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
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 84.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Colorado years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 16 of 75 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Service Brakes. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
11 reportsI am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created…
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I am reporting a serious safety defect involving my 2021 Chevrolet vehicle. While driving, multiple warnings appeared including “Service Power Steering,” “Steering Assist is Reduced,” “Service ESC,” and “Service Battery Charging System.” The vehicle then lost steering assist, braking performance became unreliable, and it created a serious risk of crash. The vehicle later shut down completely and has remained inoperable. The failure appears electrical and affected multiple critical systems at once, suggesting a cascading system malfunction. Since the incident, the vehicle has not restarted or operated normally. I have replaced the battery, alternator, starter, ignition switch, brake vacuum pump, ECM, spark plugs, fuses, and relays, but the issue persists. The vehicle still shows charging system faults and severe battery drain, indicating an unresolved underlying electrical defect. I have found numerous reports from other 2021 Chevrolet owners describing nearly identical failures, including sudden loss of power steering assist, ESC warnings, charging system failures, battery drain, and complete vehicle shutdowns. This suggests a possible widespread defect affecting this model year. Given the loss of steering assist, braking irregularities, and full vehicle shutdown while driving, I request NHTSA investigate this issue for a potential safety-related defect and determine whether a recall or manufacturer action is necessary.
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 vehic…
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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 fixed because so many vehicles of my make and model are having this issue. The cost of the repair will be $1,200 and will be out of pocket because my VIN is excluded but clearly affected by the same faulty system for the coolant. This is a mistake as my vehicle is have the exact same issue as all of the others “covered” in the special coverage. We are seeking an appeal and want to file a complaint that my vehicle is excluded and will have to pay $1,200 where other customers will not be required to do so.
Beginning at approximately 80,000 miles I began to notice I could not remove the key from the ignition switch at times. Turning the vehicle on and off, shifting repeatedly into park, turning the steering wheel and pressing the brake had no effect. I now have 90,000 miles and the problem occurs about half of the time when tryin…
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Beginning at approximately 80,000 miles I began to notice I could not remove the key from the ignition switch at times. Turning the vehicle on and off, shifting repeatedly into park, turning the steering wheel and pressing the brake had no effect. I now have 90,000 miles and the problem occurs about half of the time when trying to exit the vehicle. It is dangerous to leave the vehicle with the key still in the switch. I called the dealership and they said they were familiar with the problem and if it was like others they had encountered, it would require changing out the shifter mechanism. I took the Colorado to the dealership on 9/10/2025 and the diagnostics showed that it was a switch problem in the shifter. The repair was $720.15 which I had completed. The shop people said it was a fairly frequent issue with that model and some others
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 …
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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 component has been recalled on other Chevrolet vehicles manufactured during the same time just not this one yet.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and the started and fuel pump fuse were replaced as a temporary repair. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagn…
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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder and the started and fuel pump fuse were replaced as a temporary repair. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the starter and fuel pump fuse needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer; however, after the second attempt to repair the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Stingray Chevrolet (2002 N Frontage Rd, Plant City, FL 33563); where the vehicle was purchased, and the contact requested a second opinion. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
When truck is put into park the key will not turn to the unlocked position, the key only goes as far as the accessories position. Not sure that the truck actually goes into park since I can not remove the key without playing with the shifter. This is a continuous problem with the truck
There are crackling sounds coming from the wheel when going over humps. no power while driving or changing lanes it's worst when the ac is on, was burning gas like crazy, and shakes at 65 mph., the gas while escalating makes a clicking noise like 2 iron knocking together, and the dashboard including the radio, and telephone scr…
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There are crackling sounds coming from the wheel when going over humps. no power while driving or changing lanes it's worst when the ac is on, was burning gas like crazy, and shakes at 65 mph., the gas while escalating makes a clicking noise like 2 iron knocking together, and the dashboard including the radio, and telephone screens goes blank/black. from time to time from day one, the truck drop dead/blank in August 2021, AC comes on while not on time to time. the tire sensors read wrong, the door is making clicking noise, outside air is coming into the cabin, and exhaust fumes. It's very damp by my feet and under the steering under the driver's feet it's rusty, the safety alarms are on from time to time. From time to time the belt will squeeze while driving. Yes, the truck has been at the dealership lots of times, every time they claim they can't find the leaks or the problem! and refuse to set up any warranty repairs.
When I stop and try to turn key off it does not turn to off. Have to turn back on and try shifting neutral and back to park. Then try straightened wheel and eventually key will go to off position and take out key. Started few days ago intermittently and now more often. Mileage is 36317 so warranty if expired. I will not pay deal…
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When I stop and try to turn key off it does not turn to off. Have to turn back on and try shifting neutral and back to park. Then try straightened wheel and eventually key will go to off position and take out key. Started few days ago intermittently and now more often. Mileage is 36317 so warranty if expired. I will not pay dealer for analysis since it should be covered under engine. Also have seen 100s of complaints with this online for 2016 thru 2019.
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the instrument panel went blank while driving. Additionally, the navigation system was inoperable for approximately 15 minutes. The contact turned the system to the off position, but the system failed to regain function. There was no warning light illuminated. T…
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The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the instrument panel went blank while driving. Additionally, the navigation system was inoperable for approximately 15 minutes. The contact turned the system to the off position, but the system failed to regain function. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Official recalls
120V811000 · Seat Belts; Seat Belts:critical Fasteners
Dec 23, 2020
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seat Belts:critical Fasteners
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Seat Belts
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.
Consequence: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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