NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado scores 79 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 79 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A 3-star rollover rating for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado tempers an otherwise solid safety showing. The model achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100, placing it squarely in the Average band. This performance is bolstered by a strong side-crash score and a clean recall record, indicating a stable post-production safety profile. However, the reliance on optional-only crash-avoidance technology may be a point of consideration for buyers seeking comprehensive active safety features.
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado received a NHTSA Safety Index of 79/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 85 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 79 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.2% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 79 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 85 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado exhibits a notable safety limitation in its 3-star rollover rating, accompanied by a 21 percent rollover risk. This specific data point from the NHTSA warrants careful consideration for potential buyers, particularly those who frequently transport passengers or navigate uneven landscapes. Overall, the 2020 Colorado achieved a Safety Index of 79 out of 100, a two-point improvement over the 2019 model year's 77. This score places it within the "Average" safety band. Crash protection forms the strongest component of this rating, contributing 57 of a possible 70 points, anchored by a 5-star side impact rating. Conversely, the vehicle's avoidance technology score is a modest 6 out of 10 points. This reflects the optional status of both forward collision warning and lane departure warning; only electronic stability control is standard equipment. The model year's defect record is strong, with a perfect zero-recall outcome contributing 15.5 out of 20 points to the Index. While not factored into the Safety Index, the 79 unverified owner complaints, primarily citing powertrain and engine issues, represent a pattern in owner feedback that should be acknowledged.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Colorado's rollover rating stands at 3 out of 5 stars, with a 21 percent rollover risk in NHTSA's instrumented tests; the dynamic tip test indicated no tip. Its frontal crash protection earned 4 out of 5 stars, while side impact safety received a full 5-star rating. The vehicle's overall safety rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14373
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
NHTSA records zero recall campaigns for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. There are no open safety defect actions, no park-outside advisories, and no do-not-drive directives on file for this model year. Shoppers can verify this remains current by running the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has received 79 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Colorado. Alleged issues are concentrated in Power Train (32 reports), Unknown Or Other (15), and Engine (14), with additional unverified allegations touching Steering (9), Service Brakes (8), and Electrical System (6). One crash and three fire incidents are alleged among those reports.
79 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
No open recalls are currently listed for the 2020 Colorado, meaning there is no outstanding manufacturer remedy to confirm. However, recall status can change. Shoppers considering this used vehicle should run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to verify no new campaigns have been issued.
- The 2020 Colorado carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a clean defect record that directly supported its 15.5/20 defect-record sub-score within the 79/100 Safety Index.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 21 percent rollover risk is the single weakest NHTSA crash-test result for this model year and is specific to the 2020 PU/CC 4WD configuration tested.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional equipment for this model year, not standard, which held the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and is a key factor separating the 2020 Colorado from higher-indexed competitors.
- NHTSA has logged 79 unverified owner complaints for this model year, with Power Train (32 alleged reports) and Engine (14 alleged reports) accounting for nearly half of all submissions, including unverified allegations of 3 fire incidents.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado places
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Chevrolet Colorado safety questions
Was the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 79 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Colorado years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14373), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Colorado 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 85 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.