The Lemon Index2012 Chevrolet Colorado.
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 17 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about stability control, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 16 to 21 mpg combined. The best Chevrolet Colorado year is 2010.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 42 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chevrolet Colorado year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 13K to 85K miles on the car (31 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- latches/locks/linkages 2012
113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.
- seat belts 2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 19, 2011, FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL M…
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chevy told dealers about
Chevy sent dealers 1317 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Low engine oil pressure, no oil pressure, and/or engine noise
- Buick/saab/chevrolet/hummer/gmc: some vehicles are experiencing, at a cold start for engines,…
- This informational bulletin provides information internal engine noise or damage after oil…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/RC AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/CC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/EC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Chevrolet Colorado PU/RC RWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3050–4000 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chevrolet Colorado year by this measure is 2010.
What are the most common 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are stability control (24%), brakes (24%) and engine (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
2 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado get?
16 to 21 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 13,400 and 85,400 miles. The middle report was at 43,000 miles, from 31 complaints.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado cost in fuel a year?
About $3050 to $4000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl.
What Chevrolet Colorado year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2010, 2020 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works