Owners have filed 14 complaints
about the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 with NHTSA between 2006 and 2017.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 45
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Express 3500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
21.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 39
23% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2001 compares with every other Chevrolet Express 3500
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
428.6%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Tires
321.4%
Median failure at 41,131 miles
Brakes
214.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,494 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
17.1%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
Body & Structure
17.1%
Median failure at 16,350 miles
Steering
17.1%
Median failure at 98,000 miles
Airbags
17.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,500 mi
Electrical System
17.1%
Median failure at 70,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
17.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
215.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
323.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
430.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
323.1%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2006peak 3Nov 2017
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 12,419 milesRittman, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 VAN. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES ENGAGED MOMENTARILY AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY RELEASED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER SENSOR MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE AND WERE KEEPING THE BRAKE LINES CLOSED WITHOUT ALLOWING PRESSURE TO RELEASE AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,419. UPDATED 10/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10346137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,500 milesNapoleon, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 12/14/06 AT 7:30 PM ON A CLEAR EVENING A SECOND VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AT 55 MPH WITH THE 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A DITCH HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. THE POLICE WERE CALLED, HE DIDN'T SPEAK WITH AN OFFICER BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN PELVIS, AND OTHER INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT HARNESS DID RESTRAIN HIM, BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE NATURE OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK UPDATED 2/22/2007 -
NHTSA complaint #10179463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chino Valley, AZ
TIRES:SIDEWALL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 EQUIPPED WITH DEXTERO DHT2 TIRES, SIZE: LT245/75R/16 (NA). WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AMERICAN CUSTOM TIRE INC (1300 W MAIN ST, QUARTZSITE, AZ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERNAL SIDEWALL FAILED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
NHTSA complaint #11050993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpringfield, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE "PCM"-PUMP CONTROL MODULE LOCATED ON THE INJECTION PUMP THAT IS IN CHARGE OF OPERATING AND COORDINATING PUMP OPERATIONS FAILS AFTER 30,000 TO 40,000 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING--NO BRAKES OR STEERING SIMILAR TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES. GM LIKES TO GET 1,400 TO FIX, AFTER THE TOW. THANKS [XXX] A BETTER FIX NEEDS TO BE MADE HERE RATHER THAN INSTALLING ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS IN ALL THE 6.5 DIESEL MOTORS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10871926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpringfield, VA
ENGINE
THE "PCM"-PUMP CONTROL MODULE LOCATED ON THE INJECTION PUMP THAT IS IN CHARGE OF OPERATING AND COORDINATING PUMP OPERATIONS FAILS AFTER 30,000 TO 40,000 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING--NO BRAKES OR STEERING SIMILAR TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES. GM LIKES TO GET 1,400 TO FIX, AFTER THE TOW. THANKS [XXX] A BETTER FIX NEEDS TO BE MADE HERE RATHER THAN INSTALLING ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS IN ALL THE 6.5 DIESEL MOTORS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10871926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSpringfield, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE "PCM"-PUMP CONTROL MODULE LOCATED ON THE INJECTION PUMP THAT IS IN CHARGE OF OPERATING AND COORDINATING PUMP OPERATIONS FAILS AFTER 30,000 TO 40,000 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING--NO BRAKES OR STEERING SIMILAR TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES. GM LIKES TO GET 1,400 TO FIX, AFTER THE TOW. THANKS [XXX] A BETTER FIX NEEDS TO BE MADE HERE RATHER THAN INSTALLING ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS IN ALL THE 6.5 DIESEL MOTORS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10871926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSpringfield, VA
STEERING
THE REAR MAIN SEAL, FRONT HARMONIC SEAL AND POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT SEAL ARE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP LAST WEEK TO HAVE PROBLEM FIXED. NEED HELP VERY EXPENSIVE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10865402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSpringfield, VA
ENGINE
THE REAR MAIN SEAL, FRONT HARMONIC SEAL AND POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT SEAL ARE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP LAST WEEK TO HAVE PROBLEM FIXED. NEED HELP VERY EXPENSIVE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10865402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 68,570 milesHalesite, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
BRAKE LINES SEVERELY CORRODED AND RUSTED AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED TO RENEW SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATION.
NHTSA complaint #10446431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,419 milesRittman, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 VAN. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES ENGAGED MOMENTARILY AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY RELEASED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER SENSOR MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE AND WERE KEEPING THE BRAKE LINES CLOSED WITHOUT ALLOWING PRESSURE TO RELEASE AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,419. UPDATED 10/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/10
NHTSA complaint #10346137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesScotsdale, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT WAS COASTING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY RESTARTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #10345862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,272 milesWashington, DC
TIRES
TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE CARCASS.
NHTSA complaint #10225892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,500 milesNapoleon, OHCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 12/14/06 AT 7:30 PM ON A CLEAR EVENING A SECOND VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AT 55 MPH WITH THE 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A DITCH HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. THE POLICE WERE CALLED, HE DIDN'T SPEAK WITH AN OFFICER BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN PELVIS, AND OTHER INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT HARNESS DID RESTRAIN HIM, BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE NATURE OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK UPDATED 2/22/2007 -
NHTSA complaint #10179463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,566 milesImperial, MO
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER A PERIOD OF 15 MINUTES, THE ENGINE EASILY RESTARTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT ALTHOUGH AFTER RESTARTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ACCELERATOR MODULE OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE STALLING AND REDUCED POWER PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. NUMEROUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE SUCH AS A SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT, THROTTLE BODY UNIT, AND A WIRING CONNECTOR. UPDATED 11/03/06.
NHTSA complaint #10168631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,991 milesTallahassee, FL
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE DURING DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE. THE CONTACT HEARD A VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE STEEL TX RADIAL R4S.
NHTSA complaint #10165923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,350 milesBourne, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRONT BUMPER WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. UPDATED 9/13/2006 - THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE REINFORCEMENT BAR WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE REDESIGNED SO THAT IT WILL NOT DETERIORATE IN A SHORT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10165498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.