CarBrief

NHTSA has 183 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado[1]. The power train group is the largest, with 78 complaints[2].

183owner complaints[1]
1recalls[3]
15–25MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

Owners filed complaints across several parts of the truck, and these groups come up most.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2018 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, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[14] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[15] 20 / 26 / 22 $3,050
Colorado 2WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, Rear-Wheel Drive[4] 22 / 30 / 25 $3,850
Colorado 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[16] 18 / 25 / 20 $3,350
Colorado 4WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[17] 19 / 24 / 21 $3,200
Colorado 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive[18] 20 / 28 / 23 $4,150
Colorado ZR2 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive[19] 19 / 22 / 20 $4,800
Colorado 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[20] 17 / 24 / 19 $3,550
Colorado ZR2 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive[21] 16 / 18 / 17 $3,950
Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive[22] 15 / 15 / 15 $4,450

Safety ratings

Version Overall Frontal Side Rollover Rollover risk
PU/EC 4WD[5] 4 4 5 3 21.4%
PU/CC 4WD[23] 4 4 5 3 21.2%
PU/EC RWD[24] 4 4 5 3 22.0%
PU/CC RWD[25] 4 4 5 3 21.9%

Engine and size

Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.

Engine Horsepower
2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.5L 4-cylinder[26] 194 hp
2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.8L 4-cylinder[27] 181 hp
2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.6L 6-cylinder[28] 308 hp

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

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 2WD[29] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,259 lb
COLORADO CREW CAB L/BOX 4X4[30] 225 in 74 in 70 in 141 in 4,480 lb
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 2WD[31] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,041 lb
COLORADO CREW CAB S/BOX 4X4[32] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,411 lb
COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 2WD[33] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 3,948 lb
COLORADO EXTENDED CAB L/BOX 4X4[34] 213 in 74 in 70 in 128 in 4,169 lb

How 2018 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 recalls20162017: 216 complaints, 1 recalls2018: 183 complaints, 1 recalls18320182019: 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 2018 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 183 complaints and 1 recalls for 2018[3]. Among the 21 model years listed, 14 have fewer complaints than 2018 and 6 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 2018 Colorado?

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA[1]. The power train group stands out in the count[2]. Electrical and engine complaints add to the picture[7][8]. The page also lists a recall on file[3]. Check the recall section and the by-year comparison before you buy, and look at how a specific truck has been serviced.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado?
The power train group has the most complaints, followed by unknown or other and the electrical system[2][6][7].
Does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have recalls?
Yes, the pack shows a recall on file[3]. See the Recalls section on this page for the details.
How many complaints does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA lists 183 owner complaints[1]. These are unverified reports and are not adjusted for sales.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado get?
See the fuel economy section on this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Complaints are spread across several groups, led by the power train[2]. Read the problems section and the by-year comparison on this page to judge for yourself.

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Compare all model years of the Chevrolet Colorado

Other Chevrolet models from 2018

All Chevrolet models

Similar cars from 2018: pickup trucks

All pickup trucks we cover

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 183 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado (3 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 3 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 78 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 18,000). 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, 2.8L 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
  5. 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
  6. 36 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,800). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,357). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 24 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 18 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 9,242). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 11 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 7 complaints name the air bags component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 18V358, filed May 31, 2018: Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump. NHTSA recall database
  14. 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
  15. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 2.5L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  16. EPA rating for Colorado 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,350. 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 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
  19. EPA rating for Colorado ZR2 4WD, 2.8L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 6-spd, Diesel, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 22 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Colorado 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Colorado ZR2 4WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 18 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,950. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Colorado Cab Chassis 2WD, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 15 highway / 15 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,450. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. 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
  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. 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
  26. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.5L 4-cylinder: rated 194 hp. www.epa.gov
  27. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 2.8L 4-cylinder: rated 181 hp. www.epa.gov
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 308 hp. www.epa.gov
  29. 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
  30. 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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. 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
  34. 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.