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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Power train33
- Engine20
- Service brakes12
- Steering10
- Electrical system6
- Seat belts3
- Engine and engine cooling3
- Exterior lighting3
- Fuel/propulsion system2
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.
View as table
| 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 |
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 3
- Injuries reported
- 4
- Deaths reported
- 0
What owners report most
Power train
“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]”
Engine
“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.”
Service brakes
“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”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $4,100 | 435 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,900 | 406 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $4,300 | 456 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,050 | 428 |
| Colorado 2WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | $3,200 | 440 |
| Colorado 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 461 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD Auto 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.8 L, Diesel, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive | 18 | 22 | 19 | $4,950 | 525 |
| Colorado ZR2 4WD Auto 8-spd, 6 cyl, 3.6 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 16 | 18 | 17 | $3,800 | 532 |
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 21mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.2%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.4%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 21.9%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 3 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 22.0%
Maintenance basics
| 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 |
- 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
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.