2021 Chevrolet Colorado Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering seat belts. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake vacuum pump failure with brake loss and camshaft damage.” 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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1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V811000 · Dec 23, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

Recall data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado.

Reported to NHTSA

Brake vacuum pump failure with brake loss and camshaft damage

SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE

14 NHTSA complaints · 2023-11 → 2026-08

“While driving downhill nearing a stop sign my wife went to apply the brakes to stop and all she had was an extremely hard brake pedal. She panicked that she “no brakes.” She was only going about 20 MPH, and was able to stop the vehicle but it took an extraordinary amount of…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749435
“In December 2024, at under 50,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado suffered complete brake failure caused by vacuum pump failure. The vacuum pump failure led to irreparable internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement under warranty”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705918
“While driving a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado on Interstate 95 in Florida, the vehicle suddenly experienced a loss of brake assist. The brake pedal became extremely hard and very difficult to press. The driver had difficulty slowing the vehicle and had to use the emergency brake to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11724720
“I was on my way home from work and I was on Highway 16 in Washington state near Port Orchard and I was driving 64mph and all vehicles in front of me were all breaking slowing down pretty fast and when I pressed down on my brakes the brakes were totally stiff I could not stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11695149

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Key stuck in ignition due to gear shift mechanism

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-09

“Beginning at approximately 80,000 miles I began to notice I could not remove the key from the ignition switch at times. Turning the vehicle on and off, shifting repeatedly into park, turning the steering wheel and pressing the brake had no effect”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11686850
“2021 CPO Colorado, bought used with 27,000 miles. KEY STUCK IN IGNITION. After 9 months of occasional use the key is, more times than not, getting stuck in the ignition when the truck is turned off. You cannot leave it this way because some systems are still energized”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11731793
“I have 2021 Chevy Colorado pickup truck. Put the truck in park and unable to turn off and remove the key. This is the third time this has happened this week . The first two times I moved the shifter from park to drive and back and it released”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11517312

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss while driving

STEERING

7 NHTSA complaints · 2023-04 → 2026-07

“Power steering completely failed on 6/28/2024. Truck was purchased new in March 2021, and has less than 36,000 miles. Local Chevy dealer said entire power steering assist assembly must be replaced at $2,000+ but the wire harness is on backorder”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11600408
“Starting my 2021 Chevy Colorado Zr2 in the morning and noticed the "service power steering, drive with care message. 40,000 miles. No power steering. This would clear after leaving vehicle sit and restarting”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11699539
“Steering becomes extremely stiff after 20 min at highway speeds. The problem only happens during highway speeds. Steering will "stick" and when wanting to change lanes or avoid a rough spot or hazard. You have to jerk the steering wheel to break it loose”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11589852

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag non-deployment in crashes and airbag warning light

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2021-04 → 2026-08

“I was involved in accident where a driver ran a red light traveling approximately 60-70MPH and collided with the front of my 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (22700 Miles). The hood was torn off, the entire front end of the truck was crushed with significant damage to the engine”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616836
“We bought this truck from a dealer (used) and before delivery the driver seat belt recall was repaired as it was still open. Now, months later, the airbag light is on with a warning and it appears that the airbags are disabled. This started as an intermittent issue and now…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11754933
“TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS CLIENT'S FATHER WHO OWNED A 2021 CHEVROLET COLORADO. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE CLIENT'S FATHER WAS ATTEMPTING TO TURN AROUND ON A NARROW ROAD, THE VEHICLE FELL OFF A CLIFF AND CRASHED INTO A CREEK BED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11414238

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Camshaft actuator valve failure and engine check light

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:CRANK/CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

4 NHTSA complaints · 2023-08 → 2026-06

“Just prior to 8/1/22, check engine light came on. They found P0014 set, lack of power, rough idle. They found oil pushed through bank 1 cam solenoid actuator and had to replace on 8/1/22. Check engine light came on again in mid August 2023. Found P0024 code and had had to…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11540794
“The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft actuator valve needed to be replaced”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746459

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Infotainment system reboot and uncontrolled volume

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-11 → 2022-08

“I have had multiple instances where the "infotainment" center as well as electronic components on my dash have shut down completely while driving. The truck stays running while it does this. The electronics then take a few minutes to "reboot" and then return to normal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478503
“My radio volume goes nuts and the controls go unresponsive, The unit brings the volume up to max I can not hear emergency crews if they are using the siren. This also creates a safety issues as now I am taking my eyes off the road to try and stop the problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11439172

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Catastrophic engine failure while driving

ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2025-06

“There was a catastrophic engine failure of a 2021 Colorado 3.6L V6 engine. The engine has been replaced by GM and the failed engine is in the dealers' possession. While driving on a congested street, the engine misfired and immediately stopped. The vehicle rolled to a stop in…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11658549
“Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665235

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)

20 crashes 1990–2024

How the 20 occupant deaths break down

18

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

20

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2021 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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2021 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.