2011 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Compared with other Chevrolet Colorado years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
26/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× that of a typical Chevrolet Colorado year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 5 of its 42 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported part: Electrical system (14 complaints, median 58,100 mi).
- 5 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 42filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 54,000miles, 35 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —no overall rating published
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.9L 4-cyl RWD · 18 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. The part named most often is electrical system, with 14 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags (10) and exterior lighting (4). 35 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 54,000 miles. Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 1,258 technical service bulletins for this model year. Electrical system complaints overlap with 244 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Chevrolet Colorado model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 26 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system14 33%
- Air bags10 24%
- Exterior lighting4 9.5%
- Other or unknown4 9.5%
- Brakes3 7.1%
- Engine3 7.1%
- Seat belts3 7.1%
- Fuel system2 4.8%
- Body and structure2 4.8%
Also reported: Tires (2), Transmission and drivetrain (2), Engine cooling (1), Steering (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Inline ignition fuse keeps blowing while driving. The first two times were when I was turning, two other times were when it was driving on a state highway, one time after it just started, and another as I left my driveway. At times the truck will start when a fuse is replaced, at times it takes multiple fuse changes to get on the road. This results in the engine to stop and power steering to fail. There is no pattern in when it happens. …”
NHTSA complaint #11005155, filed 2017-07, 155,000 milesAir bags: “When I started my truck the red air bag warning light was on steady. I went to find out why the air bag light was on it was for the seat belt pre-tensioner. It was in a fault situation. It was giving 2 codes for this but was not told what they were. Upon closer examination it had 2 broken wires inside a rubber boot that leads from the extended cab rear door to the body. I was told this is very common for extended cabs as the wiring is to short and is pinched when the rear door opens and shuts. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716970, filed 2015-05, 55,852 milesExterior lighting: “The stop lights work intermitinly due to a faulty switch. Gm has TSB's on models up to 2009 for this issue. Without opperatable brake lights a rearend crash is likley. This 2011 vehicle is not the first with this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10510267, filed 2013-05, 43,123 milesOther or unknown: “One day my vehicle started getting a little shake. So I pulled in to an old welding shop I used to work at. I asked my old boss if he would get in the truck, to do a little diagnostic check. Basically guess what could be wrong. He said something wasn't right, and told me to jack up the back of the truck. Before I even did, I noticed oil all over the spare tire. I then look to the axle house group, and it was broke in half. He has been working as a mechanic for 30 plus years. He said, 'that is the first time I have ever seen anyone break there house group. …”
NHTSA complaint #11324893, filed 2020-05, 144,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 35 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,121 and 85,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado · extended cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · crew cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · regular cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · crew cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Colorado · regular cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Colorado · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Chevrolet Colorado version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado 4WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Colorado 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 2.9L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 23 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 2WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 20 | 16 | $4,200 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 3.7L 5-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Colorado Crew Cab 4WD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 14 | 19 | 16 | $4,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 12V594000Dec 19, 2012Latches/locks/linkages › Hood › LatchCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2010–2012, GMC Canyon 2010–2012
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113…
- 11V337000Jun 28, 2011Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)Covers: Chevrolet Colorado 2011, GMC Canyon 2011
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle…
- 11V276000May 6, 2011Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › MotorCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2011, GMC Canyon 2011
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles manufactured from september 22, 2010, through november 5, 2010. Some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may not…
- 11V007000Jan 6, 2011Suspension › Rear › Axle › SpindleCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2011, GMC Sierra 1500 2011, Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 +11 more
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were…
- 10V575000Nov 18, 2010Child seatCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2004–2011, GMC Canyon 2004–2011, Isuzu I-290/I-370 2007–2008 +1 more
Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, gmc canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split…
Recall details for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1,258 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037253Sep 4, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11030974Apr 1, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
- 11030092Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
- 11030091Mar 9, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11027601Jan 8, 2026Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11025755Nov 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have had multiple repair attempts that are being performed on customer’s vehicles that exhibit…
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11022084Aug 14, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11019693Jun 9, 2025Other or unknown. This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
Other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 18 | 5,800 | 1 | 4 | 21 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 27 | 56,106 | 1 | 4 | 20 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 125 | 4,500 | 3 | 4 | 22 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 138 | 6,750 | 3 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Too new |
| 2022 | 56 | 20,275 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Rising |
| 2021 | 80 | 44,250 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 53 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 88 | 24,000 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 47 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 150 | 7,600 | 0 | 4 | 22 | 73 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 183 | 14,000 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 86 · More | Rising |
| 2017 | 216 | 25,547 | 1 | 4 | 22 | 84 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 714 | 43,000 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 496 | 52,200 | 7 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 42 | 43,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 42 | 54,000 | 5 | — | 21 | 26 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 29 | 47,000 | 2 | — | 21 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2009 | 67 | 54,000 | 3 | — | 20 | 26 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 81 | 53,000 | 2 | — | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 140 | 58,750 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 236 | 52,600 | 4 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 356 | 51,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 361 | 56,500 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Chevrolet Colorado model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 14 complaints (33% of the total), followed by air bags with 10.
Has the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado (Colorado 2WD, 2.9L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado reported?
Among the 35 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 54,000 miles and the middle half falls between 40,121 and 85,000 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.