NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 183 owner complaints for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve power train (78) and electrical system (34). The EPA rates it 15–25 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.
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 at normal and safe highway speeds, without warning (no audible or visual warning from the vehicle information display) my vehicle experienced engine lockout, loss of all non-electric power, and no control over vehicle speed. A few seconds after loss, the information display did show a "check engine light" and that the engine was in "lockout." We (my spouse, young child, and self) were surrounded by multiple commercial semi-trucks and passenger vehicles and had to weave and serve to avoid collisions at highway speeds and get to the shoulder of the highway in a few seconds. The root cause as diagnosed by a Chevrolet Dealership Service Department was failure of the magnetic strip that is press fit to the reluctor (tone) wheel. A 1/2in piece of the magnetic strip was missing and over 10 cracks within the strip itself observed. This magnetic strip is used by the Engine Control Module to measure engine RPMs. The strip's failure caused the EMC to shutdown the engine without warning which is a significant hazard for controlled vehicle movement at highway speeds. My vehicle's engine (LWN) is one of the few GM designs that have the press fit magnetic strip…”
“The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the key was difficult to remove from the ignition. The dealer was contacted and informed that the shift interlock switch failed to recognize that the transmission was shifted to park(P). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but offered no assistance because the vehicle was not under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.”
“Crankshaft Position Tone Wheel delaminated, mechanic changed it out and not sure what they did with it. Stalled vehicle on uphill passing lane during rush hour traffic, cars where inches from me as they passed at 65-70 mph, I called 911 and had a state trooper come and direct traffic. Joe's Garage inspected my vehicle and did the repair. It was not inspected by anyone besides Joe's Garage to my knowledge. No warning, dashlights came on after engine stalled.”
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 | 413 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $4,100 | 450 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 406 |
| Colorado 2WD Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 403 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 429 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 440 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 22 | 20 | $4,700 | 506 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 463 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,800 | 532 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 15 | 15 | $4,300 | 589 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall 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 183 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (78), electrical system (34), engine (24). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado at 15–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (10 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 4 out of 5 stars overall.