# Chevrolet Colorado check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 106 - **Most complaints:** 2016 (17) - **Related recalls:** 2 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 106 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chevrolet Colorado (2015-2026 models), most for the **2016** model year (17). There are **2 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chevrolet Colorado check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2015 | 8 | 498 | 2% | | 2016 | 17 | 716 | 2% | | 2017 | 11 | 216 | 5% | | 2018 | 10 | 183 | 5% | | 2019 | 6 | 150 | 4% | | 2020 | 14 | 88 | 16% | | 2021 | 5 | 80 | 6% | | 2023 | 14 | 138 | 10% | | 2024 | 16 | 126 | 13% | | 2025 | 3 | 28 | 11% | | 2026 | 2 | 20 | 10% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chevrolet Colorado recalls related to the check engine light **[24V491000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V491000)** (2024 models, reported 2024-06-28): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and fully lock the fuel tank lock ring as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 13, 2024. **[18V358000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V358000)** (2016-2018 models, reported 2018-05-31): A damaged fuel line can create a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure fuel pump, and high pressure fuel pipe, free of charge. The recall began July 2, 2018. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chevrolet Colorado owners report - "The vehicle developed a rapid and moderate shudder followed by "Check Engine", "Service Traction Control", "Service ESC" messages and associated icons on the driver display. The shudder happened a second time within approximately 30 seconds and the engine lost power followed by "Reduced Power Warning" message. I..." -- owner of a 2026 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2026 - "There was a check engine light that then appeared on the dashboard after the vehicle had come to complete stop on the road, there were no indicators or symptoms that were occurring prior to this event. The vehicle was inspected by the service department of the dealership on 04/15/25, with the result as per the..." -- owner of a 2025 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2025 - "A loud "whooshing" noise was heard from the engine bay prior to eventually a check engine light being illuminated when the coolant level became low enough." -- owner of a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado, complaint filed 2025 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chevrolet Colorado check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 2 related recalls (24V491000, 18V358000) covering 2016-2024 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chevrolet Colorado years have the most check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Colorado model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 17 for 2016. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chevrolet Colorado with the check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### How do I check if my Chevrolet Colorado has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chevrolet dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chevrolet Colorado warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chevrolet-colorado): 25 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chevrolet-colorado): 13 complaints - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-colorado): 44 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chevrolet-colorado): 39 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chevrolet-colorado): 128 complaints ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints ## Chevrolet Colorado - [Chevrolet Colorado specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chevrolet-colorado) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-colorado Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.