2012 Chevrolet Colorado: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2012 Chevrolet Colorado? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 41 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2012 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.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program6 variants tested — showing 2012 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC AWDOfficial 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has 41 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Chevrolet
- Model
- Colorado
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 41
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 23
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake and steering systems before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any reported issues or unusual noises.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the brake and steering systems before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 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
NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado are concentrated in engine problems, airbag malfunctions, and electrical faults. Crash-related complaints are few, and the confidence level is low due to limited data.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among the 2012 model year.
- Airbag malfunctions and electrical faults are also frequently reported.
- Brake system and steering defects appear in a moderate number of complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
All 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 11 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 8 | — | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Regarding a fuel leak on my 2012 Chevrolet Colorado WT, caused by severe corrosion of the in-tank fuel pump module. This issue is of great concern, as it poses a potential fire hazard due to fuel spray near the exhaust system. Upon reviewing official documentation, I found that R…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver’s side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin o…
The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up c…
That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 …
The wiring for the airbags runs through a hinge in the extended cab doors. I don’t use my rear doors much, but I would say that I use them a normal amount. Regular opening and closing of the door will cause the wires to break, thus making the airbags inoperable. Normal use of doo…
Traction control dash light is illuminated and display states "Traction Fault Service Stab Sys". Dealer stated there were no codes present and they did not know the cause. Fault occurs before engine crank and is intermittent, happening 8-9 times out of 10.
VEHICLE RANDOMLY DOES NOT START AND HAVE TO SIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS UP AGAIN. IS CONSIDERED A NON RUNNING VEHICLE!
POPPING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT AND APPLYING BRAKES.COME TO FIND OUT THE FRAME IS CRACKED ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT FRAME RAILS AT THE FACTORY WELDS. THIS TRUCK HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT AND I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CHEVY DEALER CONDEMNED THE TRUCK…
ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON, I'VE CHECKED THE CODES IT GIVES ME AND IT B0065, B0066, I'VE CHECKED ALL THE WIRES AND THEY ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION, DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW
THIS TRUCK ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES AND THE IGNITION SWITCH WENT OUT. I GOOGLED IT AND SEEN THERE ARE TONS OF OTHERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE. WENT TO START TRUCK AND IT WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED. THE CONTACT HAD TO REMOVE THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT A FEW MINUTES, REINSTALL THE BATTERY CABLE, WAIT AN ADDITIONAL FEW MINUTES, AND THEN START THE VEHICLE FOR IT TO R…
AS LONG AS THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. I TAKE OFF THE NEGATIVE CLAMP OFF THE BATTERY AN WAIT 10 MINUTES IT WILL START. IF I USE THE REMOTE TO LOCK THE TRUCK EVERY THIRD TIME THE TRUCK WILL NOT START. AN SOME TIMES IT DOES IT MORE THAN THAT. SO I DON'T U…
WILL NOT START HAVE TO TAKE OFF - POST FROM BATTERY THEN 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS. THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES FOR THE 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS.. EMS NEEDS REPLACED. IF I LOCK THE TRUCK AFTER THE 3 TIME IT STARTS THIS S(XXX). 2012 CHEVY. COLORADO. IT'S NOT THE KEY OR SWI…
SHORTLY AFTER I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK WITH 33000 MILE ON IT IN JUNE OF 2018 THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND HAS CONTINUED TO REMAIN LIT SINCE THAT TIME. SINCE THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER UNDER WARRRANTY, I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO GET IT REPAIRED.
ABS MODULE LIGHT GM ISN'T MAKING THE MODULE TO FIX THIS ISSUE AND HAS NO PLANS TO MAKE MORE. THIS MEANS THIS ISSUE CANNOT BE FIXED.
I KEEP GETTING WARNING. SERVICE STAB SYSTEM. WHAT I HAVE READ ON LINE IS THAT THIS IS A GM COMPUTER PROBLEM THAT GM DOESN'T WANT TO FIX
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER AND THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD TO FIND…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL WHISTLING NOISE WAS HEARD AND GREW WORSE OVER THE PAST MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAD A CRACK DOWN THE MIDDLE AND NEE…
VEHICLE HAS ONLY 40,000 MILES. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING LIGHT FOR THE AIR BAG STAYED LIT. THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE AND IT COST ME $250 TO REPLACE THE WIRING.
SHUT OFF, DO NOT LOCK, TRY TO START AND THE CAR WITH THE PADLOCK IS LIT UP AND I CANNOT START THE PICKUP. HIT LOCK, UNLOCK, STILL WON'T GET RID OF CAR/PADLOCK LIGHT.. GET OUT HIT LOCK, UNLOCK. STILL WON'T GET RID OF CAR/PADLOCK LIGHT. I HAVE TO KEEP DOING THIS UNTIL THE LIGHT G…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. 2 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.
2012 Chevrolet Colorado Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 41 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
#1: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (9 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (8 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 41 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. A major recall area is SEAT BELTS:FRONT. 2 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 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?▾
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. 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 Engine Problems 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 2012 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.