2009 Chevrolet Colorado: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2009 Chevrolet Colorado? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 67 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2009 Chevrolet Colorado trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program3 variants tested — showing 2009 Chevrolet Colorado 4-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado has 67 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Colorado
- Model year
- 2009
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 67
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2009 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Engine Problems, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2009 Chevrolet Colorado
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery connections.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like engine and fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including wiring and battery connections.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like engine and fuel system.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado are concentrated in electrical faults, which account for over half of all reports. Engine problems and fuel/propulsion system issues also appear as recurring themes, though the overall number of complaints is relatively low for a single model year.
- Electrical faults dominate the complaint data with 36 reports.
- Engine problems and fuel/propulsion system issues each have around 10 complaints.
- There are 3 recalls associated with this model year.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported component.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint.
- Fuel/propulsion system issues are also notable.
All 2009 Chevrolet Colorado Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 36 | — | 3 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | — | 2 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted. The…
Frame has rusted to the point it is dangerous to drive looking at available date this is a problem on most model Colorado and canyon mine is so bad I will not drive it and it looks like most of them are the same. I do not know satitics but I am sure there have been many injury…
Vehicle caught fire and lost everything
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fa…
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the sun visor fell down obstructing the driver’s view. Additionally, the contact stated that the frame was not properly aligned which caused loud wind noise to enter the cabin which in…
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of the…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE ANTI-THEFT SECURITY LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND VEHICLE DECELERATED AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER. THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED. AFTER 20 MINUTES THE ANTI-…
HAS SOME KIND OF SECURTY MALFUNCTION THAT WONT LET ME START TRUCK FO 9 MINUTES
TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY LOSES POWER WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDDLE CAUSING BUCKING, STALLING THEN WILL SUDDENLY RUNS FINE AGAIN CAUSING RAPID ACCELERATION CREATING EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND HAZARDOUS DRIVING. APPEARS TO BE THE FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE IT OCCURS IN DAMP, RAIN WEATH…
FUEL PUMP LINE CORROSION ON FUEL PUMP MODULE FAILED CAUSING MAJOR FUEL LEAKAGE AND EXTREME FIRE HAZARD DUE TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN ADDITION TO PERMEATING INSIDE OF VEHICLE WITH TOXIC GAS FUMES.GM REFUSED ANY RECALL.
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. UNABLE TO START FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE
RUBBER HOOD WEATHER STRIP AT REAR OF HOOD CLOSURE AREA DETACHED, DROPPED DOWN FROM INSUFFICIENT RETENTION CLIP DESIGN, ATOP OF DRIVER SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CATALYST, AND CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE GREW QUICKLY AND TRAVELED UP VERTICAL LAYING WEATHER STRIP, MELTED THROUGH PLASTIC PCV HOSE…
ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS IN MOTION ON PUBLIC STREETS OR ROADS NOW I HAVE BEEN DRIVING ALONG AND WENT TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE GAS PEDAL KEPT GOING DOWN UNTIL THE PEDAL STUCK WIDE OPEN AND STUCK FULLY ACCELERATED. I HAVE MANAGED TO AVOID DISASTER BUT THIS IS ALARMING THAT THERE …
SECURITY PASSCODE ISSUE 2009 CHEVY COLORADO. AT TIMES IT WILL NOT START AND THEN IT WILL TAKE 10 MINUTES FOR IT TO COME BACK ON. ALL THE LIGHTS WORK IN THE CAR AND LOCK SYMBOL FLASHES. THE BATTERY IS NOT DEAD AND I CAN'T DO ANYTHING TO RESTART IT BESIDES WAIT THE TEN MINUTES FOR …
COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. OCCURRED WHILE MOVING AT 50 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES WITHIN LAST 48 HOURS WHILE STATIONARY AND TRYING TO START THE TRUCK. I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM BEHIND THE LEFT END OF THE DASHBOARD.
DEALER REFUSED TO HONOR A TSB - 09V310000 - CONCERNING A FAILED / MALFUNCTIONING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE RECALL WAS EXPIRED. *JS *JS *TR THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL WAS NOT PERFORMED BECAUSE THE CONSUMER DOES NOT RESIDE IN LOUISANA OR GEORGIA. …
ABOUT 3 TIMES A WEEK MY TRUCK WILL NOT CRANK AND I'M THERE HAVING TO JUMP IT OFFF. I TRIED PUTTING A NEW BATTERY IN BUT IT STILL DOES IT. I DON'T SEE THIS HELPING ME OUT IF I'M HAVING TO RUSH TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR IF I'M SOMEWHERE AND NEED TO LEAVE IMMEDIATELY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MAN…
GM HAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS RANGE OF TRUCKS IN REGARDS TO THE PASS-LOCK ANTI-THEFT MODULE BEING DEFECTIVE. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY THINKS ITS BEING CAR JACKED AND THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATES, LEAVING YOU STRANDED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINS. I HAVE BEE…
I HAD MY FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE REPLACED ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO ON 04/17/2017. FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS WATER IN THE MODULE WHICH CAUSED MY ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND MY VEHICLE NOT TO START, WHICH IS THE EXACT CONSE…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2009 Chevrolet Colorado Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 67 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (36 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (10 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 67 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Chevrolet Colorado reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.