. A rescuer released the hood release lever so I could escape. I had a lump on my head and my hand was /wrist was bruised. I am on blood thinners so I consider myself lucky. The stanchions that hold the hood open suddenly failed and will not hold the hood open.”
NHTSA complaint #11554567, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)

“Backup camera has failed at 38,000 miles. Backed into a tree damaging the rear bumper.”
NHTSA complaint #11669679, 2024 · crash

“I was sitting at a traffic light stopped when all of a sudden the truck tried to accelerate, I stood on the brakes to get it to stop then all of a sudden it was like i was giving it gas again and I hit the car in front of me again but harder the second time.”
NHTSA complaint #11549877, 2023 · crash

Service Brakes 15

“Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine”
NHTSA complaint #11753572, 2026

“While driving downhill nearing a stop sign my wife went to apply the brakes to stop and all she had was an extremely hard brake pedal. She panicked that she “no brakes.” She was only going about 20 MPH, and was able to stop the vehicle but it took an extraordinary amount of effort to do so. Had she had to make a sudden stop for a child, another person, or something else, she would not have been able to stop without negative consequences including possible death. There were no warning signs, vehicle pulled out of driveway and brakes were normal. Less than 10 seconds later no more power brak…”
NHTSA complaint #11749435, 2026

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11748403, 2026

Electrical System 11

“Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine”
NHTSA complaint #11753572, 2026

“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created a serious risk of crash. The vehicle later shut down completely and has remained inoperable. The failure appears electrical and affected multiple critical systems at once, suggesting a cascading system malfunction. Since the incident, the vehicle has not restarted or…”
NHTSA complaint #11740930, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11707995, 2025

Power Train 10

“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 r…”
NHTSA complaint #11748403, 2026

“Brake vacuum pump appeared to fail creating brake system malfunction. Appears determined by mechanics to have seized and caused damage to cam shaft. Driver’s safety issue caused when trying to brake vehicle not functioning. Vehicle was towed to mechanic shop. There were no warning signs of impending failure of system. Note that earlier years for this model may have had recalls for safety issue and malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11738935, 2026

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11681108, 2025

Steering 10

“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 reca…”
NHTSA complaint #11710659, 2026

“I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created a serious risk of crash. The vehicle later shut down completely and has remained inoperable. The failure appears electrical and affected multiple critical systems at once, suggesting a cascading system malfunction. Since the incident, the vehicle has not restarted or…”
NHTSA complaint #11740930, 2025

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11699539, 2025

Air Bags 4 4 crash 1 fire 3 injury 2 death

“The contact's son owned a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while her son was driving on a county road at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently crashed into a tree 4-6 feet away from the road, and caught fire. No further information was available on the occurrence of the crash. The contact stated that the air bags may have failed to deploy. The fire was extinguished with the assistance of the fire department. The contact's son may have been pronounced dead at the scene. The contact's son was transported out of the vehicle with the assistance of emergency units and was…”
NHTSA complaint #11445486, 2021 · crash · fire · 1 death(s)

“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS CLIENT'S FATHER WHO OWNED A 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE CLIENT'S FATHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND ON A NARROW ROAD, THE VEHICLE FELL OFF A CLIFF AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK BED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DRIVER PASSED AWAY DUE TO A BROKEN NECK AND FRACTURED SPINE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 950.”
NHTSA complaint #11414238, 2020 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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). The hood was torn off, the entire front end of the truck was crushed with significant damage to the engine. The OnStar / SOS system also failed to work after the crash. The truck was deemed a total loss. I have spinal injuries, head and neck injuries, as well as leg injuries due to my knees taking the brunt of the impact into the dash. The airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11616836, 2024 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

Suspension 3

“Brakes make an intermittent grinding sound when cold but make no abnormal sounds when it is warm out. As far as the suspension goes..... The truck sits higher on the passenger side than the driver side by almost 1 inch.”
NHTSA complaint #11647357, 2024

“Vehicle pulls to the left and noise in front end. Excessive play in left upper ball joint and control arm. Reported to Chevrolet dealership, parts replaced under factory warranty Told dealership I was going to report to NHSTA Do not know what became of the parts”
NHTSA complaint #11569647, 2023

“TRUCK HAS VIBRATION WHEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND DURING DECELERATION. ALSO SQUEAKING NOISES COMING FROM SUSPENSION. TRUCK HAS 4642 MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11383543, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 3

“Windshield Wipers In-Op. Driving In Heavy Traffic At Highway Speed. Down Poor Started And Windshield Wipers Failed To Operate Nearly Causing Accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11501605, 2023

“THE WINDSHIELD IS DEFECTIVE - WITHIN A MONTH OF OWNING THIS NEW TRUCK ONE STRIKE AGAINST IT (WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY) (OUR FIRST WINDSHIELD STRIKE) BROKE IT VERY SIGNIFICANTLY - CRACKED THROUGHOUT. I AM ABOUT 60 YEARS OLD AND HAVE OWNED MANY, MANY VEHICLES - WE HAVE NEVER SEEN A WINDSHIELD BREAK SO FAST AND SO SEVERELY. WE DID AN INTERNET SEARCH AND THERE ARE MANY OTHER CHEVY COLORADO OWNERS THAT HAVE MADE THE SAME OBSERVATION - MANY ARE SAYING IT IS CHEAP, UNUSUALLY THIN GLASS FOR FUEL ECONOMY OR FOR LESS EXPENSE, OTHERS SAY CHEVY HAS NOT INSTALLED THEIR WINDSHIELDS WITH THE PROPER AMOUNT OF A…”
NHTSA complaint #11378155, 2020

“WAVY WINDOWS IN ALL 4 DOORS ON A BRAND NEW 2021 CHEVY COLORADO. DEALER WON'T REPLACE GLASS, WINDOWS ARE ALL MISSHAPEN AND HAVE SPECKS THROUGHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS. MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING.”
NHTSA complaint #11365452, 2020

Equipment 2

“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 con…”
NHTSA complaint #11577559, 2024

“I have had multiple instances where the "infotainment" center as well as electronic components on my dash have shut down completely while driving. The truck stays running while it does this. The electronics then take a few minutes to "reboot" and then return to normal. I have had my truck to the dealership twice for this issue and I was told they did not find a problem and could not replicate it. I also contacted Chevrolet and they simply recommended I take it to a dealership to be evaluated.”
NHTSA complaint #11478503, 2021

Fuel System 2

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle started hesitating, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle immediately started to decelerate and failed to exceed 25 MPH. The contact moved over to the right lane and continued to drive until arriving at an independent mechanic shop. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump was detaching due to a fractured bolt connecting to the mounting flange. The mechanic informed the contact of an undisclosed recall with a similar failure. The vehicle was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11729413, 2026

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while towing a 2020 Forest River ePro 20BHS, the service DEF system malfunctioned, not allowing the contact to view the temperature and the towing controller. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the DEF system needing to be regenerated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11422982, 2021

Seat Belts 2

“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 wit…”
NHTSA complaint #11714186, 2025

“There are crackling sounds coming from the wheel when going over humps. no power while driving or changing lanes it's worst when the ac is on, was burning gas like crazy, and shakes at 65 mph., the gas while escalating makes a clicking noise like 2 iron knocking together, and the dashboard including the radio, and telephone screens goes blank/black. from time to time from day one, the truck drop dead/blank in August 2021, AC comes on while not on time to time. the tire sensors read wrong, the door is making clicking noise, outside air is coming into the cabin, and exhaust fumes. It's very da…”
NHTSA complaint #11534435, 2020

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft actuator valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust ); however, the VIN was not included in the program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contac…”
NHTSA complaint #11746459, 2026

Exterior Lighting 1

“I'm reporting a safety issue with the head lights on this vehicle, 2021 Chevrolet Colorado LT. The low beam head lights are woefully insufficient for night driving. The light emitted is non-existent with any light from oncoming vehicles. This is well known buy other owners of this model truck, and immediately noticeable to anyone who has driven my own vehicle. I have tried 2 different types of bulbs to improve the situation with no improvement. There are upgraded lights available as an option if you order the vehicle that way, but most models on the lot do not have this option. The cost to hav…”
NHTSA complaint #11492888, 2021

Fuel/Propulsion System 1

“Transmission hesitates and/ or slams into gear.”
NHTSA complaint #11718422, 2026

Lane Departure 1

“2021 colorado has a low to almost non existent turn signal chime and lane departure chime even with the radio off or very low. There's no way to adjust the vehicles audio chimes. 2021 colorodo with approximately 11k miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11504585, 2023

Structure 1

“WE PURCHASED A NEW TRUCK AND WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE LACK OF BASIC SAFETY FEATURES. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING IN IT BECAUSE OF A LACK OF STEP BAR AND GRAB HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL IS IN THE WRONG SPOT AND TRIPS US. THE CRUISE LIGHT CANNOT BE SEEN WHILE DRIVING. THERE IS A LACK OF SHIELDING IN THE WHEEL WELLS EXPOSING THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST. IT IS FULLY EXPOSED ALL ALONG THE BOTTOM (NO SHIELDS AS NORMAL). THE FUEL SYSTEM DOESN'T LOCK AND IS VULNERABLE TO TAMPERING. THE INTERIOR MATERIALS ARE ALL EXTREMELY CHEAP AND THE A/C IS VERY WEAK. THE TRANSMISSION S…”
NHTSA complaint #11413847, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 1 1 crash

“I was sitting at a traffic light stopped when all of a sudden the truck tried to accelerate, I stood on the brakes to get it to stop then all of a sudden it was like i was giving it gas again and I hit the car in front of me again but harder the second time.”
NHTSA complaint #11549877, 2023 · crash