NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 42 owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve air bags (9) and engine (8). The EPA rates it 16–21 mpg combined.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Colorado model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 361 |
| 2005 | 356 |
| 2006 | 236 |
| 2007 | 140 |
| 2008 | 81 |
| 2009 | 67 |
| 2010 | 29 |
| 2011 | 42 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2015 | 498 |
| 2016 | 716 |
| 2017 | 216 |
| 2018 | 183 |
| 2019 | 150 |
| 2020 | 88 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2022 | 56 |
| 2023 | 138 |
| 2024 | 126 |
| 2025 | 28 |
| 2026 | 20 |
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Colorado 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 423 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Colorado 4WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.9 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD Auto 4-spd, 5 cyl, 3.7 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,000 | 555 |
| 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 |
2 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.
Owners filed 42 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (9), engine (8), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado at 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (12 versions rated).