Most common 2013 Chevrolet Express problems
Share of the 22 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Express complaints by model year
Best Express years: 2025, 2012, 2015. Years to avoid: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999, 2002. Compare all years →
2013 Chevrolet Express recalls (8)
Equipment
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
Equipment › Other › Labels
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782.
Fuel system, other
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013.
Air bags › Frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014.
Fuel system, other
General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013.
Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured.
Remedy: Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge.
Show 2 more recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013.
Power train › Automatic transmission
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for…
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
What 2013 Chevrolet Express owners say
Engine & cooling
Vehicle goes into engine reduced speed and service traction control and service stabili track warning lights turn on. I have had this problem starting a week after I purchased my van and was "repaired" on numerous occasions and the problem keeps reoccurring. The incidents happen while driving and when stationary while engine was running. The dealer replaced the accelerator petal assembly a couple of times and also replaced the throttle body position sensor and the problem still continues. The last time I took it in the dealer put dielectric in the harness and said I might have a moisture problem. The problem reoccurred again a few weeks later. I don't see how moisture could be the problem since it started a week after purchase and continues 4 years later.
The vehicle randomly and autonomously applies the brakes and cuts engine power while driving. At this time the vehicle states "service stabilitrak" and the icon flashes that I am skidding, which I am not (I have video proof of this occuring). After 4 trips to the dealership the problem still persists. It is only a matter of time for this to occur while merging, or making a left across traffic and cause a serious and potentially fatal collision.
Brakes
The Brakes will Lock up while driving Due to an issue with the Power Brake Hydro Boost System. The Hydro Boost Control Valve will allow Pressure to apply the Brake Master Cyl. with Engine speed increasing while the vehicle is traveling in a normal Fashion. Overheating the Brake calipers to the point of Protective boots burning up. Rotors and pads are damaged also. This a known problem Posted on repair search boards. I am a Certified ASE Master Mechanic with over 40 Years This a Very Dangerous Event and Part Failure
The vehicle randomly and autonomously applies the brakes and cuts engine power while driving. At this time the vehicle states "service stabilitrak" and the icon flashes that I am skidding, which I am not (I have video proof of this occuring). After 4 trips to the dealership the problem still persists. It is only a matter of time for this to occur while merging, or making a left across traffic and cause a serious and potentially fatal collision.
Electrical system
Complaint 11102768 filed previously for crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensors. New complaint : vehicle would not start 7/11/2018. Called Chevy dealer. Was told to remove and replace relay in fuse block. Vehicle started. Dealer informed us that they have had to replace faulty fuse block in many similar vehicles. Our vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Express cutaway 4500. Model g33803 159" 6.0 gvw 14,200. It is a forest river sunseeker rv. They have had to replace them in ambulances and other heavy trucks. The part number for the fuse/relay block is 22767373 this item is not on recall list. Please help. The vehicle has just over 9000 miles on it and these items are major, potentially dangerous problems. Thank you
Previous complaints 11102768 , 11111685 vehicle is a forest river sunseeker rv/ 2013 Chevy Express cutaway 4500 model g33803 159" 6.0 gvw 14,200. The fuse/relay block has been replaced. Part 22767373. The tech has made a comment on the invoice. The original fuse block had a lack of voltage to various components and May cause future electrical failures due to this.the vehicle has 9100 mi on it. This fuse block(underhood) has been a problem in many vehicles including ambulances. Not good, as it can cause the vehicle not to start or loose power. This is a serious problem and needs to be addressed.
2013 Chevrolet Express engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 4.8L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 17 / 13 |
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 11 / 16 / 13 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Chevrolet Express a good car?
Based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Express rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Express at the same age. It is one of the Express years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Chevrolet Express?
The engine & cooling — 7 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (6) and electrical system (5).
How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Express have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Express, the most recent from April 26, 2018 (equipment). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Express?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025, 2012 and 2015. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2020, 2000, 1999 and 2002. See the full Chevrolet Express years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Chevrolet Express problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 20,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.