2009 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Chevrolet Colorado has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Passlock/ignition switch no-crank no-start condition.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado.

Reported to NHTSA

Passlock/ignition switch no-crank no-start condition

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

34 NHTSA complaints · 2011-02 → 2021-06

“GM HAS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS RANGE OF TRUCKS IN REGARDS TO THE PASS-LOCK ANTI-THEFT MODULE BEING DEFECTIVE. WHAT HAPPENS IS THE TRUCK INTERMITTENTLY THINKS ITS BEING CAR JACKED AND THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATES, LEAVING YOU STRANDED FOR APPROXIMATELY 10 MINS. I HAVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11074525
“MY TRUCK WILL NOT START SOMETIMES. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY. IT MIGHT START FINE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, THEN IT WILL NOT START EVERY OTHER DAY OR WEEK FOR SEVERAL WEEKS. I HAVE FOUND THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR AND INTERNET RESEARCH, THAT IT WILL EVENTUALLY START AFTER WAITING EITHER 10,”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967682
“NO CRANK, NO START CONDITION CAUSED BY DEFECTIVE IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING (PASS LOCK SENSOR FAILURE) THAT CAN LEAVE OWNER STRANDED. THIS IS WIDESPREAD AMONG GM AND CHEVROLET COLORADO VEHICLES. GM NEEDS TO REDESIGN IGNITION SWITCH HOUSING AND PASS LOCK SENSOR TO PREVENT FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10668213

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel system control module water intrusion

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

8 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2019-12

“I HAD MY FUEL SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE REPLACED ON MY 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO ON 04/17/2017. FOR SOME REASON MY VEHICLE ISN'T COVERED IN THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS WATER IN THE MODULE WHICH CAUSED MY ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON AND MY VEHICLE NOT TO START, WHICH IS THE EXACT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11066662
“MY VEHICLE BROKE DOWN DUE TO KNOWN GM RECALL NO. 08411 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V154000.) AFTER PAYING OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE IT TOWED INTO THE LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER, THEY REFUSED TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR AS STATED IN THE REMEDY. REPORT RECEIPT DATE: MAY 06, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10683153

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Complete electrical system shutdown while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2014-08 → 2018-09

“COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. OCCURRED WHILE MOVING AT 50 MPH ON A STATE HIGHWAY AND OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES WITHIN LAST 48 HOURS WHILE STATIONARY AND TRYING TO START THE TRUCK. I HEAR A CLICKING SOUND FROM BEHIND THE LEFT END OF THE DASHBOARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11129643
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING SHUT OFF. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR DURING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079816
“TRAVELING ON A DARK COLD NIGHT WHEN VEHICLE CODED SERVICE ENGINE ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL CAME ON WE HAD NO HEADLIGHTS BRAKES LIGHTS NO WIPERS NO HEAT OR AIR AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK DOORS. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT WE GIT OFF THE SIDE IF ROAD BEFORE ANY COLLISON. WE WERE UNABLE TO GET”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10628910

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag warning light from door-hinge wiring harness

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2015-02 → 2023-06

“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526829
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WIRE HARNESS TRAVELED THROUGH THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR HINGE AND, WITH EXCESSIVE USAGE OF THE DOOR, THE WIRES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10790313
“THE WIRING HARNESS THAT PASSES THROUGH THE REAR DRIVERS SIDE DOOR OF MY EXTENDED CAB HAS FAILED TWICE NOW. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED AT 45K AND MOST RECENTLY AT 54K MILES. BOTH INSTANCES CAUSE THE AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON AS A RESULT OF A BROKEN WIRE IN THE HARNESS (GM PART #”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10783060

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Frame and undercarriage suspension corrosion

STRUCTURE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2021-06 → 2023-11

“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic became aware that the entire subframe was extremely rusted and notified the contact. Additionally, the leaf spring on the driver’s side was also extremely rusted”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11553952
“The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact had taken his vehicle for state inspection and was informed by an inspector that there was significant corrosion on the main undercarriage suspension. The contact was informed by the inspector that due to the severity of”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420385
“Frame has rusted to the point it is dangerous to drive looking at available date this is a problem on most model Colorado and canyon mine is so bad I will not drive it and it looks like most of them are the same. I do not know satitics but I am sure there have been many injury’s”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11550869

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

AC blower motor resistor fire under glove box

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 NHTSA complaints · 2015-10 → 2015-12

“ON DECEMBER 6, 2015 I WAS DRIVING MY COLORADO WHEN I SMELLED AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. A FEW MINUTES LATER MY PASSENGER TOLD ME TO PULL OVER. THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. IT WAS THE AC BLOWER FAN RESISTOR. WE WERE ABLE TO GET TO A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10809153
“ON FRIDAY MORNING AT 8:10AM I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY TO WORK DOWN AUBURN WAY WHEN MY CHEVROLET COLORADO BEGAN TO SMELL LIKE SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WAS BURNING SECONDS LATER I NOTICED SMOKED COMING FROM UNDER MY GLOVE BOX ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. A FEW SECOND S LATER I SAW FLAMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10786600

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Driveline and transmission cooler line failure

POWER TRAIN

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-10 → 2014-04

“THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE WAS NOT SEATED IN ITS CLAMP/FITTING ALLOWING THE METAL LINE TO CONTACT/RUB THE STEEL FRAME WHEREBY A HOLE WAS WORN THROUGH TUBING. THIS CAUSED A TRANSMISSION OIL LEAK WHEREBY THE LEAKED FLUID WAS BEING SPRAYED ALONG THE UNDERSIDE OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10577049
“ON SATURDAY OCT 24 2009 I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO WITH 1863 MILES ON IT ON THE HIGHWAY IN CHICAGO ALL OF A SUDDEN MY WIFE AND I FELT A SHUDDER IN THE TRUCK I THOUGHT IT WAS THE WIND ABOUT A MILE FURTHER WE FELT A EXPLOSION UNDER THE TRUCK SPARKS AND SMOKE COMING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10289928

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 45,000 mi

GM long-life cellulose air filters are rated 45,000 miles. Direct-injection engines are sensitive to airflow restriction; inspect at every oil change.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

Severe service (heavy towing, frequent stop-and-go, dusty conditions): replace every 45,000 miles. Normal service: 97,500 miles. Use Dexron-VI on 6L80/8L90 transmissions.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Transfer Case Fluid (4WD)

Every 45,000 mi

On 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid every 45,000 miles — sooner if towing or off-roading. Use GM Auto-Trak II fluid.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

GM iridium spark plugs are rated 100,000 miles on most LS and LT engines. The 5.3L V8 in Silverado 1500 commonly fouls plugs early under heavy idling.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Dex-Cool Engine Coolant

Every 50,000 mi

GM Dex-Cool (orange): first change at 150,000 miles or 5 years, then every 50,000 miles. Mixing with green coolant creates a sludge that destroys the cooling system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Rear Differential Fluid

Every 50,000 mi

Silverado and Tahoe: replace rear axle fluid every 50,000 miles, or 25,000 miles if towing. Limited-slip differentials require GM friction-modifier additive.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$150–$195

Shop

~$105–$135

DIY

~$20–$50

Drain plug + fill plug — straightforward DIY. AWD vehicles have two; budget for both.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

38 crashes 1990–2024

How the 38 occupant deaths break down

30

driver deaths

8

passenger deaths

38

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2009 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

4

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2009 Chevrolet Colorado reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.