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
The worst 2012 Chevrolet Colorado problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine11
- Airbags9
- Electrical8
- Brakes7
- Driver assistance5
- Steering5
- Body3
- Lights2
- Suspension2
- Transmission2
- Acceleration1
- Fuel system1
- Seat belts1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Recalls 2
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 12V594000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 11V552000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado 1,318
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- Unknown or other
2012 Chevrolet Colorado fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.9L 4‑cyl | RWD | 18 | 24-25 | 21 |
| 2.9L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 17-18 | 23-24 | 20 |
| 3.7L 5‑cyl | RWD | 15-17 | 20-23 | 17-19 |
| 3.7L 5‑cyl | 4WD | 16-17 | 21-22 | 18-19 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 16 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 14 | 19 | 16 |
What 2012 Chevrolet Colorado owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle randomly does not start and have to sit 10 minutes before it starts up again. Is considered a non running vehicle!
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.
Compare the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
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Other model years
20042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado
Is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
Owners have filed 43 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado, fewer than a typical Colorado model year.
What is the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado year score?
The 2012 Chevrolet Colorado scores 86 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Colorado: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado?
Engine and cooling, with 11 complaints, typically around 85,000 miles. Next is airbags (9).
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado have?
2 recalls, covering latches/locks/linkages and seat belts.
What year does the Chevrolet Colorado have bad engine?
The Chevrolet Colorado model years with the most engine complaints are 2006 (50 complaints), 2016 (50 complaints) and 2015 (36 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Chevrolet Colorado range from 16 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.9L 4-cyl, RWD) gets 18 city and 24-25 highway.
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