2012 Chevrolet Colorado Engine 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 engine 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 of these say a crash was involved and 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.
“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 miles“As long as the security light flashes the truck will not start. I take off the negative clamp off the battery an wait 10 minutes it will start. If I use the remote to lock the truck every third time the truck will not start. An some times it does it more than that. So I don't use the remote. Stationary. This happens several times a week.”
NHTSA complaint #11258438, filed 2019-09“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11753224, filed 2026-07, 106,000 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that an abnormal whistling noise was heard and grew worse over the past months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had a crack down the middle and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11084925, filed 2018-04, 118,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11026017Jun 5, 2025This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced after severe internal engine damage.
- 11024485May 15, 2025The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the…
- 11016942Mar 4, 2025This bulletin advises the technician to flush the cooling system multiple times if oil has been found in the cooling system and replace the parts that may be contaminated due to…
- 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.
- 11014233Jan 30, 2025This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 11013069Jan 9, 2025This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11011709Nov 5, 2024This 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.
- 11011205Oct 28, 2024This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010490Oct 5, 2024This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11009532Sep 27, 2024This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 11% |
| 2024 | 21 | 17% |
| 2023 | 21 | 15% |
| 2022 | 6 | 11% |
| 2021 | 19 | 24% |
| 2020 | 20 | 23% |
| 2019 | 20 | 13% |
| 2018 | 24 | 13% |
| 2017 | 26 | 12% |
| 2016 | 48 | 7% |
| 2015 | 34 | 7% |
| 2012 | 8 | 19% |
| 2011 | 3 | 7% |
| 2010 | 5 | 17% |
| 2009 | 10 | 15% |
| 2008 | 8 | 10% |
| 2007 | 18 | 13% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 7 | 2% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
9 complaintsElectrical system
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 28, 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