What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?

Electrical system complaints lead, with 36 on file. Engine and fuel groups follow.

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?

Yes. The by-year fact counts 3 recalls. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado get?

See the fuel economy section on this page.

Is the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Owner reports lean toward electrical and starting trouble. See the year comparison section for how this year stacks up.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado Problems, Recalls and MPG

Q: How many complaints does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have?

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file.

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado^[1]. The biggest group points at the electrical system, with 36 complaints^[2].

67owner complaints^[1]

3recalls^[3]

16–20MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Owner reports on file fall into a few groups. Here they are, biggest first.

Electrical System. 36 complaints^[2]. Owners describe a truck that will not start or crank, sometimes after a security light flashes on the dash and the driver has to sit and wait before trying again. Some stories blame the ignition switch or the starter, and some say the problem came back after a repair.
Engine. 10 complaints^[5]. In the stories we read, owners describe no-start trouble that comes and goes, and a check engine light. In at least one report, the dealer could not make the problem happen again.
Fuel/Propulsion System. 9 complaints^[6]. Owners describe a truck that will not start and a fuel module that was replaced, in some cases after water got inside. One owner describes a gas pedal that stuck open.
Air Bags. 6 complaints^[7]. Owners describe an air bag warning light that stays on, with some tracing it to a broken wire in a harness near a rear door. One report says the air bags did not deploy in a crash.
Unknown Or Other. 6 complaints^[8]. These reports do not fit a clear group.
Fuel System, Gasoline. 3 complaints^[9].
Exterior Lighting. 3 complaints^[10].
Structure. 3 complaints^[11].

Fire is named in 4 of the complaints^[1], and 3 of those sit in the electrical group^[2].

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2009 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]
Fuel System, Gasoline (09V154), May 2009. About 27,188 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash, stalling. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]

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, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[4]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[15]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[16]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[17]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[18]	17 / 23 / 19	$3,550
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[19]	18 / 24 / 20	$3,350
Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[20]	17 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Colorado 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[21]	16 / 22 / 19	$3,550
Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[22]	17 / 23 / 20	$3,350
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[23]	15 / 20 / 17	$3,950
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[24]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[25]	16 / 21 / 18	$3,700
Colorado 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[26]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive^[27]	15 / 21 / 17	$3,950
Colorado 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[28]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200
Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive^[29]	14 / 19 / 16	$4,200

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
4 DR RWD/AWD^[30]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%
EXTENDED CAB RWD/AWD^[31]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%
REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD^[32]	n/a	n/a	n/a	4	17.9%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD^[33]	207 in	69 in	64 in	126 in	3,752 lb
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4^[34]	207 in	69 in	68 in	126 in	4,001 lb
COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD^[35]	207 in	68 in	63 in	126 in	3,607 lb
COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4^[36]	207 in	68 in	68 in	126 in	3,803 lb
COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 2WD^[37]	192 in	68 in	65 in	111 in	3,459 lb
COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 4X4^[38]	192 in	68 in	68 in	111 in	3,715 lb

How 2009 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Colorado model year. The 2009 is highlighted^[3].

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 67 complaints and 3 recalls for 2009^[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 6 have fewer complaints than 2009 and 14 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 2009 Colorado?

The 2009 Colorado has a clear pattern in the owner reports. The electrical system leads the list with 36 complaints^[2], and the starting trouble shows up again in the engine and fuel groups^[5]^[6]. The air bag light reports are a smaller group but worth knowing about^[7]. These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and they are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold. If you are shopping for one, ask whether the starting and ignition problems were ever fixed, and check the recall section on this page.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?: Electrical system complaints lead, with 36 on file^[2]. Engine and fuel groups follow^[5]^[6].
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?: Yes. The by-year fact counts 3 recalls^[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the list.
How many complaints does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have?: NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file^[1].
What gas mileage does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado get?: See the fuel economy section on this page.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?: Owner reports lean toward electrical and starting trouble^[2]. See the year comparison section for how this year stacks up.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

2005 356 complaints, 3 recalls
2006 236 complaints, 4 recalls
2008 81 complaints, 2 recalls
2009 this page
2012 42 complaints, 2 recalls
2015 493 complaints, 7 recalls
2016 712 complaints, 4 recalls
2017 216 complaints, 1 recall
2018 183 complaints, 1 recall
2026 18 complaints, 1 recall

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Other Chevrolet models from 2009

2009 Chevrolet Cobalt 900 complaints, 5 recalls
2009 Chevrolet HHR 508 complaints, 4 recalls
2009 Chevrolet Malibu 1,534 complaints, 5 recalls

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2009: pickup trucks

2009 Nissan Titan 47 complaints, 3 recalls

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on file for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado (1 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
36 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
10 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 82,260). NHTSA vehicle records
9 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,192). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 53,500). NHTSA vehicle records
6 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,176). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
3 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,000). 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 09V154, filed May 6, 2009: Fuel System, Gasoline. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-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 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-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 Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-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, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-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 2WD, 5.3L 8-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, 5.3L 8-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 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR 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, REGULAR CAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 64 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,752 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 207 in, width 69 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 4,001 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 63 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,607 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXT CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 207 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 126 in, curb weight 3,803 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 65 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,459 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO REG CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 192 in, width 68 in, height 68 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,715 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2009 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and fuel economy