2012 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (20% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Dec 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact's husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact's husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver's side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a welder who advised that the damaged was too severe to repair and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.”Owner report · Structure · Nov 2022
“The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up completely while driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is ridiculous.”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2022
Show 7 more owner reports
“Traction control dash light is illuminated and display states "Traction Fault Service Stab Sys". Dealer stated there were no codes present and they did not know the cause. Fault occurs before engine crank and is intermittent, happening 8-9 times out of 10.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2021
“The wiring for the airbags runs through a hinge in the extended cab doors. I don't use my rear doors much, but I would say that I use them a normal amount. Regular opening and closing of the door will cause the wires to break, thus making the airbags inoperable. Normal use of doors should not cause your airbags to not work.”Owner report · Air Bags · Feb 2021
“That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 in losses.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2021
“This truck only has 58,000 miles and the ignition switch went out. I googled it and seen there are tons of others with the same issue. Went to start truck and it wouldn't do anything.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2020
“Popping noise from the front end when turning left or right and applying brakes.come to find out the frame is cracked on both left and right frame rails at the factory welds. This truck has never been in an accident and I'm the original owner. The chevy dealer condemned the truck for safety reasons and said the only repair is to replace the entire frame.”Owner report · Suspension · Sep 2020
“About 3 months ago, the airbag light come on, I've checked the codes it gives me and it b0065, b0066, I've checked all the wires and they are in perfect condition, don't know what to do now”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2020
“Vehicle randomly does not start and have to sit 10 minutes before it starts up again. Is considered a non running vehicle!”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2019
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NUMBER 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH DRIVER SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS THAT DO NOT FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CONNECTOR PINS, CAUSING THE CONNECTION TO BE INTERMITTENT.
Remedy: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR TERMINALS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
Remedy: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
How other years compare
Check your exact Colorado by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The most complained-about area is air bags (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,000 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.