2012 Chevrolet Colorado recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado and 42 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (9), engine (8), electrical system (8). EPA-rated fuel economy is 16–21 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #2 of 12 Colorado model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (192). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch
Problem: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
Risk: If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Seat belts · front
Problem: General motors (gm) is recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet colorado and gmc canyon vehicles, manufactured from september 9, 2011, through october 19, 2011, for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle electrical connector terminals that do not fit snugly with the connector pins, causing the connection to be intermittent.
Risk: The loose connections may cause the driver to not receive a visual or audible warning that the driver seat belt is not fastened, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured.…
Regarding a fuel leak on my 2012 Chevrolet Colorado WT, caused by severe corrosion of the in-tank fuel pump module. This issue is of great concern, as it poses a potential fire hazard due to fuel spray near the exhaust system. Upon reviewing official documentation, I found that Recall 17V-243 appears to address a similar defect affecting 2004–2012 Colorado and Canyon models wit…
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver’s side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a welder who advised that the damaged was too severe to…
Safety ratings
2012 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC AWD
2012 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC AWD
2012 Chevrolet Colorado PU/RC AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
Colorado 2WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.9 L
Regular
Colorado 2WD
Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L
Regular
Colorado 4WD
Auto 4-spd · 4 cyl · 2.9 L
Regular
Colorado 4WD
Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · hood · latch (12/19/2012). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (9), engine (8), electrical system (8).
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado safe?
NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2012 ranks #2 of 12 Colorado model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (192). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado range from 16 to 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: COLORADO, Colorado.