MODEL
Chevrolet Colorado
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 Chevrolet Colorado's safety picture across the 2019 to 2025 generation is a study in contrasts. At its best, the 2022 model year earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, landing in the Strong band, which is a meaningful result for a mid-size truck segment that has historically struggled with rollover vulnerability. That rollover concern shows up clearly in the data: the Colorado's best rollover rating holds at 3 out of 5 stars, a number shoppers in this segment should take seriously. On the positive side, the side-impact score reaches a best-year result of 5 out of 5 stars, and frontal crash performance comes in at 4 out of 5 stars, both respectable figures. Some model years, however, fall into the Average band, meaning the Strong 2022 result is not consistent across the entire range covered here. Recall activity across these years totals 9 separate actions, which is a moderate figure worth monitoring before purchase. Owner complaints number 604 across covered years, with 23 alleged crashes, 9 alleged fires, 33 alleged injuries, and 3 alleged deaths reported. These are unverified allegations, but the fire-related complaints in particular deserve attention during a pre-purchase inspection. The bottom line: the Colorado has real safety strengths, particularly in side protection, but the rollover rating and inconsistent year-to-year performance mean shoppers should prioritize the 2022 model year and verify open recalls before signing.
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.