MODEL
Chevrolet Colorado Safety
NHTSA safety across every Chevrolet Colorado model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Chevrolet Colorado we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2024 at 71. 10 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck aimed at buyers who want truck capability without the bulk of a full-size. Positioned squarely against rivals like the Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma, the Colorado appeals to work-oriented drivers, outdoor enthusiasts, and daily commuters who need towing and hauling flexibility. Across the 2019 to 2025 model years, MotorCaliber tracks its safety record closely using federal NHTSA data.
The 2022 Chevrolet Colorado achieves a Strong rating for safety, with an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100. This is a notable accomplishment within the mid-size truck segment, which frequently faces challenges with rollover vulnerability. Indeed, the Colorado's rollover rating peaks at 3 out of 5 stars, a consistent figure across its best-performing years, indicating this remains a significant factor for prospective buyers. In other crash categories, the Colorado demonstrates more robust performance. Its side-impact protection reaches 5 out of 5 stars, with frontal crash performance rated at 4 out of 5 stars. These are respectable results. However, not all model years within the 2019 to 2025 generation consistently maintain this level of performance; some fall into the Average safety band. Recall data for this generation shows 9 separate actions. While moderate, these warrant review. Owner complaints total 604 across the covered model years, including 23 alleged crashes, 9 alleged fires, 33 alleged injuries, and 3 alleged deaths. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints specifically suggest a point of focus during any pre-purchase inspection. The Chevrolet Colorado offers genuine safety strengths, particularly in its side protection. However, the persistent 3-star rollover rating and the inconsistency in year-to-year performance across the generation mean that the 2022 model year stands out as the strongest choice, and verifying open recalls is essential for any potential buyer.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Chevrolet Colorado as a capable and well-rounded mid-size truck that balances everyday usability with genuine off-road and work-site credentials. Most praise its powertrain options and interior improvements in newer generations, though reviewers tend to note that the segment is competitive and that the Colorado's driver-assistance technology has evolved meaningfully over the covered model years.
- The 2022 Colorado achieves the strongest NHTSA Safety Index in the covered range at 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Not all model years in the 2019 to 2025 range match this result, so checking the specific year you are considering is important.
- Rollover resistance is a consistent weak point, with a best-year rating of just 3 out of 5 stars. This is partly a physics reality for mid-size trucks, but shoppers who frequently carry passengers or drive on uneven terrain should weigh this rating carefully.
- Nine recalls have been issued across the covered model years. Always run the vehicle's VIN through the NHTSA recall database before purchase to confirm that any open recalls have been properly remedied by a dealer.
- Owner complaints include 9 alleged fire-related incidents across the covered years. These are unverified allegations, but they warrant a thorough pre-purchase inspection of the fuel and electrical systems, particularly on higher-mileage examples.
Most-recalled year on record: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado with 3 recalls.