NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Chevrolet Colorado Safety Ratings
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado presents a compelling safety profile, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100. This score places it firmly in the Strong safety band. The vehicle's performance in crash testing is robust, complemented by a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies. This initial assessment is further bolstered by a clean record of defects, positioning the Colorado as a strong contender within the midsize pickup segment for safety-conscious consumers.
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado received a 5-star NHTSA side crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado ranks 52 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado achieves a Safety Index score of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This marks a notable 9-point increase from the 2025 model's 77 points. This improvement largely stems from its crash protection sub-score of 57 out of 70, which includes a 5-star side impact rating and a 4-star frontal crash rating. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10; forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard. The defect record sub-score is 19 out of 20, reflecting a single recall campaign for an owners and service manual issue. A 3-star rollover rating tempers an otherwise strong safety profile. Early owner data for this model year shows 9 unverified complaints, with no reported crashes or injuries.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado presents a mixed safety profile, with a standout 5-star rating for side impact protection. Its overall NHTSA assessment is 4 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection also earned 4 stars, while the rollover rating is notably weaker at 3 stars. Despite this, dynamic tip testing indicated no tip, and the recorded rollover risk is 0%.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21800
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?
One recall has been issued for this model year. It covers an owners, service, and other manual deficiency under the Equipment category, affecting certain 2025 and 2026 GM vehicles including the Colorado alongside models such as the Cadillac OPTIQ and GMC Canyon. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available recall data for this campaign.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL26V114000
Risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-9700, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223. The manufacturer's number for this recall is N252540430. Vehicle
Reported 2026-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?
Nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2026 Colorado, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem area is the Electrical System with 4 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Engine with 2 each, and single allegations involving Service Brakes and Steering. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?
An open recall for the owner's manual on this current model year vehicle necessitates a VIN check through NHTSA's database for any prospective buyer. Verification is crucial, as dealership remedy completion is not assured.
- The 2026 Colorado's Safety Index of 86 out of 100 represents a 9-point year-over-year gain from the 2025 model's score of 77, the largest single-year Index improvement in this model's recent history tracked by MotorCaliber.
- The 5-star NHTSA side crash rating is the top result in this model year's test profile and is the primary driver of the 57-out-of-70 crash protection sub-score.
- The one active recall for this model year is categorized under Equipment - Owners/Service/Other Manual, meaning it addresses documentation rather than a vehicle component failure; however, shoppers should still confirm remedy status by VIN.
- Nine unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for this model year, with Electrical System allegations accounting for 4 of them, a concentration worth monitoring as the vehicle ages and the complaint sample grows.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado places
The 2026 Chevrolet Colorado qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Chevrolet Colorado safety questions
Was the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Chevrolet Colorado have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Colorado. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Colorado years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21800), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Colorado 2026.
- 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 52 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.