Chevrolet Express years to avoid (and the best years)
152 NHTSA owner complaints and 24 recalls across 10 model years, 2010 to 2021. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 152complaints
- 24recalls
- 7reported crashes
- 5reported fires
- 11reported injuries
- 2reported deaths
Which Chevrolet Express years should you avoid?
No Chevrolet Express model year stands out from the others in NHTSA owner complaints. The typical Chevrolet Express year has 14 complaints on file.
What are the best Chevrolet Express years?
The Chevrolet Express years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2018 (11), 2011 (12) and 2021 (13). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13 | 0.9× | 2 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Fuel system |
| 2020 | 16 | 1.1× | 1 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
| 2018 | 11 | 0.8× | 6 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Electrical system |
| 2017 | 21 | 1.4× | 6 | 1 | 0 | Few red flags | Brakes |
| 2016 | 15 | 1.0× | 6 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Body and structure |
| 2014 | 14 | 1.0× | 7 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Airbags |
| 2013 | 22 | 1.5× | 8 | 1 | 1 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2012 | 13 | 0.9× | 6 | 2 | 2 | Some concerns to check | Brakes |
| 2011 | 12 | 0.8× | 5 | 0 | 0 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2010 | 15 | 1.0× | 5 | 1 | 7 | Few red flags | Engine |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 56 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain25 (45%)
- Electrical & infotainment8 (14%)
- Brakes7 (12%)
- Steering, suspension & tires5 (9%)
- Airbags & seat belts5 (9%)
Recalls (24)
Electrical system · 21V189000 · Mar 2021 · model year 2021
A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Tires · 21V115000 · Feb 2021 · model years 2018, 2020, 2021
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Safety · 19V428000 · Jun 2019 · model years 2017, 2018
The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 19V387000 · May 2019 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
Tempered glass increases the risk of injury in the event of a side impact or rollover crash.
Electrical system · 18V655000 · Sep 2018 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
If the CCM overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire in the vehicle's headliner.
Tires · 18V509000 · Aug 2018 · model year 2018
If the low tire pressure telltale is not illuminated at the correct tire pressure, the driver may have less time to react to a low-tire-pressure situation, which could affect the driver's ability to control the vehicle in certain situations and could increase the risk of a crash.
Body & glass · 18V295000 · May 2018 · model years 2014, 2016, 2017
High electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Safety · 18V267000 · Apr 2018 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Body & glass · 16V700000 · Sep 2016 · model years 2016, 2017
If the driver does not have a clear unobstructed view to the back of the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Tires · 16V184000 · Apr 2016 · model years 2014, 2016
Without a TPMS, the driver would not be alerted if one or more tires became under inflated. Driving with under inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.
Safety · 13V544000 · Oct 2015 · model years 2013, 2014
Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
Electrical system · 14V614000 · Oct 2014 · model year 2014
If the module experiences an electrical short, the vehicle could stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 14V500000 · Aug 2014 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Airbags · 14V117000 · Mar 2014 · model years 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Fuel system · 13V225000 · May 2013 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Electrical system · 13V147000 · Apr 2013 · model year 2013
If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.
Fuel system · 13V080000 · Mar 2013 · model year 2011
If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.
Electrical system · 13V010000 · Jan 2013 · model year 2013
If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.
Steering · 13V001000 · Jan 2013 · model year 2013
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Safety · 12V169000 · Apr 2012 · model year 2010
A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIRS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
Steering · 12V112000 · Mar 2012 · model year 2012
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Airbags · 11V543000 · Nov 2011 · model year 2012
AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Electrical system · 10V138000 · Apr 2010 · model year 2010
THE LOW RESISTANCE SHORT COULD EVENTUALLY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Body & glass · 10V096000 · Mar 2010 · model year 2010
IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH.