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2015 Chevrolet Colorado: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 493 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Colorado[1], and 360 of them name steering[2]. The truck also has several recalls, so check which ones were done before you buy or keep one.
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 493 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Seventeen mention a crash and 4 a fire, and the complaints report 9 injuries in total[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
Here is how the complaints split by component group:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Steering[2] | 360 |
| Electronic stability control[6] | 56 |
| Electrical system[7] | 53 |
| Power train[8] | 45 |
| Engine[9] | 36 |
| Unknown or other[10] | 22 |
| Brakes[11] | 18 |
| Air bags[12] | 12 |
Steering. This group stands far above the rest. It has 8 crashes and 5 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 60,000[2]. In a sample of 12 steering complaints we read, 11 describe losing power steering assist while driving, often with a warning message on the dash[2]. In 8 of the 12, turning the truck off and on again brought the steering back[2].
Stability control and electrical. The same power steering loss shows up here. In a sample of 12 stability control complaints, 8 mention a stability warning appearing along with the steering warning[6]. In that sample, 4 owners say their truck was built outside the dates of the steering recall but has the same trouble[6]. The electrical group has 2 fires[7]. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 2 describe a fire[7].
Power train. In a sample of 12 complaints, 9 describe hesitation, bucking or a transmission that seems to be in the wrong gear when the driver presses the gas[8]. Some owners say the dealer told them the truck was working as designed or still learning their driving style[8]. The median mileage at failure is 8,500[8].
Engine. The engine group has 36 complaints and 4 fires[9].
Brakes and air bags. Both groups are small, with 18 and 12 complaints[11][12]. Air bags stand out for severity, with 5 crashes and 4 injuries among 12 complaints[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[3]. Each one says the repair is free at a dealer[13][14][15][16][17][18][19]. The vehicle counts below are NHTSA totals and also cover other models, such as the GMC Canyon. Newest first:
- Steering gear (21V213). Dated March 25, 2021[13]. It potentially affects 60,681 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[13]. A poor electrical connection inside the steering gear can cause a loss of power steering. The risk is a crash, especially at lower speeds. Dealers replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly[13].
- Driver air bag (17V621). Dated October 5, 2017[14]. It potentially affects 16 vehicles across several models[14]. The driver's front air bag may inflate improperly in a high speed crash, which raises injury risk. Dealers replace the driver's air bag module[14].
- Steering connector (16V054). Dated February 1, 2016[15]. It potentially affects 2,988 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[15]. The Colorados covered were built January 6 to March 17, 2015[15]. A poor connection in the steering gear connector may cause a loss or reduction of power steering assist. The risk is a crash. Dealers replace the steering gear torque sensor cover assembly[15].
- Brake calipers (15V278). Dated May 12, 2015[16]. It potentially affects 24,380 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[16]. The trucks covered were built January 6 to December 24, 2014[16]. Air pockets in the metal of the front brake calipers can let brake fluid leak. That can lengthen stopping distance and raise crash risk. Dealers inspect the calipers and replace them if needed[16].
- Seats (15V267). Dated May 8, 2015[17]. It potentially affects 49,980 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[17]. The hooks that hold the front seat frames may not have been attached properly at the factory. In a crash the seat may not stay anchored, which raises injury risk. Dealers inspect the seats and correct the installation if needed[17].
- Air bag inflator (15V157). Dated March 18, 2015[18]. It potentially affects 40 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[18]. The driver air bag inflator may be misaligned and could separate during deployment. Parts could be thrown into the cabin and seriously hurt the driver or others. Dealers inspect the inflator and replace the air bag if needed[18].
- Air bag wiring (14V645). Dated October 9, 2014[19]. It potentially affects 2,283 vehicles, including the GMC Canyon[19]. The trucks covered were built January 6 to October 1, 2014[19]. The driver air bag may be wired incorrectly, which can disrupt deployment timing and raise injury risk. Dealers reprogram the air bag sensing and diagnostic module[19].
Some owners in our complaint samples say their truck falls outside a recall's build dates[6].
Fuel economy
EPA lists six versions of this truck. Ratings are in miles per gallon, city, highway and combined. All use regular gas.
| Version | City / Highway / Combined | EPA yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cylinder, manual 6-speed, 2WD[4] | 19 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder, automatic 6-speed, 2WD[20] | 20 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 2.5L 4-cylinder, automatic 6-speed, 4WD[21] | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cylinder, automatic 6-speed, 2WD[22] | 18 / 25 / 21 | $3,200 |
| 3.6L 6-cylinder, automatic 6-speed, 4WD[23] | 17 / 24 / 20 | $3,350 |
| 3.6L 6-cylinder, automatic 6-speed, cab chassis 2WD[24] | 15 / 18 / 16 | $4,200 |
The yearly cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the truck was new[22].
Safety ratings
NHTSA rated two versions. PU/EC 4WD and PU/EC RWD both earned 4 stars overall, 4 stars in a frontal crash and 5 stars in a side crash[5][25]. Both got 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 21.4% for the 4WD and 22.0% for the RWD[5][25]. PU/CC versions, 4WD and RWD, are not rated[26][27].
Engine and size
EPA lists two engines for test vehicles of this year. The 2.5L 4-cylinder is rated 194 hp[28]. The 3.6L 6-cylinder is rated 300 hp[29].
Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crew cab, long box, 2WD[30] | 225 in | 74 in | 70 in | 141 in | 4,259 lb |
| Crew cab, long box, 4x4[31] | 225 in | 74 in | 70 in | 141 in | 4,480 lb |
| Crew cab, short box, 2WD[32] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,041 lb |
| Crew cab, short box, 4x4[33] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,411 lb |
| Extended cab, long box, 2WD[34] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 3,948 lb |
| Extended cab, long box, 4x4[35] | 213 in | 74 in | 70 in | 128 in | 4,169 lb |
How 2015 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 |
With 493 complaints and 7 recalls, the 2015 model year sits near the top of the Colorado years NHTSA lists[3]. Only 2016 has more complaints, at 712[3]. No listed year has more recalls than 2015[3]. The next highest is 2011 with 5[3]. The listing has no entries for 2013 and 2014. Counts are not adjusted for how many trucks were sold, so treat them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2015 Colorado?
Steering has the most complaints by a wide margin[2], and two recalls address loss of power steering[13][15]. Before you buy, ask for proof that the recall work was done. Some owners in our samples report steering trouble on trucks outside the recall build dates, so ask the seller about any past steering warnings[6]. Fuel economy depends a lot on the version, from 16 to 22 combined mpg[24][4]. This page cannot speak to towing, oil capacity or tires, so confirm those separately.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado?
- Steering leads the NHTSA complaints with 360 of 493[1][2]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe losing power steering assist while driving[2]. Power train complaints in our sample describe hesitation and odd shifting[8].
- How many recalls does the 2015 Colorado have?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[3]. They cover steering, air bags, seats and front brake calipers[13][14][15][16][17][18][19].
- What gas mileage does the 2015 Colorado get?
- EPA combined ratings range from 16 mpg for the 3.6L cab chassis 2WD to 22 mpg for the 2.5L 2WD versions[24][4][20].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 493 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado (17 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 360 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 5 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, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 25 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 56 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,133). NHTSA vehicle records
- 53 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 45 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 36 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 22 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 18 complaints name the brakes component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the air bags component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,900). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V213, filed March 25, 2021: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V621, filed October 5, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V054, filed February 1, 2016: Steering › Electric Power Assist System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V278, filed May 12, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V267, filed May 8, 2015: Seats. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V157, filed March 18, 2015: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 14V645, filed October 9, 2014: Air Bags. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 24 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-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 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/EC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 22.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 194 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2015 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,259 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 225 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 141 in, curb weight 4,480 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,041 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,411 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 3,948 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4: length 213 in, width 74 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 128 in, curb weight 4,169 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov