Model year record

2006 Chevrolet Colorado recalls & problems

The 2006 Chevrolet Colorado has 4 safety recalls and 236 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is electrical system (70 complaints).

Recalls4safety recalls

Complaints236filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths4 · 1reported in complaints

2006 Chevrolet Colorado in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Child seatNov 18, 2010

Child seat

Recall 10V575000192,676 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingJul 29, 2009

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 09V310000185,903 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingApr 27, 2006

Brake lights › Switch

Recall 06V139000404,733 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: A FOLLOWING DRIVER MAY NOT KNOW WHEN THE BRAKES HAVE BEEN APPLIED, AND A REAR-END CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentDec 7, 2005

Other › Labels

Recall 05V55200032,068 vehicles

Problem: CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Risk: A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2006 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2006 Chevrolet Colorado Regular Cab

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2006 Chevrolet Colorado 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	17.9%

2006 Chevrolet Colorado NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2006 Chevrolet Colorado NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Colorado 2WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Colorado Crew Cab 2WD

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Colorado 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Colorado 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 23 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Colorado Crew Cab 2WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Colorado 4WD

19mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,550/year to fuel

Colorado 2WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Colorado 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Colorado 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 20 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Colorado Crew Cab 4WD

18mpg combined

City / highway	16 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,700/year to fuel

Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 21 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.5 L · 5 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

Colorado Crew Cab 2WD

17mpg combined

City / highway	15 / 22 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.8 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,950/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Electrical systemIgnition › Switch	70	0	1	0	57,016 mi
Engine and engine coolingEngine; Exhaust system	32	0	0	0	53,388 mi
Exterior lightingBrake lights › Switch; Brake lights	32	0	0	0	58,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Rotor; Pedals and linkages	25	0	0	0	44,000 mi
Engine	19	0	2	0	67,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal › Sensor/control module	17	1	0	1	65,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Manual transmission › Shift pattern indicator	15	1	0	0	49,271 mi
StructureBody; Body › Door	15	0	1	0	74,086 mi
Fuel system, gasolineDelivery; Delivery › Fuel pump	11	0	0	0	26,748 mi
Steering	10	0	0	0	64,000 mi
Service brakes	10	1	0	0	84,000 mi
SuspensionRear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly; Front	8	1	0	0	44,000 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Vehicle speed control
The high mounted stop lights and the cruise control do not work. A recall for this was issued (NHTSA 06V13900 and NHTSA 09V310000) but when I enter my VIN it says I'm not included in the recall. Also, a dealer said my vehicle was not in the recall. If I have the problem stated in the recall why am I not included? I am the original owner. First noticed problem about six months ago. Did not know about the recall until yesterday.
Jan 10, 2025
Electrical system
rear brake lights flash or sometimes don't come on while pressing the brake pedal. while driving at night dash cluster goes black cant see speedometer, or anything on instrument cluster.
Mar 16, 2021
Suspension
Rear leaf spring mounts and frame rusting through causing a safety hazard. Chevrolet doesn't offer a repair part nor does the aftermarket. The internet is ripe with other owners experiencing this or similar issues. The consumer stated there is frame corrosion specifically rear frame shackle mounts and lateral supports. The contact believes that the failure comes from the frame being made with the wrong metal thickness or metal that is not rust-proof. The vehicle was taken to a specialty shop to weld the frame, but the contact believes that is not the best way to fix the issue.
Mar 24, 2023
Engine
The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle started to shake. The contact was able to drive back to the residence. The contact stated that several independent mechanics diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the cylinder head needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer or the manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was 216,000.
May 24, 2022 · 216,000 miles
Structure › Body
The contact called on behalf of a customer looking to purchase a 2006 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that he is a certified mechanic. While performing a vehicle safety check, the contact noticed that the subframe was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was not repairable. The contact had not contacted the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 73,172.
Sep 29, 2021 · 73,172 miles
Electrical system
WILL NOT START,TO HOT TO START!!!!!
Dec 30, 2016 · 56,000 miles
Engine
I TRY TO CRANK THE TRUCK AND IT WON'T DO ANYTHING BUT I CAN WAIT ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND TRY IT AGAIN AND IT WILL CRANK. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Jun 20, 2015 · 28,500 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)Fire
FIRE IN THE ENGINE WIRING, FUSE BOX,BATTERY STORE PARKING LOT PARKED ENGINE OFF GMC TOOK TRUCK SAID IT WASN'T A FACTORY ISSUE NO INFORMATION WAS GIVEN TO ME SAID IT WAS CONFIDENTUAL HAD TRUCK 6 WEEKS
Jun 6, 2020 · 88,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MALFUNCTIONClosedLed to recall 09V310000
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…
RQ09001 · opened Feb 25, 2009 · closed Jul 30, 2009