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 2,015 complaints over 10 years (201.5/yr) and 23 recalls, while the Colorado has 1,023 complaints (102.3/yr) and 12 recalls. Both show transmission and electrical issues, but the Traverse has more frequent problems. 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, a midsize SUV, has a high complaint volume (2,015 over 10 years, averaging 201.5 per year) and 23 recalls. Owners frequently report transmission failures, electrical glitches (like freezing displays and battery/alternator issues), and engine problems (such as thermostat/cooling faults). These issues suggest that while the Traverse offers space and utility, it may require frequent repairs and could be less dependable for long-term ownership.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado, a midsize pickup, has fewer complaints (1,023 over 10 years, averaging 102.3 per year) and 12 recalls. Common issues include transmission failures, electrical problems (like key getting stuck in ignition and cooling fan staying on), and engine concerns. Though less problematic than the Traverse, the Colorado still shows notable reliability concerns, especially in the powertrain and electrical systems.
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 | 2,015 | 1,023 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 23 | 12 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 64 | 31 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 201.5 | 102.3 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 62 | 42 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 1 Better | 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 TRAIN523
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM385
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER347
- 04ENGINE325
- 05AIR BAGS292
Owners report transmission failures, including the vehicle failing to respond when pressing the accelerator and gear shifter issues. This can lead to sudden loss of drive or unintended movement, posing a safety risk.
The center display freezes, HVAC defaults to 76°F with A/C and defrost stuck on high, and there are persistent battery/alternator issues. These electrical gremlins can make the vehicle undriveable and are costly to diagnose.
Engine problems include a check engine light for thermostat/cooling issues, with the cooling fan running after shutdown. This can lead to overheating and potential engine damage if not addressed.
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse RS, VIN [XXX]. This vehicle has repeated safety-related failures involving the engine/cooling system, fuel-injector/misfire system, steering-assist warning system, and electronic parking brake system. The vehicle is currently a…”
“I own a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse. While driving, the vehicle suddenly began jerking very hard during acceleration and shifting. The Check Engine Light illuminated, and the vehicle became unsafe to drive because the transmission was not operating normally. I wa…”
Chevrolet Colorado
- 01POWER TRAIN317
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM219
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER152
- 04ENGINE149
- 05SERVICE BRAKES116
Transmission failures are reported, including a catastrophic failure on a new 2025 model, and the key getting stuck in the ignition. These issues can cause sudden loss of power or inability to shift, creating dangerous situations.
Electrical issues include the key getting stuck in the ignition and the cooling fan staying on after shutdown. These can be intermittent and hard to reproduce, leading to frustration and repeated dealer visits.
Engine-related complaints include cooling fan staying on after shutdown, which may indicate a faulty fan relay or sensor. This can drain the battery and potentially cause overheating.
“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…”
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 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 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-…
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 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, 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…
Buyer analysis
Chevrolet Traverse or Chevrolet Colorado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Colorado has fewer complaints per year (102.3 vs. 201.5) and fewer recalls (12 vs. 23), indicating a lower rate of reported issues. However, both vehicles have significant powertrain and electrical problems, so the difference in frequency may not guarantee better reliability, but it suggests a lower likelihood of encountering issues.
Key differences
- The Traverse has nearly double the complaints per year (201.5 vs. 102.3) and more recalls (23 vs. 12).
- Transmission failures are reported in both, but the Traverse has more powertrain complaints (523 vs. 317).
- Electrical system issues are common in both, but the Traverse has more (385 vs. 219).
- The Colorado has a higher number of crash-related complaints (31 vs. 64) but fewer injuries (42 vs. 62) and more deaths (3 vs. 1).
- Inspect the transmission for any signs of slipping or delayed engagement, as owners report failures.
- Check the electrical system, especially the infotainment display and battery/alternator, for intermittent issues.
- Test the ignition key for sticking, as this is a reported issue.
- Check the cooling fan operation after shutdown to ensure it doesn't stay on excessively.
Before you buy
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the transmission and electrical systems.
- Check for open recalls on both vehicles and ensure they have been addressed.
- Test drive at various speeds and on hills to check for transmission response and any hesitation.
- Operate all electrical features (display, HVAC, audio) to see if any glitches occur.
- Review the vehicle's service history for any repeated repairs related to the issues mentioned.
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 | 20 | 12 |
| 2025 | 171 | 27 |
| 2024 | 128 | 114 |
| 2023 | 85 | 130 |
| 2022 | 94 | 49 |
| 2021 | 86 | 71 |
| 2020 | 217 | 79 |
| 2019 | 400 | 146 |
| 2018 | 454 | 180 |
| 2017 | 360 | 215 |
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
- 2,015
- Chevrolet Colorado total complaints
- 1,023
- Chevrolet Traverse total recalls
- 23
- Chevrolet Colorado total recalls
- 12
- Chevrolet Traverse avg complaints/year
- 201.5
- Chevrolet Colorado avg complaints/year
- 102.3
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Chevrolet Traverse top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN
- Chevrolet Colorado top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN