CarBrief

NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado[1]. The engine group is the biggest, with 10 complaints[2].

42owner complaints[1]
2recalls[3]
16–21MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Here are the complaint groups owners name most for this truck, biggest first.

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2012 Colorado is necessarily included.

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

Safety ratings

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
PU/RC AWD[29] n/a n/a n/a 4 17.9%
PU/CC AWD[30] n/a n/a n/a 4 17.9%
PU/EC AWD[31] n/a n/a n/a 4 17.9%
PU/EC RWD[32] n/a n/a n/a 4 18.5%
PU/RC RWD[33] n/a n/a n/a 4 18.5%
PU/CC RWD[34] n/a n/a n/a 4 18.5%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine Horsepower
2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.9L 4-cylinder[35] 190 hp
2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.7L 5-cylinder[36] 245 hp
2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 5.3L 8-cylinder[37] 300 hp

How 2012 compares with other years

2004: 361 complaints, 3 recalls20042005: 356 complaints, 3 recalls2006: 236 complaints, 4 recalls20062007: 140 complaints, 3 recalls2008: 81 complaints, 2 recalls20082009: 67 complaints, 3 recalls2010: 29 complaints, 2 recalls20102011: 42 complaints, 5 recalls2012: 42 complaints, 2 recalls4220122015: 493 complaints, 7 recalls2016: 712 complaints, 4 recalls20162017: 216 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 183 complaints, 1 recalls20182019: 150 complaints, 0 recalls2020: 85 complaints, 0 recalls20202021: 79 complaints, 1 recalls2022: 56 complaints, 1 recalls20222023: 137 complaints, 3 recalls2024: 123 complaints, 3 recalls20242025: 27 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 18 complaints, 1 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Colorado model year. The 2012 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20043613
20053563
20062364
20071403
2008812
2009673
2010292
2011425
2012422
20154937
20167124
20172161
20181831
20191500
2020850
2021791
2022561
20231373
20241233
2025271
2026181

NHTSA's counts for the Colorado show 42 complaints and 2 recalls for 2012[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 3 have fewer complaints than 2012 and 16 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 2012 Colorado?

The complaint record for the 2012 Colorado touches several systems, led by the engine, air bags, electrical system and brakes[2][5][6][7]. Some owners describe problems that left the truck unable to start or stop as expected, so those are worth a close look on any test drive. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they work best for comparing years of the same model. Check the recalls section on this page for the recall list[3]. A pre-purchase inspection that covers the groups above is a sensible step.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
Owners name the engine group most, with 10 complaints[2], followed by air bags with 9[5] and the electrical system with 8[6].
Are there recalls on the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
Yes, the by-year data shows 2 recalls[3]. They are listed in the Recalls section of this page.
How many complaints has the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado had?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file[1].
What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Owner complaints are spread across several groups, led by the engine[2]. See the by-year section to compare it with other model years.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Other Chevrolet models from 2012

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2012: pickup trucks

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 42 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (3 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 10 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 66,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 9 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,563). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 8 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 47,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 7 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,219). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 5 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,456). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 5 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 3 complaints name the structure component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 2 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. Recall 12V594, filed December 19, 2012: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Hood › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 11V552, filed November 17, 2011: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
  14. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 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
  15. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  17. EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 2.9L 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
  18. EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 2WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 20 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 23 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.9L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 22 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Colorado Crew Cab 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD, 3.7L 5-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  31. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  32. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  33. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/RC RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  34. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  35. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.9L 4-cylinder: rated 190 hp. www.epa.gov
  36. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.7L 5-cylinder: rated 245 hp. www.epa.gov
  37. EPA Test Car List, 2012 Chevrolet Colorado with 5.3L 8-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.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.