Owners have reported 6 crashes, 1 fire, 4 injuries and 2 deaths to NHTSA for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints10
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the ignition system, particularly the key getting stuck and being unable to remove it when the vehicle is turned off. This problem often occurs when the vehicle is placed in park and is mentioned in conjunction with shifter malfunctions, sometimes resulting in drained batteries. Complaints typically arise at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 11,000 miles. Safety concerns are highlighted by two crash reports: one involving backup camera failure leading to a collision with a tree, and another where unintended acceleration caused a rear-end collision. Additionally, one injury is reported due to hood stanchion failure, causing the hood to drop unexpectedly. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially in terms of potential safety risks and repair costs.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints9
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with power steering failure, with symptoms including loss of power steering functionality and difficulty turning the steering wheel. These problems often occur around the 30,000 to 50,000-mile range. Some owners describe the steering becoming stiff at highway speeds, requiring excessive force to maneuver, which can lead to overcorrection. Additionally, there are reports of the key not releasing from the ignition, requiring multiple adjustments of the steering wheel and gear shift. The potential for power steering loss poses safety implications, particularly during highway driving or while executing turns, though no crashes or injuries are reported in the complaints.
Owner complaints8
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners report frequent brake failures in the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, commonly linked to vacuum pump issues. Complaints frequently mention a hard brake pedal with little to no braking action, often necessitating emergency measures such as downshifting or using the parking brake to stop the vehicle. Several reports indicate vacuum pump failures lead to additional engine damage, such as broken camshafts and metal shavings, with some incidents occurring under 50,000 miles. The lack of warning signs before brake failure is a notable concern, as it poses significant safety risks, including potential crashes. Buyers should be aware of these issues, especially in vehicles with the 2.5L engine, as multiple owners describe similar experiences.
Owner complaints7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly involving the ignition and infotainment systems. Common symptoms include difficulty removing the key from the ignition, which is often linked to the shifter mechanism, and unresponsive or malfunctioning infotainment controls, such as uncontrollable radio volume. These problems typically emerge between 3,000 and 90,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the instrument panel going blank and loss of automotive power without warning lights, occurring as early as 15,000 miles. Safety concerns are noted, particularly with the ignition issue, as it may prevent the vehicle from being secured. These patterns may be important for potential buyers to consider when evaluating used models.
Owner complaints6
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the vehicle's power train, specifically relating to the transmission and rear differential. Common symptoms include loud noises such as clunking and grinding, as well as unexpected transmission behavior such as acting as if shifted into neutral and failing to accelerate despite high RPMs. These issues have been noted at varying mileages, with one differential failure reported at 70,000 miles and transmission problems occurring as early as 9,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as some owners describe near-miss situations on highways due to loss of power or inability to control the vehicle. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider the reported symptoms and mileage when evaluating a used 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report engine-related issues, particularly coolant leaks and catastrophic engine failures. Complaints describe coolant visibly leaking from hoses near the thermostat housing without any warning lights. Additionally, several owners report severe engine problems such as misfires and complete engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes accompanied by metallic debris in the engine components, with one case detailing piston and valve damage. These issues often occur around or just beyond warranty mileage, with some reports at approximately 75,000 miles. Safety implications include the risk of the vehicle stopping abruptly in traffic, as described by one owner. Potential buyers should be aware of these problems, especially the significant repair costs associated with engine replacements and diagnostics.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado report issues with airbag non-deployment in multiple crash incidents. Complaints frequently mention airbags failing to deploy during significant collisions, including frontal impacts and crashes involving stationary objects. Notably, these incidents occur at varied mileages, ranging from approximately 950 to 22,700 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports of injuries and fatalities, and in one case, a vehicle fire following a crash. Prospective buyers should be aware of these airbag concerns and the associated safety risks reported by current owners.
Severity signals: 4 crash, 1 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SUSPENSION
Owners report several suspension-related issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle pulling to one side, with one owner specifically noting excessive play in the left upper ball joint and control arm, which required replacement under warranty. Another common symptom is a vibration at highway speeds and during deceleration, along with squeaking noises from the suspension. Additionally, one owner observes the truck sitting higher on one side by almost an inch. These issues are reported at low mileages, as one complaint cites just 4,642 miles on the vehicle. No crashes or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints.
Owner complaints2
EQUIPMENT
Owners of the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado report recurring issues with the vehicle's electronic systems, particularly the infotainment center and dashboard components. Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, the navigational system and radio rebooting unexpectedly, and the audio volume increasing without driver input. Some owners also describe the infotainment and dashboard electronics shutting down completely while driving, though the vehicle continues to run. These issues typically emerge around 46,000 miles, and while no direct safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned, the unpredictable nature of the electronic malfunctions may be concerning for potential buyers.
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report two primary issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado related to visibility and wipers. First, there are instances where windshield wipers fail to operate during heavy rain, which can nearly lead to accidents, particularly at highway speeds. Second, multiple owners describe the windshield as easily damaged, with significant cracking from minor impacts, suggesting potential issues with the glass thickness or installation. These problems are noted early in ownership, with one report mentioning the defect within a month of purchase. Safety implications include reduced visibility and potential injury risk from sharp edges on cracked windshields.
