The most-reported Colorado run is 1GCGTDE31G1 (2016 builds) with 26 complaints, 10.8× the typical run. Steering problems make up 27% of reports; 2016 is the worst model year at 4 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 29 recall campaigns for Colorado model years 2004–2026.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Chevrolet Colorado has 1,418 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 3% of every Colorado complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1GCGTDE31G1•••••• | 2016 | 2 | — | |
| 1GCGTDE35G1•••••• | 2016 | 1 | — | |
| 1GCGTCE34F1•••••• | 2015 | 1 | — | |
| 1GCGTDE34G1•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| 1GCGTDE36G1•••••• | 2016 | 1 | — | |
| 1GCGTCE30F1•••••• | 2015 | 3 | — | |
| 1GCGTCE31F1•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| 1GCGTCE33F1•••••• | 2015 | — | — | |
| 1GCGTDE38G1•••••• | 2016 | — | — | |
| 1GCGTCE35F1•••••• | 2015 | 1 | — | |
| 1GCGTCE32F1•••••• | 2015 | 2 | — | |
| 1GCGTDE32G1•••••• | 2016 | — | — |
Each of the other 1,406 Colorado runs has 17 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 317 Colorado VINs so far, most often 2026, 2024, 2019 builds; 2 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Chevrolet Colorado the gap between build years is 3.6×: a 2016 car draws 4 complaints per run, a 2011 one 1.1.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12 | 10 | — | |
| 2025 | 27 | 19 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 121 | 53 | 6 | |
| 2023 | 137 | 60 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 56 | 38 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 74 | 54 | 7 | |
| 2020 | 84 | 61 | 1 | |
| 2019 | 146 | 84 | 6 | |
| 2018 | 181 | 98 | 3 | |
| 2017 | 209 | 109 | 5 | |
| 2016 | 692 | 171 | 14 | |
| 2015 | 481 | 119 | 17 | |
| 2012 | 41 | 34 | 3 | |
| 2011 | 40 | 35 | 4 | |
| 2009 | 61 | 45 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 70 | 54 | 5 | |
| 2007 | 126 | 71 | 8 | |
| 2006 | 196 | 99 | 4 | |
| 2005 | 288 | 102 | 22 | |
| 2004 | 303 | 109 | 8 |
Heaviest year here is 2016 at 4 complaints per run; lightest is 2011 at 1.1. The 2026 line is still collecting reports, so it reads low.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 27% of everything Chevrolet Colorado owners report: Steering, 939 of 3,345 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 16 | 1 | |
| Electrical System | 10 | 26 | |
| Power Train | 12 | 4 | |
| Service Brakes | 28 | 4 | |
| Engine | 2 | 11 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 | 7 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 | 2 | |
| Air Bags | 50 | 2 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 29 recall campaigns on the Chevrolet Colorado; the 6 below cover build years 2004 to 2026. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 10V575000 | Child Seat | 2004–2011 |
| 09V310000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2004–2009 |
| 18V358000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump | 2016–2018 |
| 12V594000 | Latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch | 2010–2012 |
| 06V139000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2004–2006 |
| 26V114000 | Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual | 2025–2026 |
10V575000 was opened in 2010 on cars built from 2004: 6 years on the road before the recall.
The Colorado against its rivals
The Colorado draws 2.4 complaints per production run; the Toyota Tacoma 2.7 and the GMC Canyon 2.1.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Colorado | 3,345 | 1,418 | 3.5% | |
| Toyota Tacoma | 7,285 | 2,665 | 7.9% | |
| GMC Canyon | 1,349 | 640 | 3% |
How serious were they
Of the 3,345 reports on the Chevrolet Colorado, 3.5% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Chevrolet Colorado | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 3,345 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 118 (3.5%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 54 (1.6%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 103 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 8 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 40% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Chevrolet Colorado share of that is 3,345 complaints over 1,418 runs, 0.3% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Chevrolet Colorado VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 3,345 NHTSA complaints from 1,418 Colorado runs and 29 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Colorado production run has the most complaints?
1GCGTDE31G1, a 2016 build, with 26 complaints, 2 of them after a crash. The typical Colorado run has 2.4.
Which Colorado years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2016 is heaviest at 4 complaints per run and 2011 lightest at 1.1.
Does the Colorado get more complaints than the Toyota Tacoma?
No: 2.4 complaints per production run for the Colorado against 2.7 for the Toyota Tacoma.
How many Colorado complaints involve a crash?
3.5% of 3,345 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 54 involved a fire.
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