NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2016 Chevrolet Colorado recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado and 712 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are steering (462), electrical system (119), power train (97). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 20–22 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Colorado model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 4

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pumpNHTSA #18V358000 · 05/31/2018

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2018 GMC Canyon, 2016-2017 Buick Envision, 2016-2018 Chevrolet Colorado and Malibu, 2017-2018 GMC Acadia, 2018 Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac ATS, Chevrolet Equinox, and GMC Terrain vehicles. The high pressure fuel pump may detach from its mounting flange, possibly resulting in the pump damaging the high pressure fuel line.

Risk: A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18188.

Air bags · frontalNHTSA #17V621000 · 10/05/2017

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado, and 2016 Chevrolet Volt vehicles. The driver's frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2017. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17387.

Air bags · frontalNHTSA #16V125000 · 03/02/2016

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles manufactured January 19, 2016, to February 2, 2016, Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured January 9, 2016, to January 26, 2016, and 2016 GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured January 21, 2016, to February 4, 2016. The driver frontal air bag may improperly inflate during second-stage deployment in the event of a high speed crash.

Risk: An improperly inflated air bag increases the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on April 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 28030.

Latches/locks/linkagesNHTSA #15V807000 · 12/01/2015

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016 Chevrolet Colorado trucks manufactured August 25, 2015 to September 24, 2015, and GMC Canyon trucks manufactured August 28, 2015 to September 24, 2015. The affected vehicles have a console compartment lid latch assembly that may fail to keep the compartment door closed in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Risk: If the console compartment door does not remain closed in a crash, the contents stored in the console may strike the vehicle occupants, increasing their risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the console compartment door latch assembly, free of charge. The recall began on January 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16370.

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

Steering462
Electrical system119
Power train97
Engine48
Unknown or other48
Service brakes41
Electronic stability control (esc)36
Vehicle speed control24

By the numbers

712owner complaints filed
14involved a crash
1involved a fire
6injuries reported

Recent owner reports

10/13/2026 · Steering,electrical system

The truck suddenly losses power steering and traction control during trips rendering the vehicle with no power steering. Upon stopping and restarting the truck, the power steering can return to the vehicle or stay turned off. This is a concerning safety issue as the power steering can give out at any point during a trip.

10/11/2026 · Steering

While driving, the steering suddenly failed. I was physically unable to steer the vehicle, which made it impossible to continue driving safely. This has happened a few times and I have been able to turn the vehicle off and restart and the steering will work again.

10/09/2026 · Steering

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and operated as intended. The contact a…

Safety ratings

2016 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2016 Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC 4WD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

2016 Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC RWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado.

Colorado 2WD

Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L

20city
26hwy
22combined

Regular

Colorado 2WD

Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L

18city
25hwy
21combined

Regular

Colorado 4WD

Auto 6-spd · 4 cyl · 2.5 L

19city
24hwy
21combined

Regular

Colorado 4WD

Auto 6-spd · 6 cyl · 3.6 L

17city
24hwy
20combined

Regular

Other model years

Compare every Chevrolet Colorado year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado have?

NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (05/31/2018). 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 2016 Chevrolet Colorado?

Based on 712 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are steering (462), electrical system (119), power train (97).

Is the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado safe?

The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.

Is the 2016 a good year for the Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2016 has the most owner complaints of any Colorado model year from 2012 to 2025. It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 2.0 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado get?

EPA ratings for the 2016 Chevrolet Colorado range from 20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2016 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.

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