Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2020 Chevrolet ColoradoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 88 owner complaints for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve power train (33) and engine (20). The EPA rates it 17–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
17–23mpg
EPA · 8 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
88
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado as of Nov 3, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

88 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train33
  2. Engine20
  3. Service brakes12
  4. Steering10
  5. Electrical system6
  6. Seat belts3
  7. Engine and engine cooling3
  8. Exterior lighting3
  9. Fuel/propulsion system2

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
3
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

33 reports
“My 2020 Colorado at 14k miles, the dealer did the transmission oil flush and it helped till the warranty ran out. Now I have the same problem again at 32k miles. I bought the truck because GM said the problem with 8L/45 trans was fixed in 2019. To my knowledge there has been no update to the slipping clutch in GM's torque convertor. If I were to replace the convertor with another one just like it I could have the same problem. My Dealer ([XXX])says my lifetime warranty (that I got with my new Colorado) doesn't cover the transmission? And that if they do another $600 oil flush they don't guarantee it will fix anything. I think when the flush is done, they don't change the trans filter. I'm sure the clutch particles that are left behind after the flush are probably stopping up the filter. I just replaced the DOD/AFM cam and lifters in my GM car's 6.2 liter. It's a shame that manufacture's can get away with these kind of problems. Thanks, [XXX]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 14, 2026Power trainODI 11764099

Engine

20 reports1 fire
“2020 Chevrolet Colorado 2.5L, approximately 81,500 miles. I experienced a sudden loss of power brake assist. There was no warning noise associated with the failure; the brake pedal became extremely hard and required substantially greater pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an independent professional mechanic. Inspection found that the brake booster vacuum pump itself was not the primary source of the failure. The failure was at the engine exhaust camshaft interface that mechanically drives the vacuum pump. The camshaft drive was damaged and no longer properly operated the vacuum pump, resulting in loss of brake vacuum assist. This is not normal brake-pad or rotor wear. The hydraulic brakes remained functional, but without the vacuum assist the pedal effort increased dramatically, creating a significant braking safety concern. The vehicle has been removed from normal use pending repair. I am reporting this because failure of an engine component that drives the brake vacuum pump can cause sudden loss of power brake assist.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 26, 2026Service brakes, EngineODI 11773602

Service brakes

12 reports2 fires
“Coupling on vacuum pump broke off while in motion. Pieces fell near engine. Camshaft, vacuum pump and brake booster will need to be replace. Vehicle mileage is at 65124 miles. No reason to have such a failure so early”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 8, 2026Service brakesODI 11769830
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

8 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.8L 4-cyl turbo diesel · 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 6-spd · Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel · 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 3, 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 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive
203023$4,100435
Colorado 2WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
202622$2,900406
Colorado 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
192822$4,300456
Colorado 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,050428
Colorado 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
182520$3,200440
Colorado 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
172419$3,400461
Colorado ZR2 4WD
Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
182219$4,950525
Colorado ZR2 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive
161817$3,800532
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    20 city · 30 hwy · $4,100/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    20 city · 26 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    19 city · 28 hwy · $4,300/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    18 city · 25 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    17 city · 24 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado ZR2 4WD
    Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo
    18 city · 22 hwy · $4,950/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado ZR2 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L
    16 city · 18 hwy · $3,800/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

4 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.2%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 4WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.4%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
21.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC 2WD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
22.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 14373Vehicle 14371Vehicle 14349
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

2020 Colorado questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 3, 2026.

What are the most common 2020 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

Owners filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (33), engine (20), service brakes (12). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado at 17–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (8 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026