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ProblemsByVin File / 2011-CHEVROLET-COLORADO NHTSA data synced 7 hours ago
2011 · Chevrolet

Chevrolet Colorado problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 42 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.2 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

1
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2011 Colorado?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
13 reports · fails ~71,166 mi · avg $850
moderate
airbags
8 reports · fails ~59,027 mi · avg $1,100
severe
engine
4 reports · fails ~55,661 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
lighting
3 reports · fails ~37,041 mi · avg $250
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2011 Colorado's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2011 Colorado?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2011 Colorado · airbags Crash
The truck struck another larger truck in the driver side door, head on, and the air bag did not deploy causing additional injury to myself. *tr
11/04/2014 · at 73,500 mi · NHTSA ODI #10652402.0 · see airbags pattern →
2011 Colorado · seatbelts
My vehicle's electronic safety system began to report that the driver's side seatbelt was not latched, even though it was. I took it in for diagnosis & repair at my local gm dealer (bob hook Chevrolet, 4144 bardstown rd., louisville ky 40218). However, the first replacement…
10/29/2014 · at 33,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10651063.0
2011 Colorado · electrical
I think they need check for recalls on ignition switch for 2011 Chevrolet colorado and 2006-2008 Hummer
10/25/2019 · at 119,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11270961.0 · see electrical pattern →
2011 Colorado · electrical
They need be investigation on 2011 Chevrolet colorado for ignition switch and also on 2006 Hummer h3. Both vehicle won't start then 20 min later it will start. Had battery and alternator checked out and nothing else is showing up.
10/25/2019 · at 119,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11270969.0 · see electrical pattern →
View all 42 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2011 Chevrolet Colorado? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 3

critical NHTSA 10V575000 November 18, 2010

Gm is recalling certain model year 2004-2011, Chevrolet colorado, GMC canyon, model year 2006, isuzu I-280/I-350, and model year 2007-2008, I-290/I-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat

Both NHTSA and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. Nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. Lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. Improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.

Fix: Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. The manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or visit gm's website at www.gmownercenter.com.
severe NHTSA 11V337000 June 28, 2011

General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2

The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.

Fix: Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about july 19, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
severe NHTSA 11V276000 May 6, 2011

General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles manufactured from september 22, 2010, through november 5, 2010

Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before may 11, 2011. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.

Common questions

Is the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 3 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 13 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 71,166 miles. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 71,166 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chevrolet Colorado has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 42 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 7 hours ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Colorado. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chevrolet. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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