Electrical complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled after the battery warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the starter was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while still at the mechanic. The mechanic replaced the battery and the vehicle restarted; however, the failure recurred. The mechanic replaced the alternator and the failure recurred. The failure was unable to be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that the traction control and electronic stability warning indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed dielectric grease on the front driver and passenger wheels. The vehicle was remedied, but the failure recurred. In addition, the vehicle needed the battery changed approximately five times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 68,560.
Driving down the highway and the lights in the dash started to flash and the van stalled so we pulled over to check for a reason and none were found battery connections were clean and tight. Tried to restart the van and it started up fine then smoke started to fill the interior compartment and then flames emerge from the dash so we got a safe distance from the van and called the fire department. The van was completely destroyed by the fire.
Since winter of 2012, I have replaced 3 thermostats, 2 heater coils, flushed radiator numerous times and still have no heat. Mechanic is beside himself for an answer. The radiator gets plugged up with what looks like mud, which results in another radiator flush. He says radiator is OK because it's not overheating. What am I to do? I love my van but want heat. Please help sincerely
I looked up every problem an recall for the 2006 Chevy Uplander cause we bought the van when it had 40,000 miles since we got it it was in an out getting fixed the siding doors would just open the electrical was an is all messed up the back suspension makes a clicking sound we had to get a new transmission the steering knuckle broke are van has every problem an recall that is listed about this van but when I but the VIN it said that it has none that's bull it's has more then then even have listed this van was an is a lemon since we got it an everyone from the beginning didn't want to hear it now it broke down again the lights are going off an on, the temp shoot to hot an it shut off please help me an my wife we have three kids an this van is all we have we paid for almost everything out of pocket an now we can't to me GM should fix everything that is wrong with it an add the recalls …
This has happened several times me and my grand daughter are headed out shopping on highway 26 in oregon summit hiway the rig just shuts down ckicking the doors windows made funny noise and gas doesn't read full when full ,lights dime at night dash lights go out you have to wiggle the little dash board thing to make them go back on side mirrors won't adjust with panel in door ,and just this past week started doing same thing shut down come back on off by itself so had pulled starter,brand new battery and alternator all good this has to be an electrical issue this is extremely dangerous seeings how I live in the mountains on a very curvy roads
Tl contact owns a 2005 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that a vehicle merged into traffic from a side road and crashed into his vehicle's passenger side door. The contact was driving 35 MPH at the time of the crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the middle row seats reclined backwards. The driver and six passengers were injured. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was previously taken to the dealer several times for the electrical system, the dashboard, and other equipment. The dealer stated that the electrical failure was corrected. Hinesville police report number 07064548 was filed. The powertrain and dealer information were unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 30,079. The consumer provided georgia accident report, court documentation, medical documentation, newspaper article pertaining to the accident, pictures of the accident and injuries. …
Driving the vehicle along the interstate at 65 MPH at night, the ignition switch run position rotated to off and the engine and all headlights, dash, etc, shutdown along with the power steering and power brakes. The incident has just started happening and 340,000 miles on it. Only way to get rolling is to put the auto trans lever to neutral and twist the ignition key to crank position and let key settle to run position. The ignition switch itself has a spring detent and it sets in a pocket at run. So this switch has a spring that over time weakens and allows the whole key cylinder ans switch to drop out of run and shut off the electrical. Solution was to put in a new switch or just use a single key instead of a full set of keys hanging from the key slot.. The full replacement of the switch runs 350$, prts and labor.
NHTSA investigations
Electrical harness damage
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on November 29, 2005, based on one consumer report to odi and a technical service bulletin issued by general motors.the bulletin, no. 1613174, issued on February 21, 2005, states in part, some customers May report a stall and/or no crank, no start condition after the wipers are used.analysis of the available data indicates that the problem experience…
Frequently asked questions
Which Chevrolet Uplander years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2005 (57), 2006 (42), 2008 (28) and 2007 (14) model years. Electrical complaints make up 29% of all complaints for the 2005.
Is there a recall for Chevrolet Uplander electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for any Chevrolet Uplander 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 Uplander electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the alternator/generator/regulator (8 mentions), followed by the starter assembly (4).
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.