Last updated: 2026-03-04
2020 Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado scores 81/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 71 owner complaints.
2020 is 5 years after the first facelift refresh.
Recalls
0
Complaints
71
Complaint Rate
7.4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$599
About avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 5 years after the first facelift refresh.
- Year 6 in the Second generation (RG; 2011) (2015–2022).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation Colorado (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
Second generation (RG; 2011)
Should You Buy the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado earns an Excellent 81/100 reliability score. 2020 is 5 years after the first facelift refresh.
Its complaint rate (7.4 per 10k sold) sits below the Truck segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, which scored 3 points lower. See also the 2019 Chevrolet Colorado for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- Low major repair risk (13%)
- No recalls issued
- Below-average complaint rate for Truck
Cons
- POWER TRAIN: Transmission shuddering and torque converter problems (31 complaints)
- 3 fire incidents reported in owner complaints
Compare 2020 Chevrolet Colorado With
Common Problem Categories
Other
- POWER TRAIN (31)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12)
- STEERING (8)
- ENGINE (7)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- SERVICE BRAKES (2)
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2)
- SEAT BELTS (2)
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)
- SUSPENSION (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.2
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
3
Injuries
4
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 22.0%
Safety Technologies
Chevrolet Colorado Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$599
vs $548 avg for midsize trucks
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.2
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
13%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
When Buying a Used 2020 Chevrolet Colorado
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test for transmission shudder between 30-60 MPH
- Check if ignition key gets stuck or fails to turn
- Inspect for camshaft position actuator issues
- Verify rear differential for noise or metal shavings
- Ensure power steering functions smoothly at low speeds
- Test infotainment system for Apple CarPlay functionality
- Inspect third brake light for seal leaks and corrosion
Check Any 2020 Chevrolet Colorado's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2020 Colorado in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Chevrolet Colorado with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2020 Chevrolet Colorado Common Problems by Component
71 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
31 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado's power train, particularly involving transmission shuddering and torque converter problems. Symptoms commonly described include the vehicle vibrating or shaking, especially at speeds between 30-60 MPH, and harsh or delayed shifting. These issues often appear around 40,000 to 80,000 miles, with some reports of recurrence even after attempted repairs like transmission fluid flushes. Safety implications noted by owners include unexpected loss of acceleration and unpredictable drivetrain behavior, which could pose risks in traffic. Buyers considering a used model should be aware of these recurring issues and the potential for costly repairs, especially once the vehicle is out of warranty.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado frequently report issues with the ignition system, with complaints describing keys getting stuck or failing to turn, sometimes attributed to the shifter assembly. This issue often requires dealer intervention and can result in out-of-pocket expenses, with some reports occurring around 25,000 to 39,859 miles. Additionally, multiple owners experience problems with the rear differential, citing humming noises and the presence of metal shavings in the fluid, necessitating differential repairs or replacements. Safety concerns are noted with exhaust fumes entering the cabin and moisture obstructing the backup camera, which may impact visibility and safety. These issues occur across various mileages and are often unresolved by dealerships, as per owner accounts.
STEERING
8 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the power steering system of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, particularly involving corrosion of electrical connections leading to intermittent or complete loss of power steering functionality. Complaints frequently mention difficulties in maneuvering the steering wheel, especially at low speeds or when making turns, with some instances leading to near accidents. Several owners note these issues occurring with no prior warning, typically around 11,000 to 16,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the ignition key becoming stuck, which can lead to potential theft risks if the key is left in the ignition. Safety implications include loss of steering control, with one incident involving towing a trailer resulting in an injury. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns for prospective buyers.
ENGINE (7 complaints)
ENGINE
7 complaintsOwners report recurring issues with the camshaft position actuator and related components in the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, often leading to the illumination of the check engine light. Symptoms typically include engine sluggishness and diagnostic codes indicating failures in the camshaft position actuator solenoid. These issues appear at varying mileages, with some reports noting occurrences as early as 8 months of ownership and others at over 100,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the thermostat and engine temperature gauge, including overheating and inconsistent temperature readings. While no crashes or fires are reported, potential buyers should be aware of these mechanical concerns and the associated repair complexities.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado report several issues related to the electrical system. A common problem involves the infotainment system, with complaints about Apple CarPlay malfunctioning and the display showing a pixelated screen, which impairs the use of navigation and the reverse camera. Another issue involves the ignition, where keys get stuck, potentially leading to dead batteries; this is reported around 24,000 miles. Notably, one complaint describes a fire originating from the dashboard while the vehicle was parked, which also triggered the passenger side airbag. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning visibility and fire hazards.
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado report issues with the braking system, including hard brake pedals and ineffective braking, often requiring the use of the emergency brake to stop the vehicle. Complaints frequently mention a faulty vacuum pump as a potential cause. In one instance, a vehicle fire occurred, resulting in injuries and total vehicle loss, with the ABS warning light illuminating prior to the incident. These issues are reported at mileage as low as 39,000, indicating potential early onset of brake system failures. Buyers should be aware of these safety implications, including the risk of fire and loss of braking control.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (2 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado report issues with the exterior lighting, specifically highlighting two main problems. The first involves a leaking third brake light seal, which leads to corrosion of electrical connections and results in the third brake light becoming non-functional. The second issue concerns the low light output from the vehicle's headlights, with owners describing the illumination as very dim, particularly when driving on poorly lit back roads, which reduces visibility. These complaints do not specify mileage ranges or timelines, nor do they mention any direct safety incidents such as crashes or fires, but the described issues could potentially impact driving safety due to reduced visibility and signaling capability.
SEAT BELTS (2 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the seat belts in the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, with one complaint involving a crash and another involving a fire. The fire-related incident describes a warning for "failed seat belt" appearing while driving at approximately 65 mph, followed by the vehicle's brakes failing and smoke entering the cabin. This incident, occurring around 10,000 miles, resulted in a fire under the vehicle and two injuries. These reports highlight potential safety implications, including vehicle control loss and fire risk. Buyers should be aware of these issues when considering this model, especially given the serious nature of the described incidents.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1 complaints)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle started to lose motive power. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone and was diagnosed with exhaust camshaft position actuator failure. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with exhaust camshaft position actuator failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired because the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintGUSHING SOUND OF LIQUID WHEN START. RATTLING WHEN ACCELERATING NOISY SUSPENSION SCREEN TURNED BLACK ONCE OR TWICE CLUNKING NOISE WHEN SHIFTING NOISE IN BRAKES
When Do 2020 Chevrolet Colorado Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Chevrolet Colorado Years
Best Chevrolet Colorado Years to Buy
The best Chevrolet Colorado year is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2022 (81/100) and 2020 (81/100).
2025
0 recalls · 19 complaints
2022
1 recall · 39 complaints
2020(this page)
0 recalls · 71 complaints
Chevrolet Colorado Years to Avoid
The worst Chevrolet Colorado year is 2023 with a score of 73/100, primarily due to electrical system (30) issues.
See full Chevrolet Colorado years-to-avoid analysis →Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Score Trend
Chevrolet Colorado reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 83/100 | Excellent |
Chevrolet Colorado Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 77/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | 83/100 | +7 | Excellent | 0 | 19 |
| 2024 | 76/100 | +3 | Good | 3 | 82 |
| 2023 | 73/100 | -8 | Good | 3 | 113 |
| 2022 | 81/100 | +3 | Excellent | 1 | 39 |
| 2021 | 78/100 | -3 | Good | 1 | 59 |
| 2020(selected) | 81/100 | +3 | Excellent | 0 | 71 |
| 2019 | 78/100 | +3 | Good | 0 | 139 |
| 2018 | 75/100 | — | Good | 1 | 173 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado?
How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado have?
Is the 2020 Chevrolet Colorado expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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