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2021 Chevrolet Colorado problems, recalls and owner complaints

What the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.

  • 1safety recall
  • 79owner complaints
  • 7crash reports
  • 1fire report
  • 5injuries reported

79 complaints, against an average of 187 for the other 12 Chevrolet Colorado model years.

Every Chevrolet Colorado model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.

What goes wrong with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

The components named most often in the 79 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.

  1. Service Brakes20 (25.3%)
  2. Engine18 (22.8%)
  3. Power Train13 (16.5%)
  4. Electrical System11 (13.9%)
  5. Steering10 (12.7%)
  6. Air Bags6 (7.6%)
  7. Hydraulic3 (3.8%)
  8. Seat Belts3 (3.8%)

What symptoms do 2021 Chevrolet Colorado owners describe?

Found by reading the text of all 79 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.

Has the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado been recalled?

1 U.S. safety recall. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.

Seat Belts General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle. NHTSA campaign 20V811000 · December 23, 2020 · Risk and fix

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

What do 2021 Chevrolet Colorado owners report?

12 of the 79 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.

The rear differential is sounding very loud, like grinding roaring sound @ 72,000. This truck doesn't pull any loads or anything heavy.all service are on time. How can this young milage truck major part go bad just so. It's dangerous driving on the street. It can cause death if it blows up or freeze. GM has a global service about their miss labeled rear differential. They now acting like they now hearing about this when many people is complaining about this faulted differential.
Power Train, Unknown Or OtherNHTSA complaint 11771338 · Oct 15, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the vehicle was involved in a crash after the contact fell asleep while driving 15 MPH. The vehicle came to a complete stop after crashing into a tree. The front of the vehicle was damaged. The contact stated that the air bags had not deployed. The contact sustained a fractured wrist and hand, burns to the neck from the seat belt and burns to the elbow from impact with the steering wheel. Medical attention was required. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The vehicle was scheduled to be repaired. The failure mileage was…
Air BagsCrashNHTSA complaint 11770235 · Oct 9, 2026
In May 2025, I took my truck to the dealership due to a severe whining noise from the rear. They said the rear differential had failed and needed a full replacement, costing me $1,800 since the warranty didn’t cover the entire amount. By late September 2026, while driving on the highway, the whining returned—this time with vibrations under my feet whenever I accelerated. Back at the dealership, I was told the rear differential had failed again. From July 2025 to July 2026, my truck was equipped with a Snapshot device from my insurance, both before and after the first repair, so I can’t…
Power TrainNHTSA complaint 11768860 · Oct 4, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the engine seized. The contact stood on the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured camshaft. The contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump fractured the camshaft, and the camshaft was fractured in half. The contact was informed that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The contact was advised to…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Engine And Engine CoolingNHTSA complaint 11768140 · Sep 30, 2026
Both rear calipers have become frozen or stuck, causing the brakes to seize and not work correctly. This happened around 53,000 miles. There was a burning rubber smell as well as the tire/brake temp was 5 times the normal. This created a severe driving hazard.
Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11763826 · Sep 12, 2026
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while turning onto an exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, there was resistance to the brake pedal, and an excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was informed of the failure. The dealer informed the contact that failure…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, EngineNHTSA complaint 11754991 · Aug 5, 2026
We bought this truck from a dealer (used) and before delivery the driver seat belt recall was repaired as it was still open. Now, months later, the airbag light is on with a warning and it appears that the airbags are disabled. This started as an intermittent issue and now remains constant. Not only does the warning chime when the truck is started, it will chime at random while driving which is a distraction and a significant safety concern for our young adult driver. Our local Chevy dealer will not assess the issue for less than $300. Our mechanic told us that replacing the airbag is a…
Air Bags, Seat BeltsNHTSA complaint 11754933 · Aug 5, 2026
Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine
Electrical System, Service Brakes, EngineNHTSA complaint 11753572 · Jul 29, 2026
While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the removal of the valve cover, the tech found the pump in pieces, and the end of the exhaust camshaft was damaged, as presented in the photos. The quote attached depicts all that is being replaced with this…
Power Train, Service Brakes, EngineNHTSA complaint 11748403 · Jul 5, 2026
I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created a serious risk of crash. The vehicle later shut down completely and has remained inoperable. The failure appears electrical and affected multiple critical systems at once, suggesting a cascading system malfunction. Since the incident, the vehicle has not restarted or…
Steering, Electrical System, Service BrakesNHTSA complaint 11740930 · May 29, 2026
The engine coolant temperature gauge is stuck at approximately 160•F. Cooling fans are running at high speed constantly. The thermostat is stuck in the open position. The vehicle is less than 100,000 miles. There is a “Special Coverage Bulletin N242484760” that has indicated the issue is occurring regularly with my type of vehicle but my specific VIN is excluded due to misplaced parameters. The part is readily available at the dealership in which we are getting the part fixed because so many vehicles of my make and model are having this issue. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 and will be…
Electrical System, EngineNHTSA complaint 11707995 · Dec 31, 2025
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. An unknown message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to respond properly while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with an exploded brake booster and metal shavings inside the engine. The…
Service Brakes, Hydraulic, EngineNHTSA complaint 11701525 · Nov 25, 2025

2021 Chevrolet Colorado: questions owners ask

Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 79 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado; the most common categories were service brakes (20, 25.3%), engine (18, 22.8%), power train (13, 16.5%). There is 1 safety recall. 7 complaints mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire, 5 injuries were reported.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

Across 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (25.3% of complaints), engine (22.8% of complaints), power train (16.5% of complaints), electrical system (13.9% of complaints), steering (12.7% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.

Does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado; the most recent (campaign 20V811000, 2020-12-23) concerns Seat Belts. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Why is the check engine light on in my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

5 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (6.3%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded." (NHTSA complaint 11665235, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Has the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado had engine failures?

5 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (6.3%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded." (NHTSA complaint 11665235, June 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

5 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (6.3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. One owner wrote: "Brake failure. Brake pedal became hard to push and little braking action. I relied on downshifting and the parking brake to stop the vehicle from 40MPH." (NHTSA complaint 11602810, July 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado stall, lose power or shut off while driving?

4 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (5.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "I have had multiple instances where the "infotainment" center as well as electronic components on my dash have shut down completely while driving. The truck stays running while it does this." (NHTSA complaint 11478503, August 2022). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado idle rough, misfire or hesitate?

4 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (5.1%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "Just prior to 8/1/22, check engine light came on. They found P0014 set, lack of power, rough idle. They found oil pushed through bank 1 cam solenoid actuator and had to replace on 8/1/22. Check engine light came on again in mid August 2023." (NHTSA complaint 11540794, August 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

4 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (5.1%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. One owner wrote: "The power steering went out while driving. How can this not be a safety issue? What if someone was executing a turn when this happened? A warning lamp did briefly appear, however, steering never restored." (NHTSA complaint 11592810, June 2024). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?

3 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (3.8%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "My 2021 Chevy Colorado experienced a distinct bucking and shuddering sensation under slow acceleration at lower RPMs, specifically when shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. There were no dashboard warning lights or malfunction codes prior to the issue." (NHTSA complaint 11759346, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does the infotainment screen freeze, reboot or go black in my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?

3 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (3.8%) describe the infotainment or touch screen freezing, rebooting or going black. One owner wrote: "There are crackling sounds coming from the wheel when going over humps. no power while driving or changing lanes it's worst when the ac is on, was burning gas like crazy, and shakes at 65 mph., the gas while escalating makes a clicking noise like 2 iron…" (NHTSA complaint 11534435, July 2023). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Why does my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado vibrate or shake while driving?

3 of the 79 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado (3.8%) describe vibration or shaking while driving. One owner wrote: "Truck has vibration when at highway speeds and during deceleration. also squeaking noises coming from suspension. truck has 4642 miles." (NHTSA complaint 11383543, December 2020). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.

Check your own Colorado

Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2021 only.

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