MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado scores 77 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 129 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

3Recalls
129Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

For 2023, the Chevrolet Colorado's overall safety performance registers as Average, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 out of 100. This score represents a four-point decrease from the prior year's 81. While the truck demonstrates solid crash-test protection and is equipped with standard avoidance technology, three active recall campaigns temper its standing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 77/100 and a 3-star NHTSA rollover rating, based on federal NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 79 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2023 Chevrolet Colorado safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index77 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 3 stars
Rollover risk0%
Recalls on file3
Owner complaints129 (unverified allegations)
Class rank79 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2023 Colorado enters the market with a Safety Index score of 77 out of 100, marking a four-point decrease from the 2022 model's 81. This decline moves the vehicle from a "Strong" safety rating to an "Average" one, an important shift for a redesign year. The defect record sub-score, 14.5 out of 20, reflects the impact of three recall campaigns issued in 2024. In crash protection, the Colorado earned a sub-score of 57 out of 70. This is supported by a 5-star rating for side impact protection and a 4-star rating for frontal crash protection, indicating solid structural integrity in these common collision types. However, the 3-star rollover rating stands out as a clear vulnerability in the vehicle's crash-test profile, suggesting a need for driver awareness during maneuvers that could elevate rollover risk. The avoidance technology sub-score is 5 out of 10. While forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard, this modest score suggests that the effectiveness of these systems may be compromised. This concern is amplified by a recall specifically addressing the forward collision mitigation system, implying potential issues with its camera-based operation. Further, 44 unverified owner complaints explicitly detail problems with Forward Collision Avoidance, reinforcing questions about the real-world performance of these safety features. Buyers should confirm all three recalls have been addressed.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado achieved an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly notable, earning a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also scored a solid 4 stars. The weakest result was in the rollover category, where it received 3 stars, despite the dynamic tip test recording no tip and a 0% rollover risk.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 0%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18252

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech5/10
Defect record14.5/20
Forward collision warning: Standard & OptionalLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?

Yes, three recall campaigns cover this model year. The first targets front seat belt critical fasteners that may not function correctly. The second addresses front wheel hub bolts that may have been over-torqued, a wheels integrity concern. The third involves the front camera module, which may generate false alerts affecting the ADAS driver-monitoring system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data provided.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS24V703000

Risk: A loose seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the left and right front seat belt buckle attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N242453720.

Reported 2024-09-19

WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS24V237000

Risk: Damaged bolts may loosen or break, which can result in a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right front wheel hub bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N232431480.

Reported 2024-03-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:DRIVER MONITORING:CAMERA/SENSOR24V133000

Risk: Unexpected automatic emergency braking can cause the vehicle to abruptly stop or slow down, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the front camera module (FCM) software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 5, 2024. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is A232424660.

Reported 2024-02-22

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?

Owners have filed 129 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 44 reports, followed by the Electrical System at 38 and Service Brakes at 24. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

129 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

2reported crash
0reported fire
6reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 44Electrical System 38Service Brakes 24Engine 20Lane Departure 16Unknown Or Other 12

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?

The 2023 Colorado presents a concerning post-sale recall profile. All three recall campaigns affecting this model year were issued after the close of the 2023 production year. These campaigns address critical components: seat belts, wheel hub bolts, and the front camera module. Consequently, there is no guarantee that remedy completion will have occurred on any individual unit prior to resale. Prospective buyers should therefore utilize the NHTSA VIN lookup tool to ascertain recall status.

  • The 2023 model year saw the Safety Index fall four points to 77/100 from the 2022 Colorado's 81/100, a band drop from Strong to Average driven in part by three recall campaigns all issued in 2024.
  • The front camera module recall means the ADAS system that powers forward collision and lane departure warnings may generate false alerts on unrepaired units, a direct safety-system concern rather than a cosmetic or mechanical one.
  • The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual NHTSA score this vehicle received and is the primary weak point in an otherwise mid-tier crash-test profile.
  • With 44 unverified owner complaints alleging Forward Collision Avoidance problems, the highest complaint volume of any single component, prospective buyers should confirm the FCM recall remedy is complete before driving the vehicle.

RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado places

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2023 Chevrolet Colorado safety questions

Was the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 77 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 2023 Chevrolet Colorado crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 129 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Chevrolet Colorado. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Colorado years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2023 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2023 Audi S4100/100not rated0
2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class100/1005 of 50
2023 Nissan Maxima100/1005 of 50
2023 Polestar 2100/1005 of 50
2023 Tesla Model S Later Release100/100not rated0
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18252), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Colorado 2023.
  • 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 79 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
  • 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.