NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 66 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado presents a mixed safety profile, reflected in its NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, which places it within the Average band. This represents a three-point decrease from the 2020 model year's score of 79/100. While crash-test results offer meaningful data, the vehicle's single recall and notable volume of owner complaints warrant close examination.
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado received a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 81 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 76 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 66 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 81 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado's Safety Index of 76/100 marks a three-point decline from the 2020 model year's 79/100, both sitting in the Average band but moving in the wrong direction. Drilling into the index breakdown reveals where the pressure comes from: crash protection contributes 57 out of a possible 70 points, a solid but imperfect foundation, while avoidance technology adds only 6 out of 10 because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard. Only electronic stability control is standard. That optional-tech gap is a defining characteristic of this specific model year and a direct lever shoppers can pull by confirming which packages are equipped on any individual truck. The defect record component scores 13 out of 20, reflecting the single seat-belt recall and the 66-complaint volume. The rollover rating of 3 stars and a 22 percent rollover risk figure are the most pointed crash-test concern for this year, particularly relevant given the pickup body style. The side-impact 5-star result is a genuine strength. Taken together, this year's profile is one of adequate but uneven safety performance, with avoidance-tech equipment level being the most actionable variable for a prospective buyer.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado achieved an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, yet its rollover performance warrants closer examination. While the dynamic tip test indicated no tip, the vehicle received only 3 out of 5 stars for rollover, with NHTSA assessing a 22 percent rollover risk. In frontal crash protection, the Colorado earned 4 stars. Side-impact safety is a strong point, with the vehicle securing a perfect 5-star rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15156
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado carries one NHTSA recall campaign, focused on seat belts. General Motors issued this campaign covering certain 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles alongside a 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data for this campaign.
SEAT BELTS20V811000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has received 66 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. Alleged problem areas include Unknown or Other issues (16 reports), Engine (15), Service Brakes (12), Steering (10), Electrical System (10), and Power Train (9). Reported allegations include 6 crashes, 4 injuries, and 2 deaths. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
66 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
For the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, a critical safety note is the seat belt recall. Prospective owners should verify through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool that any outstanding recall remedies, particularly for the seat belts, have been completed. Furthermore, the presence of optional safety technologies such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning significantly alters the vehicle's protective capabilities; buyers should confirm these systems are installed on any specific truck under consideration.
- The 2021 Colorado's Safety Index dropped three points to 76/100 compared to the 2020 model year's 79/100, a year-over-year decline worth noting when comparing used inventory across model years.
- Rollover protection is the weakest crash-test result for this model year at 3 out of 5 stars, with NHTSA recording a 22 percent rollover risk, the single most important crash-test caveat for 2021 specifically.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional on this model year, not standard, meaning individual trucks may lack these systems entirely depending on how they were originally equipped.
- The one recall on record for this model year targets seat belts and was issued by General Motors; used-market buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado places
The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Colorado safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 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 2021 Chevrolet Colorado crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 66 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15156), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Colorado 2021.
- 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 81 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- 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.