Research · Small Pickup Trucks 2WD

2023 Chevrolet ColoradoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 138 owner complaints for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (46) and electrical system (44). The EPA rates it 16–22 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
16–22mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2024
Owner complaints
138
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$2,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Seat belts: critical fasteners

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.

Seat beltsReported Sep 19, 2024NHTSA 24V703000

Wheels: lugs

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.

WheelsReported Mar 28, 2024NHTSA 24V237000

Electrical system: camera

Free remedy

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.

Electrical systemReported Feb 22, 2024NHTSA 24V133000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

138 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jun 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance46
  2. Electrical system44
  3. Service brakes26
  4. Engine21
  5. Lane departure17
  6. Exterior lighting9
  7. Power train9
  8. Steering7
  9. Fuel/propulsion system5

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
6
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

Forward collision avoidance

46 reports2 crashes
“After shifting to drive the vehicle had no brakes. A week or so earlier the check engine light came on. Messages on the screen said brake system failure along with other messages. Took to dealership, an update was installed. Last Wednesday engine light reappeared with the same messages but didn’t have time to return it to the dealership so parked it until today. Today was the brake failure. Returned to dealership, they replaced the battery and said the brake issue is fixed. I’m not convinced this fixed the issue and believe this could get someone seriously injured or killed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 21, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11766014

Electrical system

44 reports1 crash
“While driving, the vehicles internal computer system seized, completely shutting down and restarting itself over the course of 30 seconds. During and after this event, the brakes, power steering, and restraint system all became inoperable. Brakes failed to engage and power steering did not function. The issue resolved itself after turning the vehicle completely off and back on again. Brakes, power steering, and the restraint system have operated off and on over the past week since the event happened”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11770805

Service brakes

26 reports
“I took my truck in to the dealership for a recall on the faulty radiator hose and told them that I had a break sensor warning pop up on my screen. Today, I was informed that the break pads and sensor are damaged, the pads are worn out and that the rotors are damaged and need turned. I barely have 20,000 miles on this truck that I bought brand new! I was then informed that the warranty expired on the breaks at 7500 miles and that I need to pay about $600 to have the breaks fixed! I paid almost $50,000 for this truck and the breaks are already bad!!!??? I did a search online and found that many, many people are having this very issue, and in fact my own brother got rid of his 2023 Colorado for a break issue. GM is ignoring a real safety issue here! Just like they ignored the faulty radiator hose seal issue that I took this truck back in for 3 times, (before GM sent a recall letter out for-they finally admitted there was a problem!) Car forums are loaded with people complaining about the breaks and all are saying GM is ignoring the problem. I tried calling GM to complain and was told "sorry, nothing we can do". This is BS. They need to stand behind their product…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 27, 2026Service brakesODI 11774103
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD, Small Pickup Trucks 4WD
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl turbo
Transmissions
Automatic 8-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
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 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI · Rear-Wheel Drive
202522$2,900406
Colorado 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI · 4-Wheel Drive
192321$3,050427
Colorado 2WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · Rear-Wheel Drive
182320$3,200446
Colorado 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start · 4-Wheel Drive
172119$3,400467
Colorado Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
171918$3,550494
Colorado ZR2 4WD
Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel Drive
161616$4,000539
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI
    20 city · 25 hwy · $2,900/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI
    19 city · 23 hwy · $3,050/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 2WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo, SIDI; Stop-Start
    17 city · 21 hwy · $3,400/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado Mud Terrain Tires 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    17 city · 19 hwy · $3,550/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Colorado ZR2 4WD
    Auto 8-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L, Turbo
    16 city · 16 hwy · $4,000/yr
    16
    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

2 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
0.0%
Overall
4 / 5
Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC RWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
3 of 5
Rollover risk
0.0%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 18252Vehicle 18251
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

2023 Colorado questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado have?

3 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.

What are the most common 2023 Chevrolet Colorado problems?

Owners filed 138 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (46), electrical system (44), service brakes (26). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado at 16–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026