Head-to-head reliability
Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Colorado
How the Chevrolet Traverse and Chevrolet Colorado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Colorado: The Traverse has 1955 complaints over 10 years (195.5/yr) and 23 recalls, while the Colorado has 994 complaints (99.4/yr) and 12 recalls. Both have serious powertrain and electrical issues, but the Colorado's lower complaint rate suggests fewer problems overall. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Colorado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse is a large SUV that, based on NHTSA data, has a high complaint rate averaging nearly 200 per year. Owners frequently report issues with the powertrain, electrical system, and engine, including sudden loss of power, steering assist failures, and exhaust leaks. The vehicle also has 23 recalls, covering driveline, transmission, and air bags, which suggests ongoing quality concerns.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup with about half the complaint rate of the Traverse, averaging 99 per year. Common problems involve the powertrain, electrical system, and engine, with reports of transmission limp mode, body control module failures causing door lock and window issues, and sudden oil loss without warning. It has 12 recalls, including for ADAS camera and wheel lug nuts.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Chevrolet Traverse | Chevrolet Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 1,955 | 994 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 | 12 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 63 | 30 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 195.5 | 99.4 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 57 | 42 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 3 | 3 |
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 Traverse
- 01POWER TRAIN501
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM369
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER333
- 04ENGINE318
- 05AIR BAGS291
Owners report the engine Auto Start-Stop system engaging unexpectedly, triggering warning lights, and the vehicle losing power or entering limp mode. Some also describe driveline or transmission issues that can leave you stranded.
Complaints include dashboard warnings like 'Service Brake Assist' with hard brake pedal feel, and 'Steering Assist Reduced' messages that reduce steering assist while driving, making the vehicle harder to control.
Recurring exhaust leaks in the front exhaust pipe are reported, causing loud noise and potential safety hazards. Some owners had the issue persist even after warranty repairs.
“The contact's husband leases a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that after the vehicle had been parked for approximately 10 minutes, the contact who was occupying the front passenger's side seat turned off the vehicle while the driver's seat was un…”
“The contact owns a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the engine Auto Start-Stop system engaged, and the ESC warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving the following day, the vehicle…”
Chevrolet Colorado
- 01POWER TRAIN310
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM210
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER150
- 04ENGINE144
- 05SERVICE BRAKES108
The 8-speed automatic transmission can suddenly lose motive power and drop into limp mode, limiting speed to about 45 mph. Body control module failures also cause door locks and windows to malfunction.
The vehicle may lose its entire engine oil charge without the low-oil-pressure warning light illuminating, leading to potential engine damage. Intermittent 'Service Safety Retrain System' warnings can cause the vehicle to shut off and not restart.
Engine oil loss without warning is a critical issue, as described above. Additionally, some owners report engine stalling or failure to restart after shutdown.
“COMPONENT FAILURE: Body Control Module causing systematic electrical failures: door locks, power windows, window regulators, four-wheel drive transfer case display. Components intact, available for inspection. SAFETY RISK: Door locks malfunction preventing em…”
“My 2023 Chevrolet Colorado (2.7L, approx. 49,000 miles) experiences sudden, intermittent loss of motive power involving the 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission sets codes and the vehicle drops into limp mode, capped at roughly 45 mph, without war…”
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 Traverse — 23 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Blazer and Traverse vehicles. The left-side half-shaft assemblies may be missing a retaining ring.
The risk: A missing retaining ring on the half-shaft can cause half-shaft inner joint separation, resulting in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left-side half-shaft assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 23, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N222390180.
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Cadillac XT6, GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Blazer, Traverse, and 2022-2023 Cadillac XT5 vehicles. The transmission may have been built with an incorrect sun gear, which can result in the driver-side half-shaft disengaging from the transmission.
The risk: A half-shaft disengaging from the transmission can result in a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in park. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the sun gears, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 27, 2023. The remedy is expected to become available August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevro…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021-2022 Buick Enclave vehicles. The harness connector to the left or right side roof rail air bag may have incompatible electrical terminals, which could prevent the air bags from deploying in a crash.
The risk: Roof rail air bags that do not deploy as intended increase the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the harness connector to the roof rail air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-…
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…
Chevrolet Colorado — 12 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front camera module (FCM) system may falsely detect an obstacle, causing the automatic emergency braking (AEB) to engage unexpectedly.
The risk: Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles. The front wheel hub bolts may have been over-tightened and damaged during installation.
The risk: Damaged bolts may loosen or break, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the left and right front wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2023 GMC Canyon vehicles. The left or right front seat may have a seat belt buckle attachment bolt that was not tightened properly.
The risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer serv…
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…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Colorado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Colorado has fewer complaints per year (99.4 vs 195.5) and fewer recalls (12 vs 23), indicating a lower frequency of reported issues. However, both vehicles have serious safety-related problems, so neither is trouble-free.
Key differences
- Traverse has nearly double the complaint rate per year (195.5 vs 99.4) and more recalls (23 vs 12).
- Traverse owners report steering assist loss and brake assist warnings; Colorado owners report sudden oil loss without warning and transmission limp mode.
- Colorado has a specific issue with roof dents from car wash blowers (service bulletin 23-NA-209); Traverse has exhaust leaks and driveline recalls.
- Both have powertrain and electrical problems, but the Traverse's air bag complaints (291) are notably higher than Colorado's (not in top 5).
- Check for 'Steering Assist Reduced' or 'Service Brake Assist' messages during test drive; these indicate electrical system issues.
- Inspect the front exhaust pipe for leaks or previous repairs, as recurrent exhaust leaks are common.
- Verify that the low-oil-pressure warning light works by checking the bulb test on startup; sudden oil loss without warning is a known failure.
- Test the transmission for smooth shifting and check for any limp mode history; ask about body control module repairs.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report to check for open recalls on both models.
- Test drive the Traverse and intentionally engage Auto Start-Stop to see if warning lights appear.
- For the Colorado, check the upper radiator hose for leaks or signs of failure (common issue).
- Inspect the Colorado's roof for dents, especially if it has been through automatic car washes.
- Ask the seller if the Traverse's exhaust pipe has been replaced and if the Colorado's oil pressure sensor has been checked.
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 Traverse | Chevrolet Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 16 | 8 |
| 2025 | 165 | 25 |
| 2024 | 121 | 113 |
| 2023 | 76 | 129 |
| 2022 | 90 | 45 |
| 2021 | 84 | 65 |
| 2020 | 209 | 79 |
| 2019 | 391 | 143 |
| 2018 | 446 | 175 |
| 2017 | 357 | 212 |
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 Traverse or Chevrolet Colorado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Chevrolet Traverse vs Chevrolet Colorado
- Chevrolet Traverse total complaints
- 1,955
- Chevrolet Colorado total complaints
- 994
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Colorado total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 195.5
- Chevrolet Colorado avg complaints/year
- 99.4
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Colorado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN