2012 Chevrolet Colorado Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 19%of 42 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, 19% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“This truck only has 58,000 miles and the ignition switch went out. I googled it and seen there are tons of others with the same issue. Went to start truck and it wouldn't do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #11355382, filed 2020-09, 58,000 miles“That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 in losses.”
NHTSA complaint #11448074, filed 2022-01“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. When the vehicle was started, an unknown warning indicator flashed. The contact had to remove the battery cable, wait a few minutes, reinstall the battery cable, wait an additional few minutes, and then start the vehicle for it to resume normal operation. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic to have the vehicle serviced. The manufacturer was not aware of the defect. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 47,000. The consumer stated he needs a paper copy of evoq.”
NHTSA complaint #11265489, filed 2019-10, 47,000 miles“2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Consumer writes in regards to transmission issues. The consumer stated the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. When the consumer called the dealer a couple of days later, he was informed the issue was the transmission. The next week, the consumer was informed, the parts replaced in the transmission were not issue, and after further investigation, the issue was a loose timing chain tensioner. Later in the week, he was informed that the engine was damaged and there may have been a spun bearing that caused the issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10522375, filed 2013-07Related service bulletins
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11017031Mar 12, 2025This service bulletin provides information to diagnose batteries that have set for a long period of time and/or cold weather climates and testing those batteries.
- 11014230Jan 31, 2025This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011805Dec 6, 2024This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 11010421Oct 3, 2024This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11007196Sep 6, 2024This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which…
- 11007116Aug 6, 2024This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4 | 22% |
| 2025 | 7 | 26% |
| 2024 | 37 | 30% |
| 2023 | 44 | 32% |
| 2022 | 20 | 36% |
| 2021 | 11 | 14% |
| 2020 | 6 | 7% |
| 2019 | 24 | 16% |
| 2018 | 34 | 19% |
| 2017 | 41 | 19% |
| 2016 | 120 | 17% |
| 2015 | 54 | 11% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 14 | 33% |
| 2010 | 12 | 41% |
| 2009 | 36 | 54% |
| 2008 | 32 | 40% |
| 2007 | 45 | 32% |
| 2006 | 69 | 29% |
| 2005 | 69 | 19% |
| 2004 | 88 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
9 complaintsEngine
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology