NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 716 owner complaints for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve steering (465) and electrical system (120). The EPA rates it 16–25 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.
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 |
“While driving, the truck can suddenly lose power steering and traction control without warning. When this occurs, steering becomes extremely difficult and creates a significant safety risk, particularly at higher speeds or when turning. Restarting the vehicle will sometimes restore power steering, but the problem can persist after restarting. Because the failure is unpredictable and can occur at any time while driving, I am concerned that it could result in loss of vehicle control or a crash.”
“While driving a warning will pop up and says "stabilitrack." All I can do is put my hazards, wait on the side of the road, and turn off the vehicle to see if it goes away. I can't drive in that state as the steering wheel gets really hard to control. The steering that make it easier to move the steering wheel (left and right to drive) goes off. So, I am having to put all my strength to make a turn or continue driving. It becomes a huge problem when I am on the highway as it can cause an accident.”
“While driving the vehicle, the power steering all of sudden goes out and I am unable to steer the vehicle properly. I know there was a recall for 2015 vehicles and wanted to know if the repair could be fixed on my vehicle as well. This is not safe for me to be driving with my children and grandchildren in the vehicle as it happens out of the blue and without warning, no matter what speed I could be going. This has occurred on multiple dates over the last month or so.”
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 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | $3,750 | 409 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,100 | 447 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 400 |
| Colorado 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 408 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,050 | 427 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 427 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,200 | 450 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 17 | 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 |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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 716 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are steering (465), electrical system (120), power train (97). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado at 16–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4 out of 5 stars overall.