2011 Chevrolet Colorado
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
General motors IS recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.9 or 3.7 liter engine and a four-speed automatic transmission for failing to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no 102, "transmission shift lever sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle could roll away as the driver or other occupants exit the vehicle or have exited, resulting in the possibility of the vehicle striking them or someone around the vehicle, or could result in a crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Gm dealers will install a new automatic transmission adjustment clip free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or about july 19, 2011. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
General motors IS recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet colorado and GMC canyon vehicles manufactured from september 22, 2010, through november 5, 2010. some of these vehicles have the condition in which the windshield wiper motor crank arm nut may not be tightened to specification. when the wipers are operated with a build-up of snow or ice, or if…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Driver visibility could be reduced increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will secure the wiper motor crank arm nut free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on or before may 11, 2011. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
General motors IS recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and GMC canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon XL vehicles. the rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. should the…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. the safety recall began on january 11, 2011. owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Gm IS recalling certain model year 2004-2011, chevrolet colorado, GMC canyon, model year 2006, isuzu i-280/i-350, and model year 2007-2008, i-290/i-370, regular cab vehicles and extended cab vehicles without a rear seat and equipped with a front 60/40 split bench seat. these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Both nhtsa and gm discourage placement of a child in a front seat. nevertheless, there are individual circumstances that may require placement of a child in a restraint in the front center seating position of this vehicle that does not offer a rear seat. lack of access to the top tether anchor and a lack of instructions as to how to use it, may result in improper installation of a child restraint. improper installation of a child restraint can result in a reduction in the restraint's performance in the event of a crash and an increased risk of injury or death to the child seated in the restraint.
Remedy
Dealers will cut a hole into the back panel trim cover to allow access to the top tether anchor for the front center seat position and will provide supplemental information as to use in the owner's manual. the manufacturer has not yet provided an owner notification schedule for this campaign. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, isuzu at 1-800-255-6727 or visit gm's website at www.gmownercenter.com.
Owner complaints
42 complaints4 involved a crash4 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Suspension
Excessive frame corrosion that has caused the bed of the truck to touch the cab which has made me apprehensive to drive it. The truck has ROT holes on the bottom sections of the frame where water collects. The truck is available for inspection upon request at any time. The problem has not been…
Excessive frame corrosion that has caused the bed of the truck to touch the cab which has made me apprehensive to drive it. The truck has ROT holes on the bottom sections of the frame where water collects. The truck is available for inspection upon request at any time. The problem has not been inspected by a dealer, independent service center, vehicle manufacturer, police or insurance representative. However, I have 40 years experience of being an automobile technician and am qualified to make the above claims. Thank you for your assistance.
- Electrical system
The vehicle has an electronic issue where it does not recognize the original key to the car. It does not let you start the vehicle. There is a bad sensor in the ignition lock housing unit located where the key is inserted into the vehicle. This issue will nit let the driver start the car and the…
The vehicle has an electronic issue where it does not recognize the original key to the car. It does not let you start the vehicle. There is a bad sensor in the ignition lock housing unit located where the key is inserted into the vehicle. This issue will nit let the driver start the car and the problem happens at random. For me it is 1 out of 20 times i try to start my vehicle it does not start due to this issue. This is a dangerous situation for me, as I live in a cold weather state in the US. I have been left stranded dozens of times because the car doesn’t recognize the key. If you search “chevy colorado passlock” hundreds of videos will come up, each video with thousands of views (from users like myself). GM charges hundreds to fix the issue. It is a well known issue with this vehicle. I fixed the issue myself. I replaced the faulty sensor and the issue is gone.
- Air bags › Srs malfunction warning lamp/light
The drivers-side airbag indicator light remains on. The light warns that the airbag is not working. This is the third time it has happened, first at 89,000 miles, then at 111,000 miles, and now at 133,000 miles. Previous repairs were for broken wires in the wire harness to the extended cab rear…
The drivers-side airbag indicator light remains on. The light warns that the airbag is not working. This is the third time it has happened, first at 89,000 miles, then at 111,000 miles, and now at 133,000 miles. Previous repairs were for broken wires in the wire harness to the extended cab rear door. Wiring in the harness for the airbag is related to the seat belt tensioner. This is a defect that was reported to NHTSA by several others, some of whom were injured in accidents. The repair is costly; the dealer charged around $400.
- Unknown or other
Frame is rusted through/broken in same spot on both sides. Bed of truck is flipping up and there is no gap left between the bed of the truck and the cab at the top but there is 1.5 inch gap at bottom of bed/cab. The truck only has 56,000 miles and I have only put 26,000 miles on it since I bought it in 2017.
- Service brakes
Brake lights will not come on. There is no fuse and lights are new. Many people have reported this as a problem. Has something to do with some switch that the dealer must replace. I have driver nearly 2000 miles this month without any idea the brake lights were not working until I could not get the cruise control to work. After some research it was discovered the cruise control is associated with the switch
- Seat belts
Vehicle was parked, driver had just sat down and closed the door. A loud bang was heard from the driver's side and the smell of gunpowder filled the cab. Driver stepped out and opened the rear door which holds the seat belt assembly. The seatbelt was found to be the source of the smell and the belt…
Vehicle was parked, driver had just sat down and closed the door. A loud bang was heard from the driver's side and the smell of gunpowder filled the cab. Driver stepped out and opened the rear door which holds the seat belt assembly. The seatbelt was found to be the source of the smell and the belt was locked up tight and could not be pulled out. A new belt assembly was ordered through local dealership at a price of $261.35.
- Electrical system
The vehicle will intermittently not start. sometimes there's power but won't crank. sometimes there IS no power to the vehicle at all. It has been to numerous mechanics, including the dealer, and no problems can be found. the vehicle IS utterly unreliable.
- Air bags
2011 chevy colorado. Consumer states that airbags did not deploy during automobile accident. *Ld *js
- Power train · Unknown or other
One day my vehicle started getting a little shake. so I pulled in to an old welding shop I used to work at. I asked my old boss if he would get in the truck, to do a little diagnostic check. basically guess what could be wrong. he said something wasn't right, and told me to jack up the back of…
One day my vehicle started getting a little shake. so I pulled in to an old welding shop I used to work at. I asked my old boss if he would get in the truck, to do a little diagnostic check. basically guess what could be wrong. he said something wasn't right, and told me to jack up the back of the truck. before I even did, I noticed oil all over the spare tire. I then look to the axle house group, and it was broke in half. he has been working as a mechanic for 30 plus years. he said, 'that IS the first time I have ever seen anyone break there house group. my truck also has a recall for the rear axle.
- Service brakes
Vehicle has been through 4 brake control modules, three of were burnt out by the dealer installing the software. My case IS not isolated as many many chevy owners are experiencing the same issue. The lack of ABS and traction control IS a recipe for a serious accident due to a lack of control and…
Vehicle has been through 4 brake control modules, three of were burnt out by the dealer installing the software. My case IS not isolated as many many chevy owners are experiencing the same issue. The lack of ABS and traction control IS a recipe for a serious accident due to a lack of control and braking ability. I have received nothing but denials of wrong doing or general incompetence from gm. I have a friend experiencing this same problem on a 2020 chevy silverado. Why do we have to wait for someone to become serious maimed or worse case lose their life for gm to do the right thing?
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
They need be investigation on 2011 chevrolet colorado for ignition switch and also on 2006 hummer H3. Both vehicle won't start then 20 min later it will start. Had battery and alternator checked out and nothing else IS showing up.
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Unknown or other
I think they need check for recalls on ignition switch for 2011 chevrolet colorado and 2006-2008 hummer
- Electrical system
I have an ongoing problem with a 2011 chevrolet colorado truck not starting on numerous occasions. I have went to one dealership that could not help me after an entire day. I have talked to two other dealerships that could not help me. I have had an independent shop try to determine the problem.…
I have an ongoing problem with a 2011 chevrolet colorado truck not starting on numerous occasions. I have went to one dealership that could not help me after an entire day. I have talked to two other dealerships that could not help me. I have had an independent shop try to determine the problem. the truck periodically will not start and then after 15-30 minutes it will just start. the computer will not pick up anything. the battery IS good. the starter IS good. the alternator IS good. after googling to see what others might say which did bring up issues with chevrolet, GMC, and hummer. one person said it was the ignition switch. when I ask all 3 dealerships and chevrolet customer service they all told me I was wrong. that something else was the issue and I needed to figure it out. I am not happy.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to newman chevrolet (262-421-4807, located at 1181 wauwatosa rd, cedarburg, wi 53012) where the…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that there was a strong odor of fuel inside and outside the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to newman chevrolet (262-421-4807, located at 1181 wauwatosa rd, cedarburg, wi 53012) where the technician diagnosed and replaced the fuel pump and the fuel line assembly. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.
- Electrical system
Passive lock sensor fails and you have to sit and wait 10 minutes before trying to restart for the car to start
- Engine
My vehicle and many others as well suffer from a intermittent problem of the pass lock security safety feature. There are times when inserting the key in the ignition the vehicle would not start because the pass lock fails to recognize the key. When this happens a security lock indicator on the…
My vehicle and many others as well suffer from a intermittent problem of the pass lock security safety feature. There are times when inserting the key in the ignition the vehicle would not start because the pass lock fails to recognize the key. When this happens a security lock indicator on the dash flashes. To overcome this the ignition has to be placed in the 'off the on ' position and let it remain so for at least 10 minutes. After such time the vehicle will star until a undetermined time the discrepancy occurs again. Besides my vehicle I have found this condition to exist on many owners on this type and other gm models as well and as far as I can tell from 2006 and on. It's a inconvenience plus if for some reason there was a emergency of some kind the owner would not be able to start it's vehicle and it would not know when or where it's it IS a intermittent problem. So you can be on street, on a curve off the highway or any area stationary. The chevrolet high resolution team IS aware of this problem and does not consider it important enough to address this other than having the ignition lock housing replaced , ignition key replaced, and having new key programmed . All accomplished at miami lakes chevrolet in miami fl.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. While the vehicle was parked, it failed to start. The vehicle was towed to northstar chevrolet (400 center road, clifton park, ny 12065, (518) 371-5400) where it was diagnosed that the timing belt stretched and caused the vehicle not to start. A new starter was installed. The manufacturer was notified and was unable to assist. The failure mileage was 77,306. *Tt
- Electrical system
Ignition switch faulty
- Electrical system
Inline ignition fuse keeps blowing while driving. The first two times were when I was turning, two other times were when it was driving on a state highway, one time after it just started, and another as I left my driveway. At times the truck will start when a fuse IS replaced, at times it takes…
Inline ignition fuse keeps blowing while driving. The first two times were when I was turning, two other times were when it was driving on a state highway, one time after it just started, and another as I left my driveway. At times the truck will start when a fuse IS replaced, at times it takes multiple fuse changes to get on the road. This results in the engine to stop and power steering to fail. There IS no pattern in when it happens. It has been to two dealerships and they have not been able to diagnose the problem, due to the truck working when a new fuse IS inserted after the truck was towed in.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Started smelling raw fuel. Then had a massive fuel leak, spraying raw gasoline from the fuel tank area. . found that the fuel module had rusted through. if I had not stopped driving this vehicle, there would have been a massive fire
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. The contact had difficulty starting the vehicle. The security lock would engage and the vehicle failed to start. After several minutes, the vehicle started normally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. The contact had difficulty starting the vehicle. The security lock would engage and the vehicle failed to start. After several minutes, the vehicle started normally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be duplicated. The failure persisted several times over the years. The vehicle was finally taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the starter switch needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
- Air bags · Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. While driving, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the driver side rear door wiring harness was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and the wiring…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. While driving, the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The failure recurred twice. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the driver side rear door wiring harness was repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a second time and the wiring harness was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,270.
- Structure › Body
The rear door on the extended cab fails to completely latch allowing the door to move in and out when traveling on uneven surfaces.
- Air bags · Electrical system
Broken wires inside drivers rear door affecting the air bag warning system and possible operation of the air bag
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that both rear tail lights had slightly detached because the support brackets were fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side tail light assembly…
TL* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet colorado. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed that both rear tail lights had slightly detached because the support brackets were fractured. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rear passenger side tail light assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. In addition, the rear driver side tail light slightly detached and there was condensation in the parking lamps. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the parking lamps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006511This PI provides information on Rear and Side Tempered Glass Spots (Quench Marks) and that they are a normal characteristic.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004727This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
Every Chevrolet Colorado model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.