2021 Chevrolet Colorado: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
A high point for the generation, J.D. Power rated the 2021 Colorado near the top of the midsize class and complaint volume is low. Recurring brake-vacuum-pump and stuck-ignition-key issues are the main asterisks. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ranged from $25,200 to $42,600 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
A high point for the generation, J.D. Power rated the 2021 Colorado near the top of the midsize class and complaint volume is low. Recurring brake-vacuum-pump and stuck-ignition-key issues are the main asterisks.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/chevrolet/colorado
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/chevrolet-colorado-reliability-and-common-probl…
Known issues
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Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine.
commonly reported · 15 NHTSA complaints · brake
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The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related.
widespread · 67 NHTSA complaints · transmission
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Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D).
occasional · 28 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Key becomes trapped in the ignition and cannot be removed with the truck in park, requiring repeated shifter movement; linked to the park-position sensor.
commonly reported · 20 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Parasitic battery drain, often traced to the infotainment module not powering down, leaves trucks unable to start; a GM-wide issue across Chevrolet and GMC models.
occasional · 10 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=chevrolet&model=col…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WT | $25,200 | $32,400 | 2.5L 4-cyl (200 hp) | 22 |
| LT | $29,700 | $36,000 | 2.5L 4-cyl (200 hp) | 22 |
| Z71 | $34,800 | $44,600 | 3.6L V6 (308 hp) | 21 |
| ZR2 | $42,600 | $50,700 | 3.6L V6 (308 hp) | 17 |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (5)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-chevrolet-colorado-price
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/42545
- online.carshttps://www.online.cars/blog/get-to-know-the-second-generation-chevy-colorado…
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/42546
- fueleconomy.govhttps://www.fueleconomy.gov/ws/rest/vehicle/42551
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($25,200). Higher trims started higher (up to $42,600), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 9% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/depreciation
Cost to own
| Routine maintenance | ≈ $1,000–1,100/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,300–2,400/yr |
| Fuel (12k mi/yr, 22 MPG) | ≈ $1,745/yr |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/maintenance
- caredge.comhttps://caredge.com/chevrolet/colorado/insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
Documented issue patterns include: Brake-booster vacuum pump fails, causing a hard pedal and reduced stopping power; dealers describe it as a known Colorado issue and the failure can also damage the engine; The 8-speed automatic shudders and vibrates under light acceleration (often 30-70 mph), described as driving over rumble strips; GM TSB 18-NA-355 prescribes heavier transmission fluid with mixed results. Torque-converter related; Engine wiring harness chafes against the block and shorts, causing electrical faults such as warning lights, wipers or lights activating on their own and even steering lock-up (TSB PIT5626D); Key becomes trapped in the ignition and cannot be removed with the truck in park, requiring repeated shifter movement; linked to the park-position sensor. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
A high point for the generation, J.D. Power rated the 2021 Colorado near the top of the midsize class and complaint volume is low. Recurring brake-vacuum-pump and stuck-ignition-key issues are the main asterisks.
How much did the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado cost new?
Between $25,200 and $42,600 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Chevrolet Colorado expensive to maintain?
Estimated routine maintenance runs about $1,000–1,100/year.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.