Chevrolet Express Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet Express model year from 1996–2026 using 646 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 71 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999 and 2002, which drew far more complaints than other Express years at the same age. The best years are 2025, 2012 and 2015.

28model years
646complaints
71recalls
2013, 2020worst years
2025, 2012best years

Complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’25’2615292368844556592123121814101512132214815211181713
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Express. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
20260typical3—Few
20250−50%4—Few
2021131.2×2Fuel SystemAverage
2020171.4×1TransmissionCaution
20198−36%4TransmissionAverage
201811−16%6ElectricalAverage
2017211.4×6BrakeAverage
201615typical6BodyAverage
20158−41%3SuspensionGood
201414−24%7AirbagAverage
2013221.5×8EngineCaution
201213−41%6BrakeGood
201112−29%5EngineAverage
201015typical5EngineAverage
200910−47%7Wheel & TireGood
200814−18%10TransmissionAverage
200718−35%4Wheel & TireAverage
200612−41%16TransmissionGood
200523−18%8BrakeAverage
200421−18%6BrakeAverage
2003592.6×10BrakeAvoid
2002563.3×—BrakeAvoid
2001452.9×2Wheel & TireAvoid
2000845.0×1BrakeAvoid
1999684.3×1BrakeAvoid
1998231.6×1Wheel & TireCaution
1997291.9×1TransmissionCaution
199615typical2Fuel SystemAverage

* Complaints compared with the median Express year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Chevrolet Express problems

Latest Chevrolet Express recalls

Steering

NHTSA recall 26V-399 · Jun 23, 2026 · 26,541 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Express, and 2025-2026 Savana vehicles. The steering gear assembly may have a nut that was not properly tightened.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2026.

Steering › Column

NHTSA recall 26V-345 · May 28, 2026 · 232 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. The gear shifter may provide inaccurate gear selection feedback to the driver due to an incorrectly manufactured steering column assembly.

Remedy: Until the remedy is performed, owners are advised to visually verify the shift position indicator each time a gear is selected and always use the parking brake when the vehicle is parked.

Tires › Sidewall

NHTSA recall 26V-127 · Mar 5, 2026 · 857 vehicles

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Express Cutaway, and 2025-2026 Savana Cutaway vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with a tire with sidewall damage.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect all tire sidewalls and replace tires with sidewall damage, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026.

Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint

NHTSA recall 25V-299 · May 8, 2025 · 32 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. The front passenger seat head restraint may have been improperly welded to the seat frame.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat frame, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2025.

Structure › Body › Door

NHTSA recall 25V-087 · Feb 13, 2025 · 82 vehicles

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans. The impact beam located in the driver's side door may have improper welds.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side door, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 800-462-8782.

All 71 Chevrolet Express recalls by year →

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Express should you avoid?

2013, 2020, 2000, 1999, 2002 and 2001 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Express years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Express?

2025 has the fewest complaints compared with other Express years at the same age, followed by 2012 and 2015. 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 problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (131), electrical system (82) and transmission & drivetrain (72). Brake complaints peak in the 2000 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Express had?

71 recalls across 1996–2026. The model year with the most is 2006. See all Chevrolet Express 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.