2011 Chevrolet Colorado

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Chevrolet Colorado
Pictured: 2024 Chevrolet Colorado Z71, front left, 09-28-2024. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD, Crew Cab S/Box 4X4, Ext Cab S/Box 2WD, Ext Cab S/Box 4X4
Engines
2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
192.1–207.1 in
Curb weight
3,459–4,001 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is a small pickup truck offered with 3 engines (2.9L 4-cyl, 3.7L 5-cyl and 5.3L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 207 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 126-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,752 lb (Crew Cab S/Box 2WD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 10% better than the 2011 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 29 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2011

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2010 Colorado — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Colorado →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Crew Cab S/Box 2WD207.1 in68.5 in63.8 in126 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,752 lb57/43
Crew Cab S/Box 4X4207.1 in68.5 in68.1 in126 in59.8 / 60.2 in4,001 lb57/43
Ext Cab S/Box 2WD207.1 in67.7 in63.4 in126 in58.3 / 58.3 in3,607 lb57/43
Ext Cab S/Box 4X4207.1 in67.7 in67.7 in126 in58.3 / 58.3 in3,803 lb57/43
Reg Cab S/Box 2WD192.1 in67.7 in65 in111 in59.1 / 59.1 in3,459 lb57/43
Reg Cab S/Box 4X4192.1 in67.7 in67.7 in111 in59.1 / 59.1 in3,715 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Colorado 2WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21+10%$3,200423
Colorado 2WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+10%$3,200423
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21+10%$3,200423
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 21+10%$3,200423
Colorado 4WD2.9L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 20+13%$3,350444
Colorado 4WD2.9L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 20+13%$3,350444
Colorado 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$3,550468
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19-1%$3,550468
Colorado 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19+7%$3,550468
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+2%$3,700494
Colorado Crew Cab 4WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+2%$3,700494
Colorado Cab Chassis inc 2WD3.7L 5-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-11%$3,950523
Colorado 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 16-16%$4,200555
Colorado Crew Cab 2WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 16-16%$4,200555
Colorado 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-10%$4,200555
Colorado Crew Cab 4WD5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-10%$4,200555
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2011 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado.

Similar 2011 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Chevrolet Colorado (this car)21 MPGNot rated5
2011 Ford F-15019 MPGNot rated6
2011 GMC Canyon21 MPGNot rated5
2011 Nissan Frontier21 MPGNot rated1
2011 Honda Ridgeline17 MPGNot rated10
2011 Suzuki Equator21 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (5)

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch · Dec 19, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V594000 · 118,800 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Jun 28, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V337000 · 6,768 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.9 OR 3.7 LITER ENGINE AND A FOUR-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO 102, "TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER SEQUENCE, STARTER INTERLOCK, AND TRANSMISSION BRAKING EFFECT," AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP THAT MAY NOT RETAIN THE SHIFT CABLE IN THE CORRECT POSITION. IF THE SHIFT CABLE IS NOT IN THE CORRECT POSITION, THE PRNDL SHIFT LEVER MAY NOT ACCURATELY REFLECT THE POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR. THE DRIVER COULD MOVE THE SHIFTER TO "PARK" AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN "PARK."
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AS THE DRIVER OR OTHER OCCUPANTS EXIT THE VEHICLE OR HAVE EXITED, RESULTING IN THE POSSIBILITY OF THE VEHICLE STRIKING THEM OR SOMEONE AROUND THE VEHICLE, OR COULD RESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix
GM DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ADJUSTMENT CLIP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JULY 19, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · May 6, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V276000 · 4,674 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CHEVROLET COLORADO AND GMC CANYON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 22, 2010, THROUGH NOVEMBER 5, 2010. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE THE CONDITION IN WHICH THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. WHEN THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED WITH A BUILD-UP OF SNOW OR ICE, OR IF THE WIPERS ARE OPERATED ON A DRY WINDSHIELD, THE NUT COULD LOOSEN. IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT LOOSENING OF THE NUT, THE WIPERS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Risk
DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL SECURE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM NUT FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE MAY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle · Jan 6, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V007000 · 30,566 vehicles

Problem
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 CADILLAC ESCALADE, ESCALADE ESV, ESCALADE EXT; CHEVROLET AVALANCHE, COLORADO, EXPRESS, SILVERADO, SUBURBAN, TAHOE; AND GMC CANYON, SIERRA, SAVANA, YUKON AND YUKON XL VEHICLES. THE REAR AXLE CROSS PINS WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND COULD FRACTURE AND BECOME DISPLACED WITHIN THE REAR AXLE. SHOULD THE PIN SHIFT OUT OF POSITION, IT COULD CREATE AN INTERFERENCE CONDITION AND CAUSE THE REAR AXLE TO LOCK.
Risk
THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW REAR AXLE CROSS PIN FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 AND AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Child Seat · Nov 18, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V575000 · 192,676 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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Chevrolet Colorado is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

29Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
69,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System11
Air Bags5
Unknown Or Other4
Engine3
Power Train2
Seat Belts2
Structure › Body2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 115/03: 115/05: 316/04: 116/06: 116/09: 117/02: 117/06: 117/07: 117/10: 119/01: 119/06: 119/07: 119/09: 119/10: 320/02: 120/05: 120/08: 120/09: 121/03: 121/07: 222/03: 123/04: 125/03: 115/0116/0417/0217/1019/0720/0220/0922/03max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Chevrolet Colorado buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 5 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 3 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Colorado. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Colorado years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Colorado21213 inNot rated118
2025 Colorado20213 in★★★★★127
2024 Colorado22213 in★★★★★3125
2023 Colorado22213 in★★★★★3137
2022 Colorado23224.8 in★★★★★156
2021 Colorado23224.8 in★★★★★180
2020 Colorado23224.8 in★★★★★088
2019 Colorado23224.8 in★★★★★0150
2018 Colorado25224.8 in★★★★★1183
2017 Colorado25224.8 in★★★★★1216
2016 Colorado25224.8 in★★★★★4714
2015 Colorado22224.8 in★★★★★7493

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →