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moderate 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Of the 20 lighting complaints filed for the 2006 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Among the 8 model years of Chevrolet Colorado in our records for lighting problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 16 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
A following driver may not know when the brakes have been applied, and a rear-end crash could occur without prior warning.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The overwhelming complaint pattern is brake light switch failure. Owners report losing all brake lights with no warning—sometimes after being rear-ended, often alerted by other drivers. Failures occur across the mileage range (44,000 to 153,000 miles) and appear to be a recurring defect: one original owner documented six replacements, and another had the switch fail multiple times within weeks after recall service at 47,050 miles.
GM issued two recalls for this exact issue (06V139000 and 09V310000), but owners consistently report their VINs are excluded from coverage even though they have the identical symptoms. Dealers compound the problem by refusing to honor repeat repairs once an initial recall service is complete, or by claiming the vehicle was "operating as intended." After recall service expires, even Chevrolet customer assistance declines further help.
A secondary electrical issue appears in one complaint: brake light bulb sockets melting from heat, followed by the replacement assembly blowing fuses intermittently when the brakes are applied—a cycle that repeats with each new assembly.
Headlight problems include condensation buildup in the lens during wet weather that causes permanent fogging, and an odd design where high beams and low beams cannot operate simultaneously, killing visibility at night. One owner also reported nonfunctional radio preset lights and window lights.
Same Chevrolet Colorado lighting reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Brake light switch fails intermittently or completely, causing brake lights to not illuminate when brake pedal is depressed. Often recurs after warranty repair or recall service.
When: 44,000–153,000 miles; some failures occur within weeks/months after recall repair (47,050 miles same day as repair)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when brakes applied; Third parties alert driver that brake lights are out; Police stops for non-functional brake lights; Cruise control may also be inoperative
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 06V139000, NHTSA 09V310000
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replacement required; owners report multiple replacements (up to 6 times on one vehicle). Brake light bulb replacement alone does not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls 06V139000 and 09V310000 issued; however, many VINs reported as excluded from coverage despite exhibiting identical symptoms. Dealers deny repeat repairs or warranty responsibility after initial recall service. Chevrolet customer assistance stated no further assistance available for some out-of-warranty repeat failures.
Right and left top brake light bulb sockets melt from heat, and replacement assemblies experience electrical faults that blow fuses when brakes are applied.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Bulb sockets melt from excessive heat; Brake light fuse blows intermittently when brakes applied; Unpredictable fuse failure creates danger of rear-end collision
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light assemblies replaced at $198.00; does not eliminate underlying electrical fault causing fuse blow.
High beams and low beams do not operate simultaneously; when high beams are on, low beams are off, reducing nighttime visibility.
When: 40,000–44,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low beams do not operate when high beams are on; High beams and low beams cannot be used together; Reduced visibility during nighttime driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer advised vehicle operating as intended; no repair performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated vehicle is operating as designed; no corrective action taken.
Headlight lens develops heavy condensation buildup during rainy weather, causing lamps to fail and lens to become permanently fogged and stained.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy condensation inside headlight lens during wet weather; Headlight bulb failure due to moisture; Lens becomes fogged and permanently stained; One headlight burns brighter than the other
Radio preset lights, scan tune lights, and window lights do not work.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Radio light does not work on presets or scan tune; Window lights inoperative
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Brake light switch out again. Had a recall on this in 2006. Matter was taken care of, but problems exists again. Called dealership and they said I am responsible for paying for the repair. Called customer assistance center through Chevrolet and they told me the same as the dealership. I believe this is a malfunction that gm needs to own up to and repair for me and all other customers with this…
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet colorado. The cruise control and the brake lights were inoperative. He replaced the break light bulb. The repair did not remedy the failure. He filed report 71-786235821 with the manufacturer. He was advised that his vehicle identification number was excluded from recall 09v310000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). He was then advised to let them…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 40,351 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,351; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.