Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2009 Chevrolet ColoradoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 67 owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve electrical system (36) and engine (10). The EPA rates it 16–20 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
16–20mpg
EPA · 12 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Nov 2010
Owner complaints
67
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Child seat

Free remedy

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011, CHEVROLET COLORADO, GMC CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006, ISUZU I-280/I-350, AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, REGULAR CAB VEHICLES AND EXTENDED CAB VEHICLES WITHOUT A REAR SEAT AND EQUIPPED WITH A FRONT 60/40 SPLIT BENCH SEAT. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.

Child seatReported Nov 18, 2010NHTSA 10V575000

Exterior lighting: switch

Remedy pending

GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.

Exterior lightingReported Jul 29, 2009NHTSA 09V310000

Fuel system, gasoline

Free remedy

GM IS RECALLING 27,188 MY 2009 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE HYBRID, ESCALADE ESV, AND ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, SUBURBAN, TAHOE, TAHOE HYBRID, AND COLORADO; AND GMC YUKON, YUKON HYBRID, YUKON XL, AND CANYON VEHICLES. THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULES MAY HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH AN ADHESIVE SEPARATION OF THE ROOM TEMPERATURE VULCANIZING (RTV) SEAL BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE HOUSING MAY ALLOW WATER TO SEEP INTO THE MODULE.

Fuel system, gasolineReported May 6, 2009NHTSA 09V154000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

67 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2009 – Nov 2023
  1. Electrical system36
  2. Engine10
  3. Fuel/propulsion system9
  4. Air bags6
  5. Structure3
  6. Exterior lighting3
  7. Fuel system, gasoline3
  8. Suspension2
  9. Service brakes2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Colorado model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2004361
2005356
2006236
2007140
200881
200967
201029
201142
201242
2015498
2016716
2017216
2018183
2019150
202088
202180
202256
2023138
2024126
202528
202620
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
4
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

36 reports3 fires
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. AFTER 20 MINUTES THE ANTI-THEFT FEATURE WAS RESET AND THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER JOHN ELWAY CHEVROLET LOCATED AT 5200 S. BROADWAY, INGLEWOOD, CO 80113 AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 135,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 22, 2021Electrical systemODI 11389393

Engine

10 reports2 fires
“RUBBER HOOD WEATHER STRIP AT REAR OF HOOD CLOSURE AREA DETACHED, DROPPED DOWN FROM INSUFFICIENT RETENTION CLIP DESIGN, ATOP OF DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYST, AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE GREW QUICKLY AND TRAVELED UP VERTICAL LAYING WEATHER STRIP, MELTED THROUGH PLASTIC PCV HOSES AND CONVOLUTE OVER PRESSURIZED FUEL LINE SOFT FLEX HOSE PORTION. WAS ABLE TO SMELL BURNING, SEE SMOKE, OPEN HOOD, AND EXTINGUISH FIRE WITH PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER BEFORE FIRE PENETRATED PRESSURIZED FUEL FLEX HOSE AREA. ALL OF THIS HAPPENED AFTER PULLING UP TO MY WORKPLACE. THIS IS A STOCK VEHICLE KEPT IN EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE WITH NO MODIFICATIONS. I KEPT THE WEATHER STRIP AND RETENTION CLIPS AS PROOF.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2019EngineFire reportedODI 11240904

Fuel/propulsion system

9 reports1 fire
“TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE CAUSING BUCKING, STALLING THEN WILL SUDDENLY RUNS FINE AGAIN CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION CREATING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING. APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE IT OCCURS IN DAMP, RAIN WEATHER. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED AS PER RECALL BEFORE PURCHASE. IN ADDITION, THE THROTTLE BODY WAS ALSO REPLACED AS PART OF ANOTHER RECALL FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE SAME INTERMITTENT PROBLEM STILL EXIST BUT GM IS UNABLE TO REPAIR THIS VEHICLE AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 10, 2019Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11288200
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

12 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.9L 4-cyl · 3.7L 5-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-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 4, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Colorado 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182420$3,200444
Colorado 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182420$3,200444
Colorado 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172320$3,200444
Colorado 4WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
172320$3,200444
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182420$3,200444
Colorado 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400468
Colorado 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162219$3,400468
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172319$3,400468
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
162118$3,550494
Colorado 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152117$3,800523
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
152017$3,800523
Colorado 4WD
Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
141916$4,000555
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado Crew Cab 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L
    18 city · 24 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L
    16 city · 22 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado Crew Cab 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L
    17 city · 23 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L
    16 city · 21 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    14 city · 19 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 4, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

3 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado as of Nov 4, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 4, 2026Vehicle 5052Vehicle 5051Vehicle 5050
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2009 Colorado questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have?

3 safety recalls as of Nov 4, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

Owners filed 67 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (36), engine (10), fuel/propulsion system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado at 16–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 4, 2026