2012 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.
- 14 of its 42 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported part: Air bags (9 complaints, median 59,563 mi).
- 2 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
- 43,000miles, 31 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The part named most often is air bags, with 9 complaints (21% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and engine (8). 31 of the complaints include a mileage, and 58% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 43,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 1,317 technical service bulletins for this model year. Air bags complaints overlap with 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 246 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.
- Air bags9 21%
- Electrical system8 19%
- Engine8 19%
- Brakes7 17%
- Steering5 12%
- Engine cooling4 9.5%
- Body and structure3 7.1%
- Exterior lighting2 4.8%
- Suspension2 4.8%
Also reported: Transmission and drivetrain (2), Fuel system (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Shortly after I bought this truck with 33000 mile on it in june of 2018 the airbag light came on for no apparent reason and has continued to remain lit since that time. Since the vehicle is no longer under warrranty, I have been unable to get it repaired.”
NHTSA complaint #11197345, filed 2019-04, 34,000 milesElectrical system: “I have a 12 month old chevy Colorado, bought new. For 9 months, no issues. Then in october, it simply won't start. Dead battery. I drove it regularly to and from work each day, so it's not from non-use. I took it to service and they said it was a bad battery. They replaced it. About a month later, same thing. Dead battery and car won't start, but lights work, radio works. I take it in again, and they can't find a reason. They keep it a week (static) and say there is nothing wrong. But it works when I leave the service department. Three weeks later, same thing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10557107, filed 2013-12, 10,000 milesEngine: “Was traveling south going through an intersection on a green traffic light when another vehicle traveling north in a left turn yield on green, when the designated green arrow is not illuminated, turned in front of me and we collided. The air bags did not deploy on either side. Driver and front passenger in vehicle traveling south sustained injuries and transported to hospital in ambulance.”
NHTSA complaint #10783275, filed 2015-10, 43,000 milesBrakes: “The parking brake cable running from the foot pedal to the middle of the truck is attached to the frame in such a way that it wore a hole though the rubber casing. This caused the interior metal cable to rust. The interior metal then would not move freely through the rubber casing. While driving the because of bumpy roads would creep up and engage while driving. The truck was purchased in july of 2012, but it only has 23000 mile on it. I called the chevy dealer and he indicated that there was not recall. I had my mechanic repair the brake. I have included three photos. …”
NHTSA complaint #10846301, filed 2016-03, 23,300 milesMileage when problems were reported
58% of the 31 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 14,000 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 2012 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 · regular cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · crew cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · extended cab AWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 17.9% risk |
| Colorado · extended cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Colorado · regular cab RWD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Colorado · crew 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 2012 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…
- 11V552000Nov 17, 2011Seat belts › FrontCovers: Chevrolet Colorado 2012, GMC Canyon 2012
General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number…
Recall details for the 2012 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. 1,317 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 | 28 | 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 | 715 | 43,000 | 4 | 4 | 22 | 100 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 498 | 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA recorded 42 consumer complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 9 complaints (21% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado get?
The EPA rates the 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reported?
Among the 31 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 43,000 miles and the middle half falls between 14,000 and 85,000 miles; 58% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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.