This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Chevrolet Colorado electrical problems
moderate 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 13 electrical complaints filed for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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 bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number for reflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 Colorado's electrical gremlins center on chronic starting failures. Multiple owners describe the same pattern: the truck won't start, dashboard goes dead, then 10-30 minutes later it fires up fine. Battery, starter, and alternator test good every time. Many point to the passlock sensor in the ignition lock housing; one owner fixed it himself by replacing the sensor and the problem vanished. That same owner notes this is a documented issue with hundreds of online videos—GM reportedly charges hundreds to fix it.
Some owners get handed the runaround at dealerships. One went to three shops and Chevy customer service; all dismissed the ignition switch theory even though online searches show it's a known problem across Chevy, GMC, and Hummer trucks from that era.
A separate batch of complaints involves the ignition inline fuse blowing repeatedly with no pattern. When it blows while driving, the engine stalls and power steering quits. Dealers can't nail it down because the truck works fine once a fresh fuse goes in.
Rounding out the electrical mess: brake light switch failed at least twice on one truck (creating collision risk), and an airbag warning light that persisted even after the dealer repaired and replaced the driver rear door wiring harness. These vehicles are unreliable starters and have known wiring problems dealers struggle to resolve.
Same Chevrolet Colorado electrical reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Passlock sensor failure (ignition lock housing)
The passlock sensor in the ignition lock housing fails to recognize the original key, preventing vehicle start. Owners report intermittent start failures that occur randomly—sometimes 1 in 20 attempts, sometimes after short trips or multiple stops. The vehicle typically starts normally after waiting 10-30 minutes. This appears to be a widespread issue referenced extensively online.
When: Intermittent, often after short trips or multiple stops; can occur at any mileage starting around 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start despite good battery and starter; Dashboard goes dead when attempting start; Engine does not turn over; Security lock engages; Starts normally after 10-30 minute wait; Works fine in cold weather initially, fails after short drives
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing the faulty passlock sensor resolves the issue. GM charges hundreds for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny knowledge of defect history despite extensive online references. Manufacturer was notified in at least one case; no recall mentioned.
Ignition inline fuse blowing repeatedly
The ignition inline fuse blows intermittently while driving or at startup with no discernible pattern. Fuse replacement temporarily restores function, but the fuse blows again unpredictably. When the fuse blows while driving, the engine stops and power steering fails. Two dealerships unable to diagnose the problem because the truck operates normally when a fresh fuse is installed.
When: Intermittent; occurs while turning, on highway, at startup, or leaving driveway
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition fuse blows repeatedly; Engine stops while driving; Power steering fails; Multiple fuse replacements needed to get vehicle operational; No pattern to failure occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Requires fuse replacement, but underlying cause not identified by two dealerships. Root cause undiagnosed.
Intermittent no-start (electrical system)
Vehicle fails to start intermittently with either complete power loss or power present but no cranking. Multiple mechanics and dealers unable to find the problem. Battery, starter, alternator, solenoid, relays, and system shorts have all been ruled out as causes. Vehicle remains unreliable and unpredictable.
When: Intermittent, no clear trigger
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Sometimes power present but no crank; Sometimes complete power loss; Multiple diagnostic attempts yield no findings
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted due to inability to diagnose root cause. Battery, starter, alternator, solenoid, and relays tested good.
Brake light switch failure
The brake light switch fails, leaving the vehicle without brake lights and creating risk of rear-end collision. One owner reports this is the second failure of this component.
When: Second failure occurred; first replacement was on 05/02/2013
Symptoms owners cite: No brake lights
Repairs/costs cited: Switch replacement required. Repeat failure suggests premature wear or design defect.
Airbag warning light—door wiring harness failure
The airbag indicator light remains illuminated while driving. Root cause is broken or faulty wiring in the driver side rear door wiring harness affecting the airbag warning system and potentially airbag operation. Repair attempts included harness repair followed by harness replacement, but the failure recurred after the second repair.
When: Occurred at 47,270 miles; repeated multiple times
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag indicator light illuminated while driving; Failure recurs after repair attempts
Repairs/costs cited: Driver side rear door wiring harness repaired, then replaced. Failure persisted after replacement, suggesting possible connector or deeper electrical system issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
I think they need check for recalls on ignition switch for 2011 Chevrolet colorado and 2006-2008 Hummer
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.
Ignition switch faulty
I have an ongoing problem with a 2011 Chevrolet colorado truck not starting on numerous occasions. I have went to one dealership that could not help me after an entire day. I have talked to two other dealerships that could not help me. I have had an independent shop try to determine the problem. The truck periodically will not start and then after 15-30 minutes it will just start. The…
There are times when the truck will not start. It is generally when you have driven a short distance or made several stops. When cold the engine will fire right up. After a couple short trips, when you attempt to start the vehicle upon turning the key the dash will go dead. The engine will not turn over. Wait about 10-15 minutes and vehicle will start. Mechanic checks have ruled out…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet colorado. While driving, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the driver side rear door wiring harness was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and the wiring harness was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
The vehicle will intermittently not start. Sometimes there's power but won't crank. Sometimes there is no power to the vehicle at all. It has been to numerous mechanics, including the dealer, and no problems can be found. The vehicle is utterly unreliable.
Failure of brake light switch. This is the second failure. This switch was replaced on 05/02/2013. These failures could cause a rear end crash due to no brake lights. *tr
Inline ignition fuse keeps blowing while driving. The first two times were when I was turning, two other times were when it was driving on a state highway, one time after it just started, and another as I left my driveway. At times the truck will start when a fuse is replaced, at times it takes multiple fuse changes to get on the road. This results in the engine to stop and power steering to…
Passive lock sensor fails and you have to sit and wait 10 minutes before trying to restart for the car to start
Had electrical trouble with your 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 13 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 46,230 and 119,000 miles, with the median around 62,201. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,230; a quarter make it past 119,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Chevrolet/Colorado.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.