Research · Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 BisonRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison. Most complaints involve electrical system (5) and service brakes (4). The EPA rates it 16 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
16mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
22
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
22 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2025 – Nov 2026
- Electrical system5
- Service brakes4
- Steering4
- Engine3
- Visibility2
- Power train2
- Forward collision avoidance2
- Lane departure1
- Structure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
5 reports
“On October 29, about one week after I took delivery of my new 2026 Chevrolet Colorado, the entire instrument panel failed while I was parking. The gauge cluster, infotainment/stereo display, LoJack system, and airbag system all shut off, and the airbag warning indicated the system was inactive. The failure lasted two days with no gauges and no working airbags, and nothing came back on after restarting the vehicle. I took the truck to the dealer (Bomnin Chevrolet) on October 30. The service department confirmed there is a problem but could not give an estimate for a repair. Mileage at the time of failure was approximately 200miles. Because the vehicle may be operating without functional airbags or instrument readings, I consider it unsafe to drive.”
Service brakes
4 reports
“At just over 700 miles on this vehicle, I was sitting in a parking lot and started the vehicle. Suddenly the brake pedal dropped, a Service ESC warning came up on the dash, and the engine light came on. In the Chevrolet app, it has a vehicle status warning "Antilock braking system". Thankfully I was sitting in a parking lot, or it could have been MUCH worse, for me. The vehicle is at the dealer for repairs, but their diagnostic revealed that the brake master cylinder failed.”
Steering
4 reports
“Vehicle: 2026 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss, 4WD Crew Cab. Delivered new 3/29/26. Beginning in May 2026, the vehicle developed a steering column defect: play in the steering wheel, a catch or jerking sensation while driving and turning (particularly at low speeds and on rougher residential/city roads), a structural popping noise, and an accompanying dashboard rattle. Dealership staff advised the vehicle was safe to drive despite the confirmed defect, and I continued operating the vehicle with my family for approximately two months while a replacement part was on backorder. The vehicle has been repaired three times for this identical defect: - 5/5/26–7/3/26: intermediate steering shaft replaced; defect returned - 8/17/26: upper and lower intermediate steering shaft joints replaced; defect returned - 9/7/26–10/7/26: intermediate steering shaft replaced again. Dealership staff told me directly this repair was untested and that I would be the first to determine whether it holds up long term. The repair order's own mileage log shows only 18 total miles driven for the entire 30-day visit, including the post-repair verification test drive. No independent manufacturer…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Standard Pickup Trucks 4WD
- Engines
- 2.7L 4-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic 8-spd
- Drive
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado ZR2 Bison 4WD Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 16 | 16 | $3,900 | 564 |
- 16mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 21801
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2026 Colorado - ZR2 Bison questions
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 8, 2026.
What are the most common 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (5), service brakes (4), steering (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison get?
The EPA rates the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado - ZR2 Bison at 16 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026