RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Colorado

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
361
Latest May 27, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Nov 18, 2010
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
24
14 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 361 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, most frequently naming the electrical, brakes and body & structure categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 614 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
10V575000

CHILD SEAT

Nov 18, 2010
192,676 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE TOP TETHER ANCHOR FOR THE FRONT CENTER SEAT IS NOT ACCESSIBLE AND THE OWNER MANUAL DOES NOT INCLUDE INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING HOW TO USE THE TOP TETHER.
The 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.
The 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.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 10367View on NHTSA.gov
09V310000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Jul 29, 2009
185,903 units potentially affected
The defect: GM IS RECALLING 185,903 MODEL YEAR 2004-2009 COLORADO, GMC MODEL YEAR 2009-2004 CANYON, MODEL YEAR 2006 I-280, I-350, MODEL YEAR 2007-2008 I-290, AND I-370, PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF ALABAMA, ARIZONA, FLORIDA, GEORGIA, HAWAII, LOUISIANA, MISSISSIPPI, NEVADA, NEW MEXICO, PUERTO RICO, SOUTH CAROLINA, TEXAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AND UTAH. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A BRAKE LAMP SWITCH THAT MAY NOT WORK AS DESIGNED DUE TO CONTAMINATION IN THE SWITCH.
The risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE THE SIMULTANEOUS LOSS OF ALL BRAKE LAMPS OR CAUSE ALL OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY. BOTH OF THESE CONDITIONS COULD FAIL TO WARN OTHERS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS AND COULD LEAD TO A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE NECESSARY COMPONENTS AS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN FREE OF CHARGE. GM ANTICIPATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JUNE 2010. A SPECIAL COVERAGE FOR VEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE SAME TIME FRAME. IN THE INTERIM, OWNERS WHO EXPERIENCE THE FAILURE CAN OBTAIN A FREE REPAIR, HOWEVER THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RETURN WHEN THE NEW DESIGN PART BECOMES AVAILABLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727 OR AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 09049View on NHTSA.gov
06V139000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH

Apr 27, 2006
404,733 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS MAY EXPERIENCE THE PERMANENT LOSS OF BRAKE LAMP FUNCTION OR BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE ILLUMINATED AT ALL TIMES. THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED STOP LAMP (CHMSL) IS AFFECTED IN BOTH INSTANCES. ALSO, IF EQUIPPED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WILL BECOME INOPERATIVE. ANY TRAILER BRAKE LAMPS WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMP WIRING WILL MIMIC THE VEHICLE'S BRAKE LAMPS WHEN EITHER CONDITION OCCURS.
The risk: A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH ASSEMBLY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.Manufacturer number 06030View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

RQ09001ClosedRecall Query

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTION

Opened Feb 25, 2009
Closed Jul 30, 2009

ON JULY 28,2009, GM INITIATED A REGIONAL RECALL CAMPAIGN ON CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2004-2009 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES AND MY2006-2008 ISUZU I-SERIES VEHICLES.THE STATES AND U.S. TERRITORIES INVOLVED ARE AL, AZ, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NV, NM, PR, SC, TX, VI AND UT.A TOTAL OF 185,903 VEHICLES WILL BE RECALLED WITH 92,272 VEHICLES WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THIS INVESTIGATION.IN ADDITION, A SPECIAL COVERAGE/EXTENDED WARRANTY PROGRAM WILL BE INITIATED FORVEHICLES REGISTERED IN ALL OTHER STATES. GM DETERMINED THAT BRAKE LAMP SWITCH FAILURES ARE MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR IN VEHICLES IN WHICH CUSTOMERS USED INTERIOR CLEANERS CONTAINING SILICON AND THAT RESIDE IN HOT GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATIONS.BRAKE LAMP SWITCH CONTAMINATION FAILURE CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE BRAKE LAMPS OR THE BRAKE LAMPS TO STAY ON CONTINUOUSLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF REAR-END CRASHES.GM HAS REPORTED NO CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH.ODI INITIALLY REPORTED ONE CRASH INCIDENT, BUT LATER DOWNGRADED THE REPORT DUE TO THE ABSENCE OF ACTUAL PROPERTY DAMAGE OR COST INCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS LIGHTLY TAPPED FROM BEHIND AT LOW SPEED.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 09V0310).

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCHLed to recall 09V310000
PE04076ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

INADVERTENT FRONT AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT

Opened Nov 10, 2004
Closed Mar 14, 2005

ALL REPORTS INDICATE INADVERTENT DEPLOYMENT DURING IGNITION START-UP (KEY-ON) AND WITH THE VEHICLE NOT IN MOTION.REPORTED INJURIES WERE MINOR AND CONSIST OF SKIN ABRASION AND BRUISES.THE INCIDENT DATES RANGED FROM JULY THROUGH NOVEMBER 2004.ODI HAS RECEIVED NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS SINCE OPENING THIS INVESTIGATION. A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 361
Tires & wheels
Filed May 27, 2025

Tire size 245/45R20 I purchased a set a 4 Cooper Discoverer H/T Plus tires for my truck in 2022. I haven't driven a lot of miles on them due to the fact that I live on the Island of Oahu, in Honolulu, Hawaii and have a lot of thread life left. I noticed that the sidewalls on 2 of 4 tires are cracking and separating. I removed them from the vehicle due to the risk of tire blowout and injury in the event of an accident. I've emailed Cooper tires for information and warranty resolution and have yet had a reply.

NHTSA ID
11663290
Incident
Apr 30, 2025
Fuel system
Filed Oct 13, 2023
Fire reported

There apparently was fuel dripping onto the starter and soaking the starter so when we went to start the truck. It caught on fire 🔥🔥 And my truck is a total loss

NHTSA ID
11549831
Incident
Oct 13, 2023
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Aug 29, 2023

One day, after I turned my truck off, I noticed that my taillights and overhead cargo light remained on. Key was out, truck was off, but the lights stayed on. So for the time being, I disconnected the battery. I brought it to a mechanic, who ran the codes that came back that the rear driver turn signal was high, the rear passenger turn signal was high, and the overhead cargo light was high. He checked the entire truck for a short, replaced the taillights, replaced the fuse box, replaced the body control module, and numerous other attempts at a repair, with no success. I was without a vehicle for many months, since I can't afford the absurd prices of the current vehicle market and was hopeful it could be fixed. Reading through some other complaints/online threads, this seems like a fairly common problem with these vehicles. Electrical issues that affect my ability to use a turn signal are a huge safety concern and this needs to be addressed.

NHTSA ID
11541503
Incident
Sep 15, 2022
Filed Jul 21, 2023

The frame on my 2004 Chevy Colorado has rusted/rotted to the point that it snapped, causing the bed to rub against the cab. Mechanic said it is not fixable.

NHTSA ID
11533583
Incident
Jun 21, 2023
Body & structure
Filed Jun 9, 2023

Frame rust

NHTSA ID
11526273
Incident
Jun 9, 2023
Filed Jun 6, 2023

Frame of my vehicle is rotting away causing to fail inspection. Just finding out that Toyota did a recall on one of there pick up models replacing their frame due rotting frames that may be a safety factor if it gets into an accident. Does Chevy Colorado have a recall as such? Just had my frame recently welded on a piece of heavy metal to reinforce my frame in order to pass a safety inspection

NHTSA ID
11525731
Incident
Nov 23, 2022
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 11, 2022

Ignition safety module known as pass lock security. This causes my vehicle not to start and give a code and a light on the dash for the Pass Lock security. The vehicle was fine then I went into a store came out and put the key in the ignition, the lights on the dash came on but it would not crank. This is very hazardous cause It could happen while you’re driving anytime, which could cause the vehicle to go into security mode and turn vehicle off making it very dangerous for passengers in vehicle. This is a problem with other Chevy Colorado's when I research this problem.

NHTSA ID
11496968
Incident
Dec 10, 2022
Electrical
Filed Aug 17, 2022

Body Control Module, BCM. Controls everything. Air bag can deploy, breaks can lock up. Mine, the hazards were staying on. Chevy Dealer says they are on National Back Order and GM is canceling those orders after so long placed. “We can get you one from a junk yard for $350 but GM won’t let us properly program them with correct codes, and so many times they won’t take, and I can’t return the part”. My response to GM already and to Congressman Westerman, BBB, and the WH. A part such as the on board computer, SAFETY first, should never come from a junk yard and if GM doesn’t want to supply the part AS we all know they need them for newer cars right now….. You, the NHTSB and all of us are in danger. There is an expiration date on our cars, but we’re not being told. A computer that controls EVERYTHING in a vehicle is more important than a safety belt. Me not wearing it kills me. Me being told by the dealer I could leave my fuses out and put my arm out the window. Boy I hate being a retired SGM, cause I ain’t allowed to put my boot in a six.

NHTSA ID
11479749
Incident
Aug 17, 2022

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

23-NA-001

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This 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.

PIT5099H

This 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.

PIT5099H

This 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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Colorado by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026121043.4
2025271049.6
20241143057.8
20231303053.9
2022491047.5
2021711053.3
2020800044.7
20191460043.6
20181801043.2
20172151045.3
20166954055.0
20154857160.2
2014100—
2013100—
2012422051.1
2011425050.4
2010282041.4
2009673048.6
2008812051.7
20071403050.1
20062364149.9
20053563258.4
2004Viewing3613255.9

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.