Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 10 | 1.7× | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2011 | 3 | −38% | 2 | Headlight | Average |
| 2009 | 5 | typical | — | Airbag | Average |
| 2008 | 9 | typical | — | Brake | Average |
| 2007 | 5 | typical | 1 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 5 | −25% | — | Fuel System | Average |
| 2005 | 10 | 1.4× | — | Brake | Average |
| 2004 | 12 | 1.6× | — | Brake | Average |
| 2003 | 18 | 2.1× | — | Fuel System | Caution |
| 2002 | 10 | 1.3× | — | Engine | Average |
| 2001 | 5 | −25% | — | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 6 | −25% | — | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Express 1500 year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Chevrolet Express 1500 problems
Latest Chevrolet Express 1500 recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." some of these vehicles May have been built with a clearance condition in which the right rear brake hose May…
Remedy: Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 13, 2011.
Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
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.
Remedy: 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…
Exterior lighting › Brake lights
Certain vans fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." when the brakes are applied, the stop lamps will illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ABS system module. The recall began on September 28, 2007. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9643.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Chevrolet Express 1500 should you avoid?
2003 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Express 1500 years at the same age, led by fuel & propulsion system problems in the 2003.
What is the best year for the Chevrolet Express 1500?
2011 has the fewest complaints compared with other Express 1500 years at the same age, followed by 2000 and 2001. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Chevrolet Express 1500 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (15), fuel & propulsion system (14) and air bags (13). Brake complaints peak in the 2005 model year.
How many recalls has the Chevrolet Express 1500 had?
3 recalls across 2000–2014. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Chevrolet Express 1500 recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.