2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Chevrolet › Colorado › 2012
These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2012 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 (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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
42 complaints3 involved a crash2 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
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 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
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…
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 gasoline around the vehicle. The truck has not been inspected by GM, police, insurance, or anyone except myself. I have attached a video showing the leak.
- Structure › Frame and members
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…
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 · Suspension
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…
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 ridiculous.
- Electrical system
That truck started on fire. Burnt up. Total . It started on the front passenger side near the motor where the ground plug is located. It had drizzled that day and the ground plug is not water proof. Burnt down a huge 120 long barn with other farm equipment inside. About $250,000 in losses.
- Air bags
The wiring for the airbags runs through a hinge in the extended cab doors. I don’t use my rear doors much, but I would say that I use them a normal amount. Regular opening and closing of the door will cause the wires to break, thus making the airbags inoperable. Normal use of doors should not cause your airbags to not work.
- Service brakes
Traction control dash light is illuminated and display states "Traction Fault Service Stab Sys". Dealer stated there were no codes present and they did not know the cause. Fault occurs before engine crank and is intermittent, happening 8-9 times out of 10.
- Electrical system
Vehicle randomly does not start and have to sit 10 minutes before it starts up again. IS considered a non running vehicle!
- Steering · Suspension
Popping noise from the front end when turning left or right and applying brakes.come to find out the frame IS cracked on both left and right frame rails at the factory welds. This truck has never been in an accident and I'm the original owner. The chevy dealer condemned the truck for safety reasons and said the only repair IS to replace the entire frame.
- Air bags
About 3 months ago, the airbag light come on, I've checked the codes it gives me and it b0065, b0066, I've checked all the wires and they are in perfect condition, don't know what to do now
- Electrical system
This truck only has 58,000 miles and the ignition switch went out. I googled it and seen there are tons of others with the same issue. Went to start truck and it wouldn't do anything.
- Electrical system · Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. When the vehicle was started, an unknown warning indicator flashed. The contact had to remove the battery cable, wait a few minutes, reinstall the battery cable, wait an additional few minutes, and then start the vehicle for it to resume normal…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. When the vehicle was started, an unknown warning indicator flashed. The contact had to remove the battery cable, wait a few minutes, reinstall the battery cable, wait an additional few minutes, and then start the vehicle for it to resume normal operation. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic to have the vehicle serviced. The manufacturer was not aware of the defect. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 47,000. *Dt the consumer stated he needs a paper copy of evoq. *Tr
- Engine
As long as the security light flashes the truck will not start. I take off the negative clamp off the battery an wait 10 minutes it will start. If I use the remote to lock the truck every third time the truck will not start. An some times it does it more than that. so I don't use the remote. Stationary. This happens several times a week.
- Electrical system · Engine
Will not start have to take off - post from battery then 10 minutes before it starts. The security light flashes for the 10 minutes before it starts.. Ems needs replaced. if I lock the truck after the 3 time it starts this s(xxx). 2012 chevy. Colorado. It's not the key or switch.
- Air bags
Shortly after I bought this truck with 33000 mile on it in june of 2018 the airbag light came on for no apparent reason and has continued to remain lit since that time. since the vehicle IS no longer under warrranty, I have been unable to get it repaired.
- Service brakes
ABS module light gm isn't making the module to fix this issue and has no plans to make more. This means this issue cannot be fixed.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
I keep getting warning. Service stab system. what I have read on line IS that this IS a gm computer problem that gm doesn't want to fix
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. While driving 60 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the highway and opened the hood to find that the idler…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. While driving 60 mph, the contact noticed that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the battery warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the highway and opened the hood to find that the idler pulley bracket had fractured, which also caused the belt to fracture. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (dick shirley chevrolet, 2616 alamance rd, burlington, nc 27215) where it was confirmed that the idler pulley bracket fractured and the belt. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would be unable to assist with the repairs. the vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Engine · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that an abnormal whistling noise was heard and grew worse over the past months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had a crack down the middle and needed to be replaced.…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that an abnormal whistling noise was heard and grew worse over the past months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the exhaust manifold had a crack down the middle and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 118,000.
- Air bags
Vehicle has only 40,000 miles. the instrument panel warning light for the air bag stayed lit. the wiring harness for the driver's air bag was defective and it cost me $250 to replace the wiring.
- Unknown or other
Shut off, do not lock, try to start and the car with the padlock IS lit up and I cannot start the pickup. Hit lock, unlock, still won't get rid of car/padlock light.. get out hit lock, unlock. Still won't get rid of car/padlock light. I have to keep doing this until the light goes off so I can start the pickup. has happeded twice in the last 4 weeks.
- Air bags
Air bag warning light would come on and go off periodically while driving. took to the dealership to have it checked and they stated that there IS a short in the harness and the passenger side front post airbag needs to be completely replaced due to this short. the vehicle had 90K miles but it IS…
Air bag warning light would come on and go off periodically while driving. took to the dealership to have it checked and they stated that there IS a short in the harness and the passenger side front post airbag needs to be completely replaced due to this short. the vehicle had 90K miles but it IS only 4 years old. the cost of this repair was quoted at $1200. with the vehicle only being 4 years old, chevy needs to stand behind their products and cover this safety item under warranty or consider a recall for any faulty connecters that are part of their air bag safety system.
- Air bags
2012 chev colorado extended cab (purchased new in 2012). air bag light IS on. 1ST incident aug 2015 (32,000 miles). dealership ran diag scan and pulled code b0092 and repaired wires under passenger seat and cleared code. 2ND incident less than 4 months later (34,000 miles) ' dealership cleared…
2012 chev colorado extended cab (purchased new in 2012). air bag light IS on. 1ST incident aug 2015 (32,000 miles). dealership ran diag scan and pulled code b0092 and repaired wires under passenger seat and cleared code. 2ND incident less than 4 months later (34,000 miles) ' dealership cleared code. 3RD incident apr. 2016 (37,000 miles). dealership found b0092 set in sdm. an inspection found three wires broken. repaired wiring under passenger seat and cleared code. nothing IS being put under the seat. the seat occasionally gets moved forward and backward and the rear passenger door gets open and closed. an internet search reveals same problem in older models. this IS definitely a safety issue. the air bag will not inflate if there IS an accident. there IS obviously a problem with the wires (poor quality or too short causing tension and wear & tear?). a recall should be issued and proper wiring and/or connections corrected. also seems that the cost of repairs ($120 - $140 per incident) should be covered under warranty.
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was unable to reset the air bag warning light. Approximately one week later, the vehicle was parked and a loud pop sound was heard from the vehicle as well as the odor…
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet colorado. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer was unable to reset the air bag warning light. Approximately one week later, the vehicle was parked and a loud pop sound was heard from the vehicle as well as the odor of gun powder. The contact discovered that the front driver's side seat belt retractor exploded. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the seat belt retractor needed to be replaced. The air bag warning light still needed to be reset. The seat belt retractor was replaced, but the failure recurred and blew a hole into the rear driver side door panel. The vehicle was not repaired a second time. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 76,126.
- Service brakes
The parking brake cable running from the foot pedal to the middle of the truck IS attached to the frame in such a way that it wore a hole though the rubber casing. this caused the interior metal cable to rust. the interior metal then would not move freely through the rubber casing. while driving…
The parking brake cable running from the foot pedal to the middle of the truck IS attached to the frame in such a way that it wore a hole though the rubber casing. this caused the interior metal cable to rust. the interior metal then would not move freely through the rubber casing. while driving the because of bumpy roads would creep up and engage while driving. the truck was purchased in july of 2012, but it only has 23000 mile on it. I called the chevy dealer and he indicated that there was not recall. I had my mechanic repair the brake. I have included three photos. the first IS the bill for the replacement of the brake cable. the 2ND IS a long view of the part changed. the 3RD IS a medium view of the part removed. the 4TH IS a close up of the problem area.
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.
- 11006282This service bulletin provides information on Chemical Staining, Pitting, Corrosion and/or Spotted Appearance of Chromed Aluminum Wheels.
- 11006278This service bulletin describes the U.S. Dealer Special Tool Loan Program process.
- 11005339This service bulletin explains the difference in oil filters for gas engines with new oil pump control systems and the possibilities of what may happen using the incorrect filter.
- 11005311This service bulletin provides information on Driveline Clunk Noise and what is acceptable and what is considered normal operation.
Every Chevrolet Colorado model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.