NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado[1]. The electrical system is the group named most often, with 69 complaints[2].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups in the NHTSA record, biggest first. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one part.
- Electrical System. 69 complaints[2]. Owners describe the truck shutting off while driving with no warning, dash lights going dark at night, and a cabin fan that only works on its top setting. Some say dealers could not find the cause.
- Engine. 50 complaints[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe misfires with the check engine light on, power dropping when they try to speed up, and revs climbing at idle. Several mention repeat dealer visits without a fix.
- Brakes. 34 complaints[6]. Owners describe squealing and grinding early on, longer stopping distances, a pedal that grabs too easily, and times when the truck did not slow as expected.
- Exterior Lighting. 30 complaints[7]. Owners describe rear brake lights that quit, sometimes all at once, and a switch that was replaced again and again. Some talk about close calls with traffic behind them.
- Air Bags. 17 complaints[8].
- Power Train. 15 complaints[9].
- Structure. 15 complaints[10].
- Fuel System, Gasoline. 11 complaints[11].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2006 Colorado is necessarily included.
- Child Seat (10V575), November 2010. About 192,676 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, injury, death, stalling.[12]
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (09V310), July 2009. About 185,903 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[13]
- Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch (06V139), April 2006. About 404,733 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, reduced braking.[14]
- Equipment › Other › Labels (05V552), December 2005. About 32,068 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash.[15]
Fuel economy
EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[16] | 15 / 22 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[17] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[18] | 17 / 23 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[19] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[20] | 15 / 22 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[21] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[22] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[23] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[24] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[25] | 16 / 20 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[26] | 17 / 22 / 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[27] | 15 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[28] | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive[29] | 16 / 21 / 17 | $3,950 |
| Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[30] | 15 / 20 / 17 | $3,950 |
Safety ratings
How 2006 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 361 | 3 |
| 2005 | 356 | 3 |
| 2006 | 236 | 4 |
| 2007 | 140 | 3 |
| 2008 | 81 | 2 |
| 2009 | 67 | 3 |
| 2010 | 29 | 2 |
| 2011 | 42 | 5 |
| 2012 | 42 | 2 |
| 2015 | 493 | 7 |
| 2016 | 712 | 4 |
| 2017 | 216 | 1 |
| 2018 | 183 | 1 |
| 2019 | 150 | 0 |
| 2020 | 85 | 0 |
| 2021 | 79 | 1 |
| 2022 | 56 | 1 |
| 2023 | 137 | 3 |
| 2024 | 123 | 3 |
| 2025 | 27 | 1 |
| 2026 | 18 | 1 |
NHTSA's counts for the Colorado show 236 complaints and 4 recalls for 2006[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 16 have fewer complaints than 2006 and 4 have more[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2026 (18) and the most are for 2016 (712)[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.
Should you buy a used 2006 Colorado?
The 2006 Colorado has a sizable complaint record, with 236 reports on file[1]. Electrical trouble leads the list at 69 complaints[2], followed by the engine at 50[5] and brakes at 34[6]. Brake light complaints sit in their own group at 30[7], and the brake concerns matter because they touch stopping and being seen by other drivers. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show what owners reported and not how likely a problem is. If you are shopping for one, check the electrical system, the brakes and the brake lights closely, and read the recall section on this page.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado?
- Owners filed 236 complaints with NHTSA[1]. The electrical system leads with 69[2], then the engine with 50[5] and brakes with 34[6].
- Does the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
- Yes. The by-year fact lists 4 recalls for this model year[3]. The Recalls section on this page lists each one.
- What gas mileage does the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado get?
- See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures and the annual fuel cost.
- Is the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
- Owners filed 236 complaints[1], led by electrical problems[2] and engine problems[5]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide to what owners reported.
- Is 2006 a good year for the Chevrolet Colorado?
- The by-year comparison section on this page shows how 2006 stacks up against the other years, using the complaint and recall counts[3].
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado
Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Colorado
Other Chevrolet models from 2006
Similar cars from 2006: pickup trucks
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 236 owner complaints on file for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado (6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 4 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 69 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,016). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 50 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 30 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 58,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 65,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 49,271). NHTSA vehicle records
- 15 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,086). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 26,748). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 10V575, filed November 18, 2010: Child Seat. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V310, filed July 29, 2009: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 06V139, filed April 27, 2006: Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V552, filed December 7, 2005: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 22 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 20 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.5L 5-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, EXTENDED CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records