2021 Chevrolet Colorado engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 202665,500 miCABrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard and the engine seized. The contact stood on the brake pedal. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured camshaft. The contact was informed that the brake vacuum pump fractured the camshaft, and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11768140 · source
2. Filed Aug 5, 2026106,000 miTNBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The contact stated that while turning onto an exit ramp, the brake pedal was depressed to slow the vehicle; however, there was resistance to the brake pedal, and an excessive amount of pressure was needed to depress brake pedal to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11754991 · source
3. Filed Jul 29, 2026TXBrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   Brake vacum pump experienced a catastrophic failure. I was unable to step on the break because the break pedal was hard. I ran thru a red light. I was told the brake vacume pump shattered & pieces of metal went into my engine

   NHTSA complaint #11753572 · source
4. Filed Jul 5, 2026ALBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving on the parkway, the engine revved, and then the brakes became hard as a brick. The truck was unable to be stopped. There were no warning lamps or indications there was a problem, it happened suddenly and immediately. Other drivers' and my own safety was at risk because I could not stop the truck. Here is the diagnosis from the GM service center where it was towed to: "After the removal of the valve cover, the tech found the pump in pieces, and the end of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11748403 · source
5. Filed Jun 25, 202643,500 miUTEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the camshaft actuator valve needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with Special Coverage Program: N232430470 (Camshaft Position Actuator Valve Solenoid - Bank 2 (Left Side) Exhaust…

   NHTSA complaint #11746459 · source
6. Filed Feb 14, 2026GAEngine

   There is a coolant leak from the hoses stemming to the thermostat housing. This has been commonly Reported amongst the same vehicles across the country. No damage to the hoses and no accidents to trigger leak. No light triggered. Just leaks visibly under the car

   NHTSA complaint #11717975 · source
7. Filed Dec 31, 2025VAElectrical SystemEngine

   The engine coolant temperature gauge is stuck at approximately 160•F. Cooling fans are running at high speed constantly. The thermostat is stuck in the open position. The vehicle is less than 100,000 miles. There is a “Special Coverage Bulletin N242484760” that has indicated the issue is occurring regularly with my type of vehicle but my specific VIN is excluded due to misplaced parameters. The part is readily available at the dealership in which we are getting the part…

   NHTSA complaint #11707995 · source
8. Filed Dec 18, 2025AZBrakesEngine

   In December 2024, at under 50,000 miles, my 2021 Chevrolet Colorado suffered complete brake failure caused by vacuum pump failure. The vacuum pump failure led to irreparable internal engine damage, requiring complete engine replacement under warranty. Sudden, complete brake failure in traffic could have led to a serious accident causing injuries or death to myself and/or others. The component was inspected by the manufacturer and the service advisor at the dealership stated…

   NHTSA complaint #11705918 · source
9. Filed Nov 25, 202570,029 miCATowedBrakesEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered and failed to decelerate as intended while the brake pedal was depressed. An unknown message was displayed. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle failed to respond properly while the accelerator pedal was depressed. Upon inspection, the contact noticed an abnormal engine oil leak. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later…

   NHTSA complaint #11701525 · source
10. Filed Nov 12, 2025PABrakesEngine

    This is the fifth vehicle with the 2.5l engine that has experienced vacuum pump failure resulting in a broken exhaust camshaft. Without warning, drivers have experienced a complete loss of brake function as a result of the vacuum pump failure.

    NHTSA complaint #11698873 · source
11. Filed Sep 9, 2025CAEngineSteering

    The key does not release when in park! I have to adjust the steering wheel and gear shift multiple times to get it to release. This has been going on for a while and the truck only has 27,000 miles. I've called multiple chevy dealers (including the one I bought it from) they all want a 250 diagnostic fee! This should be under warranty. This problem is dangerous. I have seen I am not the only one having this issue. This issue needs to be investigated and recalled!

    NHTSA complaint #11685970 · source
12. Filed Jun 6, 2025TXElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Complete engine failure due to defective crankshaft malfunction, truck taken to certified repair shop and then dealer, deal not responding for 24 days. Engine failed traveling on the highway was fortunately able to pull over, stranded. Engine light came on and the engine failed completely 5-10 min after on a 2 hour return trip home. Certified repair shop informed me this is the exact same reason of the recall just that my vehicle wasn’t currently under the recall. Vehicle…

    NHTSA complaint #11665235 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology