Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 18% | 26,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 5% | 19,000 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 20% | 88,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 13% | 24,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 7% | 26,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 32% | 65,000 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% | 100,000 miles |
| 2011 | 4 | 33% | 98,000 miles |
| 2010 | 4 | 27% | 45,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 14% | 55,000 miles |
| 2007 | 1 | 6% | 82,000 miles |
| 2006 | 2 | 17% | 41,000 miles |
| 2004 | 2 | 10% | 206,000 miles |
| 2003 | 6 | 10% | 16,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 14% | 20,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 13% | 14,000 miles |
| 2000 | 3 | 4% | 18,000 miles |
| 1999 | 6 | 9% | 69,000 miles |
| 1998 | 2 | 9% | 42,000 miles |
| 1997 | 3 | 10% | 79,000 miles |
| 1996 | 3 | 20% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact stated that the 2020 Chevrolet Express was used as a school bus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled and would not restart. During the failure the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the failure could not be duplicated and no repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
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 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the "Service Engine" warning light flashed on and off. The contact stated that after arriving to the residence and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Progressive Snapshot device had caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the Snapshot device was removed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
LT245/75R16 The fist tire failure was rear driver's side which caused a code service stable trac- this caused the vehicle to lose power and engine to die. I made home at 20mph in yraffic.I spent $500 for diagnostic check and new tire. The tire is misshapen and alerts sensor that caused engine to lose power and ultimately die. With new tire the problem was solved. But then the rear passenger tire while on the freeway acted up and caused the van to shake and rattle violently. Drove home at lower speed . I replace that tire with the spare which is a different brand and the van ran fine. Checked the bad tire and it is higher on one side than the other. Checked front tires and there are flat spots and irregularities on both tires
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.
I was pulling back into my driveway my van started idling very rough and erratic. The vehicle display read "engine power reduced. Service traction. ESC off." I didn't know what to think so I immediately shut the car off. I started my car up again after letting it sit for about 10 minutes and it ran fine again but the "check engine light" was still on. The next day I was headed to work and it happened again while driving on the interstate. The same message popped up on the display and the van lost power. I had to pull over so not to be a nuisance for other drivers. After a few minutes I started the van up and I was able to make it to a nearby dealership. When I got the dealership the car was running fine of course. I left it running as I ran inside to get a tech. He came outside and seen the "check engine light" on. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Chevrolet Express. While driving various speeds, the stabilitrack and traction control service warning indicators illuminated along with a beeping sound. In addition, the power reduce warning indicator illuminated and the engine power reduced. The vehicle idled very erratically. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order for it to operate normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 109,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Express years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2002 (8), 2013 (7), 1999 (6), 2001 (6) and 2003 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 2002.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Express engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chevrolet Express model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chevrolet Express engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 57% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine › gasoline (7 mentions), followed by the engine (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.