CarBrief

NHTSA has 712 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Colorado, more than any other Colorado model year listed[1][2]. All four recalls on file have a free dealer remedy[3][4][5][6].

712owner complaints[1]
4recalls[2]
16–25MPG combined (EPA)[7]
4★NHTSA overall rating[8]

Most reported problems

Complaints to NHTSA are owner reports that nobody has verified. One complaint can name several parts, so the group counts below overlap. They also do not account for how many trucks were sold. Of the 712 complaints, 14 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 6 injuries, and none report a death[1].

We read a small sample of 12 complaint texts in each of the top groups[9][10][11][12]. In the steering sample, 8 of 12 describe the power steering warning appearing and the wheel becoming hard to turn[9]. Several say restarting the truck brought it back to normal[9]. That is a sample, not a count of all owners.

In the power train sample, 10 of 12 describe hesitation, bogging or odd shifting at low and moderate speeds, with the truck seeming to stay in too high a gear when owners pressed the gas[11]. Two of the 12 describe a sudden loss of power or an unexpected surge[11]. In the engine sample, 8 of 12 describe hesitation or bogging when accelerating, and a few describe stalling or sudden power loss[12].. The electrical sample is mixed. 8 of 12 mention warning lights or messages, a display going blank or resetting, or the truck shutting off[10]..

Power train complaints show up early, at a median of 10,000 miles[11]. Steering complaints come much later, at a median of 68,000 miles[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists four recalls for this model year, newest first. Each one names a free remedy at a dealer.

Confirm with a Chevrolet dealer that each recall repair was done on any truck you are considering.

Fuel economy

EPA lists several versions of the 2016 Colorado. Ratings are city, highway and combined MPG, with EPA's estimated annual fuel cost. Cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the truck was new.

Version Engine Fuel City / Hwy / Comb Annual cost
2WD, manual 6-spd[15] 2.5L 4-cyl Regular 19 / 26 / 22 $3,050
2WD, automatic 6-spd[16] 2.5L 4-cyl Regular 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
4WD, automatic 6-spd[17] 2.5L 4-cyl Regular 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
2WD, automatic 6-spd[18] 3.6L 6-cyl Regular 18 / 25 / 21 $3,200
4WD, automatic 6-spd[19] 3.6L 6-cyl Regular 17 / 24 / 20 $3,350
2WD, automatic 6-spd[7] 2.8L 4-cyl turbo Diesel 22 / 30 / 25 $3,850
4WD, automatic 6-spd[20] 2.8L 4-cyl turbo Diesel 20 / 28 / 23 $4,150
Cab Chassis 2WD, automatic 6-spd[21] 3.6L 6-cyl Regular 15 / 17 / 16 $4,200

The diesel versions get the best combined MPG, but EPA's annual fuel cost for them is higher than for the gasoline versions, other than the cab chassis[7][20][21].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rated four configurations of the 2016 Colorado. All four got 4 stars overall, 4 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 3 stars rollover[8][22][23][24]. The rollover risk figures are Use the fact labels: PU/EC 4WD, PU/CC 4WD, PU/CC RWD, PU/EC RWD., 21.9% for the crew cab rear-wheel drive[23] and 22.0% for the extended cab rear-wheel drive[24].

Engine and size

EPA lists a 2.5L 4-cylinder rated at 194 hp[25] and a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated at 300 hp[26]. The 2.8L turbo diesel appears in the fuel economy data[7][20], but we have no horsepower figure for it.

These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US trucks.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Crew cab, long box, 2WD[27] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,259 lb
Crew cab, long box, 4x4[28] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,480 lb
Crew cab, short box, 2WD[29] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,041 lb
Crew cab, short box, 4x4[30] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,411 lb
Extended cab, long box, 2WD[31] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 3,948 lb
Extended cab, long box, 4x4[32] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,169 lb

How 2016 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 recalls20122015: 493 complaints, 7 recalls2016: 712 complaints, 4 recalls71220162017: 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 2016 is highlighted[2].
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 each Colorado model year put 2016 at the top for complaints, with 712[2]. The 2015 model year is next with 493[2]. The 2017 model year has 216[2] and 2018 has 183[2].

Recalls are a different story. The 2015 model year has 7 recalls, 2011 has 5, and 2016 has 4, the same as 2006[2]. The 2017 and 2018 model years each have 1 recall[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so a higher count does not by itself show a worse truck. Years listed in the data run from 2004 to 2026, with no entries for 2013 and 2014[2].

Should you buy a used 2016 Colorado?

The 2016 Colorado has the highest complaint count of any model year on file, 712[2]. Steering is the largest group at 462[9], and the samples we read describe lost power steering assist and low-speed hesitation[9][11]. These are owner reports, so treat them as things to check, not proof of what your truck will do. All four recalls have a free dealer remedy, so confirm each one was done on the truck you are looking at[3][4][5][6]. Test drive in stop-and-go traffic and ask for service records. Merge the test drive and records sentences, and cite[8][22][23][24].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
Steering has the most complaints with 462 of the 712 on file[9][1]. In the small samples we read, owners describe lost power steering assist[9] and hesitation or odd shifting at low speeds[11].
Has the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
Yes, four recalls are on file: a fuel pump[3], two driver air bag recalls[4][5] and a console latch[6]. Each names a free dealer remedy.
What MPG does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado get?
EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 22 MPG for gasoline pickups[15][16][18][17][19] and 23 to 25 MPG for the diesel[7][20]. The cab chassis is rated 16[21].
Is 2016 the worst year for the Chevrolet Colorado?
It has the most complaints of any listed year at 712, ahead of 2015 at 493[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
How safe is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall and 5 stars for side protection, with 3 stars for rollover[8][22][23][24].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 712 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado (14 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Colorado model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 17V621, filed October 5, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 16V125, filed March 2, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 15V807, filed December 1, 2015: Latches / Locks / Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  7. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  8. 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
  9. 462 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 119 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 33,233). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 97 complaints name the power train component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 50 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 30,103). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 41 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 36 complaints name the electronic stability control (esc) component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. 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
  19. 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
  20. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 17 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC 4WD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.2%. NHTSA vehicle records
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, PU/CC RWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 21.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. 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
  25. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 194 hp. www.epa.gov
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 300 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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

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.