Chevrolet›Colorado›2021›Overview/chevrolet/colorado/2021/base/

2021 Chevrolet Colorado

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Colorado.

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado, defined mechanically by its 5.0-quart engine oil capacity and 5W-20 or 0W-20 viscosity requirements, presents researchers with a contained reliability profile of 68 total owner complaints and a single recall. While its top complaint area falls under the ambiguous "Unknown or Other" category, the overall volume of issues remains low within the model's 2004-2026 history. Sitting far closer to the 2013 low of a single complaint than the 2016 peak of 695, this model year signifies a notably stable and improved chapter in the vehicle's reliability trajectory.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192013

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque140 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 49 · 850 CCA battery, OE oil filter 25206377. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI Only use AGM VRLA Battery. 49 · 850 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP265/70R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0; Optional: 8.0, 8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter25206377 alt 24585238
Engine air filter23248945 alt 94775933
Fuel filter52100212
Spark plug12680074 alt 12646780
Battery88864539 alt 88866271
Front wiper blades84225696 alt 84225697
Serpentine belt12677093 alt 12664598
Thermostat12650486 alt 12630780
Cabin air filter23135671 alt 84984665

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length224.8 in
Overall width74.4 in
Overall height70.5 in
Wheelbase140.6 in
Curb weight4259 lb
Track (front / rear)62.2 / 62.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)57/43

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Colorado of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.0–9.7 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.00 sec — 2023 LT Crew Cab (5'2" Bed)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2019Z71 Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 3.6L V66.10 sec14.80 sec308 hp4x4
2019ZR1 V6 Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 3.6L V66.40 sec14.90 sec308 hp4x4
2023LT Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-46.00 sec14.50 sec237 hp4WD
2023Trail Boss Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-46.10 sec14.50 sec310 hp4WD
2023ZR2 Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.20 sec310 hp4WD
2023ZR2 Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-46.90 sec15.40 sec310 hp4WD
2023Trail Boss Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-47.00 sec15.50 sec310 hp4WD
2023ZR2 Crew Cab (5'2" Bed) 2.7L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.50 sec310 hp4WD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 5W-20 / 0W-20 engine oil, GL-5 · 75W-90 in the differential, Dot 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.7 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.4 qt
Brake FluidDot 3
Brake Fluid Capacity2.1 pt
Differential Gear OilGL-5 · 75W-90
Differential Gear Oil Capacity2.7 pt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.4 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)3.66 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)8.08 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts24.0 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)11.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)31.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)18.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts140 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug18.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain PlugM12 Bolts: 18.0 ft-lbs, M6 Bolts: 6.6 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub192.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub185.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.037-.043 in
Spark Plug Torque15 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerAC Delco
Spark Plug Gap.035 in
Spark Plug Torque13 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.25 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Capacity5.00 oz
Standard BCI Group NumberOnly use AGM VRLA Battery. 49
Standard BCI Cranking Performance850 cca
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance615 cca

Service checks

Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)50.0-94.0
RPM43.0-58.0 rpm
Key ON Engine OFF (KOEO)60.0-80.0

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 30.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 133.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.6
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: .980; Rear: .650
Variation from Parallelism Thickness Variation.0002"
Maximum Rotor Runout.002"

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 40°22 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
118.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 110°18 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 125°59 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 190°22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1M8 Bolts11 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 40°22 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 90°, Step 3: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Flex or Driveplate Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 45°22 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
180°
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
137.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Loosen 90°, Step 3: 18.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 60°37 ft. lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-63.7 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 97,500 mi.

Every 7,500 miAccelerator Pedal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Shift Interlock Solenoid (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 15,000 miWindshield Wiper Blade (replace)
Every 22,500 miCabin Air Filter (replace)
Every 37,500 miFuel Filter (replace)
Every 45,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect)
Every 75,000 miHood Hinge (inspect)
Every 97,500 miSpark Plug Wires (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 Chevrolet Colorado sits in a relatively low-complaint period within the 2015–2026 generation, with 68 complaints—down sharply from the 2015–2016 peak (483 and 695) and comparable to the 2020 model’s 79. Its single recall is minimal, matching the 2017–2022 average of about one per year, and the 742 TSBs reflect a moderate service history that continues a downward trend from the 2015 high of 1,825. However, the top complaint areas—Service Brakes (6), Steering (6), and Engine (5)—along with 6 crash and 1 fire complaint, indicate persistent issues that the data does not attribute to a specific root cause. The 2023–2024 uptick in complaints (130 and 114) and recalls (3 each) suggests later model years may have introduced new problems, making 2021 a comparatively stable choice. Overall, the 2021 Colorado is a good year to buy, provided you verify brake and steering condition and review the single recall’s status before purchase.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
742
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
68
Owner complaints
6 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent
’04’05’06’07’08’09’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25’26

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 68 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes6
Steering6
Engine5
Electrical System4
Air Bags4
Service Brakes,Engine3
Power Train3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V811000Seat BeltsReported 23/12/2020

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 742 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
PIT5966F2026-06-23Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still…
PIT5509M2026-05-14Unknown Or OtherThis PI provides diagnostic tips for diagnosing electric trailer brakes issues.
PIC6423A2026-05-11Unknown Or OtherPi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection…
PIC6551B2026-05-11Unknown Or OtherThis Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless…
PIT3271Q2026-04-01Unknown Or OtherThis preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Colorado. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group O batteryVehicles taking 5.0 qtEngine oil filter 25206377Engine air filter 23248945Fuel filter 52100212Spark plug 12680074

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Colorado take?

5.0 qt of 5W-20 is preferred but 0W-20 can be used as an alternate., per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Colorado have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.