Chevrolet Van Problems by Year

We compared every Chevrolet Van model year from 1995–2002 using 153 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 1996, 1997 and 2000, which drew far more complaints than other Van years at the same age. The best years are 2002 and 2001.

8model years
153complaints
0recalls
1996, 1997worst years
2002, 2001best years

Complaints by model year

199519961997199819992000200120022028271615221411
Owner complaints per model year, Chevrolet Van. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
200211−35%—Wheel & TireAverage
200114−25%—EngineAverage
2000221.4×—BrakeCaution
199915−15%—SteeringAverage
199816−15%—EquipmentAverage
1997271.6×—TransmissionCaution
1996281.6×—BrakeCaution
1995201.2×—BrakeAverage

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

Most common Chevrolet Van problems

  • Brakesworst: 1996
    3523%
  • Engine & coolingworst: 2001
    2214%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2000
    1812%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1997
    1510%
  • Body & structureworst: 1997
    138%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 1997
    117%
  • Steeringworst: 1997
    107%
  • Suspensionworst: 1995
    96%
  • A/C & heaterworst: 1997
    96%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1998
    96%
  • Seat beltsworst: 1997
    85%
  • Air bagsworst: 1995
    75%
  • Lightsworst: 1997
    75%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 1995
    64%
  • Seatsworst: 1995
    64%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 1998
    53%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1995
    32%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 1998
    32%
  • Other / not specified
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Chevrolet Van should you avoid?

1996, 1997 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Van years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1996.

What is the best year for the Chevrolet Van?

2002 has the fewest complaints compared with other Van years at the same age, followed by 2001. 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 Van problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the brakes (35), engine & cooling (22) and wheels & tires (18). Brake complaints peak in the 1996 model year.

How many recalls has the Chevrolet Van had?

0 recalls across 1995–2002.

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.