Severe Issues

2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. This model year has 41 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

41
Complaints
3
Crashes
2
Fires
2
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
2
Recalls

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2012 Chevrolet Colorado Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
11
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Fires:1
Injuries:2
#2
9
complaints

Airbag Malfunctions

#3
8
complaints

Electrical Faults

Fires:1

Considering a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems1111β€”
Airbag Malfunctions9β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults8β€”1β€”
Brake System71β€”β€”
Steering Defects51β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5β€”β€”β€”
Structural Problems32β€”β€”
Suspension Failures21β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain21β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures2β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System1β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

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Showing 41 most recent complaints

Fuel/Propulsion SystemJun 25, 2025

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…

Structural ProblemsDec 9, 2022

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…

Steering DefectsπŸ’₯ CrashFeb 10, 2022

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…

Electrical FaultsπŸ”₯ FireJan 19, 2022

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 …

Airbag MalfunctionsAug 23, 2021

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…

Brake SystemJul 21, 2021

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.

Electrical FaultsFeb 12, 2021

VEHICLE RANDOMLY DOES NOT START AND HAVE TO SIT 10 MINUTES BEFORE IT STARTS UP AGAIN. IS CONSIDERED A NON RUNNING VEHICLE!

Steering DefectsDec 9, 2020

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsNov 3, 2020

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

Electrical FaultsSep 16, 2020

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.

Electrical FaultsOct 1, 2019

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…

Engine ProblemsSep 26, 2019

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…

Electrical FaultsSep 11, 2019

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsApr 19, 2019

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.

Brake SystemMar 18, 2019

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.

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Oct 20, 2018

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

Steering DefectsMay 21, 2018

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…

Engine ProblemsApr 13, 2018

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…

Airbag MalfunctionsJul 15, 2017

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.

Uncategorized IssuesSep 20, 2016

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…

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Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.

Recalls for 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

2 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

11V552000Invalid Date
SEAT BELTS:FRONT

12V594000Invalid Date
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH

2012 Chevrolet Colorado β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has 41 NHTSA owner complaints, 3 crash-related, and 2 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (11 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?β–Ύ

#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?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?β–Ύ

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has 3 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 41 total NHTSA complaints. 2 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The largest issue: SEAT BELTS:FRONT. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?β–Ύ

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

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.

Check Your Specific 2012 Chevrolet Colorado

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado Problems β€” 41 NHTSA Complaints | VinSpector AI