Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 18% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 13% | 3,000 miles |
| 2018 | 4 | 36% | 60,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 10% | 18,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 20% | 36,000 miles |
| 2015 | 2 | 25% | 37,000 miles |
| 2014 | 3 | 21% | 77,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 23% | 9,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 23% | 212,000 miles |
| 2011 | 1 | 8% | 143,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 13% | 130,000 miles |
| 2009 | 1 | 10% | 160,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 14% | 73,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 11% | 230,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% | 395,000 miles |
| 2005 | 4 | 17% | 101,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 5% | 140,000 miles |
| 2003 | 10 | 17% | 37,000 miles |
| 2002 | 9 | 16% | 16,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 13% | 5,000 miles |
| 2000 | 4 | 5% | 100,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 10% | 68,000 miles |
| 1998 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 1996 | 3 | 20% | 59,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Redhawk. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the RV the plumbing hoses and lines as well electrical wires, fuel line from the propane tank, and fuel line from the generator was just lying on the frame. The hoses and lines were not insulated or secured underneath the RV. The contact stated that he was concerned that a fire could have been started. The contact stated that he wire-tied all the wires, so they were not laying on the frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who only secured the wires with a single wire tie. The contact stated that many of the wires were still just hanging as the dealer did not repair the problem. The contact stated that the brake, fuel, and electrical harness were all clamped together which could cause a failure. The Jayco dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a GM dealer for repairs to the chassis. …
The vehicle is experiencing an under-chassis manufacturing wiring harness restriction (Connector X185) that was installed too tightly from the factory, dropping the 5-volt reference power circuit down to 0 volts under load. This intermittent electrical failure completely starves the fuel pump, causing the fuel loop pressure to drop to a dangerous 43.5 PSI while driving (GM factory specification is 55-100 PSI). This electrical breakdown simultaneously chokes the fuel tank vapor loops, causing the fuel tank pressure to spike to an extreme -1100 vacuum pressure parameter. This results in severe engine hesitation, random vehicle starving of fuel, an abysmal 9.9 MPG average compared to the 13 MPG combined standard, and an automated network communication failure resulting in four distinct audible dashboard warning beeps. …
The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that the defroster would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact mentioned that the defroster might start working when driving over a pothole or an obstruction in the road. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System). The contact also discovered that the rear window was made out of tempered glass which failed to comply with FMVSS standards; she was also able to link that failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V387000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was notified of both failures and informed her that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System) was already performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer also informed her that the VIN was no longer included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System). …
While travelling down the road the "service Stabilitrak" and "service traction control" messages come on in the Driver Information Center and the lights for each component are lit in the dashboard. On occasion, the emergency brake light comes when I know the emergency brake is off. My safety is at risk because I'm not sure if the lights are indicating a problem or if the lights are malfunctioning as they come on every time I take a trip in this vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by three different Chevrolet dealers, one of them three times and no fix has solved the problem. The dealers confirm the problem, but cannot find the solution. Chevrolet headquarters is well aware of the issue and have paid toward some of the dealer charges. The issue has been going since I purchased the vehicle in 2019.
Problem: power window wouldn't work, rear defroster would not work, vehicle would not start, vehicle would crank but not start. Car had to be towed. The relays were defective and were replaced. Upon taking the relays apart , I found that they were rusted inside and the rust was flaking off. I contacted Chevrolet and I was told the vehicle was out of warranty and it would not cover rusted parts.the representative also said that he had other complaints about the relays failing.there are ten of these relays in this vehicle and four have failed due to rust. There is no way to test the remaining units for rust until they fail. This is a real electrical safety issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that water was leaking from the driver's side visor connection. Water also leaked onto the contact and the floor. The instrument panel was also leaking. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to sawyer Chevrolet (351 w bridge st, catskill, ny 12414, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that a new wi-fi antenna gasket needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired, but failed again days later. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 36,000.
Vehicle will shut off while driving. No warning signs. Will lose all power steering and unstable control. Will not start after it shuts down for up to 24hrs. This vehicle also has a history of hard/trouble starting. When it turns over is will go into protection mode "loss of power". This problem started at 3,178 miles and has continued regularly up to the current 26, 050 miles. Jack wilson Chevrolet of saint augustine has attempted to repair this vehicle eleven (11) times since the 2nd day after purchase. After obtaining all service records since this vehicle was new there have been 24 attempts at repairing this vehicle with no success. Here is a list of repairs pulled from GM workbench service records. Continual check engine light. Dealer cannot find the issue. To date - I sold the vehicle back to dealer, they are selling, so it will be back on the road. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator suddenly illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to grand prize Chevrolet Buick GMC (located at 32 rte 304, nanuet, ny 10954, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the air bag sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.
Related recalls (6)
Electrical system › 12V/24V/48V battery › Cables
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable…
Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. The seatbelt-unfastened warning light will not illuminate for approximately five seconds after the ignition is moved to the "on" or "start" position.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the instrument panel cluster, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2019.
Electrical system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Express and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a single, manual, rear climate control module (CCM). If the temperature is set to maximum heat or the mode knob is set to maximum floor vent and an electrical short occurs, components within the CCM may overheat.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the electrical insulation from a wiring connector within the CCM to remove the fire risk, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018.
Electrical system
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Cadillac CTS, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL, and 2014 Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Express, Impala, Silverado HD, Traverse, GMC Acadia, Savana, and Sierra HD vehicles.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the chassis electronic module, free of charge. The recall began on December 26, 2014.
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.
Show 1 more recall
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
General motors has notified NHTSA of a defect in certain model year 2010 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vans 2500, 3500 and 4500 series. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which the generator May develop a low resistance short within the voltage regulator.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace any suspect generators if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on April 12, 2010.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Express years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (10), 2002 (9), 1999 (7), 2001 (6) and 2013 (5) model years. Electrical complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Express electrical problems?
Yes — 6 recalls, including 21V-189 (cables, Mar 18, 2021); 19V-644 (instrument cluster/panel, Sep 6, 2019); 18V-655 (electrical system, Sep 21, 2018). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Express electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 77,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition (8 mentions), followed by the wiring (6).
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.