2012 Chevrolet Colorado recalls and problems

The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado has 2 safety recalls and 43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
43
Crashes / fires
3 / 2
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2012 Chevrolet Colorado vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado recalls

Recall 12V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Dec 19, 2012 · 118,800 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon vehicles manufactured from November 9, 2009, through August 28, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 113, "Hood Latch System." The hood may be missing the secondary hood latch.

Risk: If the primary hood latch is not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. During vehicle operation, this could obstruct the view of the driver and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners and instruct them to inspect their vehicle for the presence of a secondary hood latch. Dealers will replace the hood on any affected vehicles, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on January 17, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

Recall 11V-552: Seat Belts

Reported Nov 17, 2011 · 5,593 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS LLC

Problem: 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 motor vehicle safety standard number 208, "occupant crash protection." these vehicles may have been produced with driver safety belt buckle electrical connector terminals that do not fit snugly with the connector pins, causing the connection to be intermittent.

Risk: The loose connections may cause the driver to not receive a visual or audible warning that the driver seat belt is not fastened, thereby increasing the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Gm will notify owners and dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before december 7, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463.

2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine9
Air Bags9
Electrical System8
Service Brakes7
Steering6
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)5
Engine and Engine Cooling4
Structure3
Power Train2
Exterior Lighting2
Suspension2
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
  • Steering › Rack and Pinion — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys — 1
  • Structure › Frame and Members — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 43,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2012 Chevrolet Colorado complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Nov 6, 2026
My truck will not start a couple time each month. I have to wait 10mins each time before my truck will start. This is very dangerous because it makes me late for important meetings and events. Can you disarm this feature PLEASE it happens several times
Engine · at 106,000 miles · reported Jul 28, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Jun 25, 2025
Regarding a fuel leak on my 2012 Chevrolet Colorado WT, caused by severe corrosion of the in-tank fuel pump module. This issue is of great concern, as it poses a potential fire hazard due to fuel spray near the exhaust system. Upon reviewing official documentation, I found that Recall 17V-243 appears to address a similar defect affecting 2004–2012 Colorado and Canyon models with corrosion-prone fuel tank assemblies and retaining rings. However, my VIN does not currently show as part of that recall on NHTSA.gov. The only warning sign of a problem per GM protocol is detecting the odor of…
Structure · at 157,000 miles · reported Dec 9, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the driver’s side subframe had fractured due to rust and corrosion. The contact indicated that the fracture was located by the bed of the truck and the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by a welder who advised that the damaged was too severe to repair and that the subframe needed to be replaced. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 157,000.
Steering · reported Feb 10, 2022
The hub assembly came apart while driving which disabled the steering of the vehicle. We have replaced the hub assemblies 5 times in the last year, due to faulty design of the parts, and were well aware there could be an issue because the first time it happened it didnt lock up completely while driving and would start making a squealing noise. We bought this truck in 2018 with 49000 miles on it and have put 45000 mile on the truck in the last 4 years. That's not excessive and to have to replace an assembly that is supposed to last the lifetime of your vehicle 5 times in a year and a half is…

Other Chevrolet Colorado years

Compare all Chevrolet Colorado years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado: 12V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 11V-552 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?

Owners report engine problems most often (9 reports), followed by air bags (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 43,000 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.