Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Colorado vs Chevrolet Suburban
How the Chevrolet Colorado and Chevrolet Suburban compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Colorado vs Chevrolet Suburban: The Colorado has 1,079 complaints over 10 years (107.9 per year) and 12 recalls, while the Suburban has 878 complaints (87.8 per year) and 36 recalls. The Colorado reports more power train and electrical issues, while the Suburban reports more engine and brake problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Colorado or Chevrolet Suburban more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup that owners rely on for daily driving and light hauling. Over 10 years, NHTSA logged 1,079 complaints, with the most common trouble spots being the power train, electrical system, and engine. Owners report issues like a key that gets stuck in the ignition, a transmission that can fail suddenly, and a cooling fan that stays on after the engine shuts off. These are not just minor annoyances—some complaints describe safety risks, and the data shows 31 crash-related reports, 42 injuries, and 3 deaths.
Chevrolet Suburban
The Chevrolet Suburban is a full-size SUV often used for family hauling and towing. It has 878 complaints over 10 years, with the engine, power train, and electrical system drawing the most attention. Reported problems include rough running with a flashing check engine light, sudden engine seizure, and brake failures that can make stopping difficult. There are 36 recalls, 27 crash-related reports, and 25 injuries, but no deaths in the data.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Colorado | Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,079 | 878 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 12 Better | 36 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 31 | 27 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 107.9 | 87.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 42 | 25 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 0 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Chevrolet Colorado
- 01POWER TRAIN324
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM231
- 03ENGINE160
- 04UNKNOWN OR OTHER156
- 05SERVICE BRAKES133
Owners report a key that gets stuck in the ignition and, in at least one case, a sudden catastrophic transmission failure while driving. These issues can leave you stranded or create a dangerous loss of power.
Complaints include the key sticking in the ignition and a cooling fan that keeps running after the engine is off. The fan issue can drain the battery and points to problems with the fan relay, coolant sensor, or engine control module.
The same cooling fan problem appears here, along with a report of a new 2025 Colorado Trail Boss suffering a sudden transmission failure that nearly caused a severe injury. Engine-related complaints often overlap with electrical and power train symptoms.
With 133 brake complaints, this is a notable area, though the sample texts do not detail specific brake failures. Buyers should still have the brakes inspected, as brake problems can be serious.
“Unknown on first appear - key gets stuck in the ignition. This happened for the first time shortly after we bought it. It was still under warranty and the Chevrolet dealership in Washington PA fixed it. We paid to have it fixed and now it’s out again and we c…”
“On [XXX] at approximately [XXX{}, my new 2025 Chevy Colorado Trail Boss which I purchased from the dealer brand new on [XXX], experienced a sudden catastrophic transmission failure which led to myself nearly being severely injured/possibly killed while drivin…”
Chevrolet Suburban
- 01ENGINE345
- 02POWER TRAIN202
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM117
- 04SERVICE BRAKES87
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER81
Owners describe repeated jerking, shuddering, and a flashing check engine light, as well as a 6.2L engine that seized at highway speed with only 15,000 miles. These symptoms can signal major internal damage and costly repairs.
The same jerking and shuddering complaints appear under power train, along with rough running, loss of power, and a burning odor. These can indicate transmission or engine management problems that affect drivability and safety.
Reports include a 'Trailer Brakes Disconnected' message that caused trailer brakes to lock up, and a vehicle that would only crank but not start due to an electronic transmission issue. Electrical glitches can disable critical functions.
One owner reported no brakes and no steering, while another had brakes that came and went before a failed master cylinder was diagnosed. Brake failures are among the most dangerous complaints and should be taken seriously.
“7/13/25: Car repeatedly jerking/shuddering/rough ride. A flashing check engine light came on for 10 or 15 minutes. After stopping car and restarting it, the check engine light went off. 9/15/25: Car jerking and another flashing check engine light. Took to dea…”
“While driving down a two-lane blacktop road at 70 MPH (the posted speed limit) the engine, a 6.2 L L87 with a little over 15,000 miles, grenaded and seized. At the time I recall a warning message that said something like "engine shutdown". Fortunately the ele…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Chevrolet Colorado — 12 recalls
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado vehicles equipped with a manual passenger seat. The front passenger seat may have a hook attachment that was not properly welded, allowing it to separate from the inboard track of the seat frame.
The risk: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the front passenger seat and replace the cushion frame, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: 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 m…
The 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.
The 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 cust…
Chevrolet Suburban — 36 recalls
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly…
The risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate wh…
The risk: DRLs that do not deactivate as intended may result in a glare, reducing visibility, and increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: The body control module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 23, 2023. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chev…
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing d…
The risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repai…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Colorado or Chevrolet Suburban: which should you buy?
The Suburban has fewer complaints per year (87.8 vs. 107.9) but more recalls (36 vs. 12). The Colorado's issues cluster around power train and electrical problems, while the Suburban's complaints often involve engine and brake failures that can be more severe. In practice, the Suburban may have fewer reported problems overall, but the ones it has can be more costly and dangerous.
Key differences
- The Colorado has more complaints per year (107.9) than the Suburban (87.8), but the Suburban has three times as many recalls (36 vs. 12).
- Colorado owners frequently report a key stuck in the ignition and a cooling fan that runs after shutdown, while Suburban owners report engine jerking, shuddering, and sudden seizure.
- Suburban complaints include brake failures that caused loss of braking and steering, whereas Colorado brake complaints are less detailed in the sample.
- The Colorado has 3 deaths and 42 injuries in the data, while the Suburban has 0 deaths and 25 injuries, though both have crash-related reports.
- Check that the key does not stick in the ignition and that all electrical functions, especially the cooling fan, turn off properly after the engine is shut down.
- Test-drive the truck at various speeds and listen for transmission slipping, jerking, or delayed engagement, as sudden transmission failure has been reported.
- Look for a flashing check engine light, rough idle, or jerking during acceleration, which owners report as signs of engine trouble.
- Test the brakes thoroughly for any sponginess, loss of pressure, or warning lights, as brake failures have been reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a certified mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the engine, transmission, electrical system, and brakes.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or shifting problems.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, especially for transmission and brake service.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been repaired before purchase.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | Chevrolet Colorado | Chevrolet Suburban |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 | 15 |
| 2025 | 27 | 30 |
| 2024 | 123 | 42 |
| 2023 | 136 | 125 |
| 2022 | 56 | 124 |
| 2021 | 76 | 198 |
| 2020 | 84 | 44 |
| 2019 | 150 | 78 |
| 2018 | 183 | 81 |
| 2017 | 216 | 141 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Chevrolet Colorado or Chevrolet Suburban in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Colorado vs Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Colorado total complaints
- 1,079
- Chevrolet Suburban total complaints
- 878
- Chevrolet Colorado total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Suburban total recalls
- 36
- Chevrolet Colorado avg complaints/year
- 107.9
- Chevrolet Suburban avg complaints/year
- 87.8
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Chevrolet Colorado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Suburban top complaint area
- ENGINE