Is the 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO reliable?

The 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO has 93 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.5x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: OTHER problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO?

Top problems: OTHER (18 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (15 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (12 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO?

Yes, there are 1 recall(s): SEAT BELTS. Contact any Chevrolet dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO?

The 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO gets 22 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2182. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO is approximately $1,757/year (truck-small class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Chevrolet COLORADO

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO has 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.5x the segment average of 181. The most common issue is other problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: wavy windows in all 4 doors on a brand new 2021 chevy colorado. dealer won't replace glass, windows are all misshapen and have specks throughout all the windows. makes it hard to see at night while driving.. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 1 fire report filed.

1 fire report 6 crash reports 4 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

0.5x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

OTHER

18 complaints

19%

• WAVY WINDOWS IN ALL 4 DOORS ON A BRAND NEW 2021 CHEVY COLORADO. DEALER WON'T REPLACE GLASS, WINDOWS ARE ALL MISSHAPEN AND HAVE SPECKS THROUGHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS. MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING.
• WE PURCHASED A NEW TRUCK AND WERE SHOCKED TO SEE THE LACK OF BASIC SAFETY FEATURES. WE ARE HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING IN IT BECAUSE OF A LACK OF STEP BAR AND GRAB HANDLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE PEDAL IS IN THE WRONG SPOT AND TRIPS US. THE CRUISE LIGHT CANNOT BE SEEN WHILE DRIVING. T
• This is to inform you of a safety-related vehicle service which may appear as a safety-related defect. Not only does it have the potential to affect each (1) vehicle which is serviced at such a facility but it also has the potential to affect (2) multiple vehicles across the federal interstate highw

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“WAVY WINDOWS IN ALL 4 DOORS ON A BRAND NEW 2021 CHEVY COLORADO. DEALER WON'T REPLACE GLASS, WINDOWS ARE ALL MISSHAPEN AND HAVE SPECKS THROUGHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS. MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO

Based on 20 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 36K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (1)

SEAT BELTS23/12/2020

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 may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

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.

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 customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,182

Per month

$182

Per mile

18.2¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,667/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,600/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Chevrolet COLORADO

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,757

Full coverage / month

$146

Liability only / year

$617

vs US avg

+5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (truck-small)1.02x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1757

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Chevrolet COLORADO Service Intervals

Oil change

8K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

8K mi

Brake fluid

36 months

Transmission fluid

45K mi

Engine coolant

150K mi

Spark plugs

100K mi

Cabin air filter

23K mi

Engine air filter

45K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

45K mi

GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

6 yr / 100K mi

Roadside assistance

5 yr / 60K mi

These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2021 COLORADO, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 93 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
OTHER: WAVY WINDOWS IN ALL 4 DOORS ON A BRAND NEW 2021 CHEVY COLORADO. DEALER WON'T REPLACE GLASS, WINDOWS ARE ALL MISSHAPEN AND HAVE SPECKS THROUGHOUT ALL THE WINDOWS. MAKES IT HARD TO SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while towing a 2020 Forest River ePro 20BHS, the service DEF system malfunctioned, not allowing the contact to view the temperature and the towing controller. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: The brakes went out on the vehicle while my service technician was driving and he barely missed getting in an accident. We had it towed to the Chevy dealer and the brake Pump shattered causing damage to the exhaust clamp and they are telling me it’s not under warranty or recall but I see this is hap
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: My radio volume goes nuts and the controls go unresponsive, The unit brings the volume up to max I can not hear emergency crews if they are using the siren. This also creates a safety issues as now I am taking my eyes off the road to try and stop the problem. The infotainment system is failing ye
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)