Owners have filed 17 complaints
about the 2006 Chevrolet Express with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 16 of 25 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 — 26
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Express. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Chevrolet Express
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2006 Chevrolet Express
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Body & Structure
211.8%
Median failure at 62,529 miles
Airbags
211.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 79,750 mi
Electrical System
211.8%
Median failure at 232,372 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
211.8%
Median failure at 41,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
211.8%
Median failure at 41,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.9%
Stability & Traction Control
15.9%
Median failure at 41,000 miles
Seats
15.9%
Seat Belts
15.9%
Suspension
15.9%
Median failure at 40,000 miles
Brakes
15.9%
Median failure at 25,620 miles
Steering
15.9%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 258 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
541.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
433.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
150,000+ miles
18.3%
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.
May 2006peak 3Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2006 Chevrolet Express
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202321025,587 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, an unused wiring harness for a rear HVAC blower motor, located in the left B-pillar area, could become damaged if exposed to moisture or contaminants. If this happens, the wires could short circuit. Note: This recall only affects cutaway chassis incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to seal the wiring for the rear HVAC blower motor at the left B-pillar.
Recall 2008120106 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain full-size passenger, cargo and cutaway vans may have front and rear seat belt buckles that will not latch or will not unlatch. There are two conditions that render the buckle inoperative after customer usage. Specifically, (1) with a damaged ejector hood, the latch tongue cannot fully enter the buckle and will not latch, and (2) if the release bar moves permanently out of position the buckle will either be unable to engage the latch or the pushbutton will be unable to unlatch the buckle. Correction: Dealers will inspect buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly will be replaced. Note: This is an expansion of recall 2005390.
Recall 200539039,243 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain full-size passenger, cargo and cutaway vans may have front and rear seat belt buckles that will not latch or will not unlatch. There are two conditions that render the buckle inoperative after customer usage. Specifically, (1) with a damaged ejector hood, the latch tongue cannot fully enter the buckle and will not latch, and (2) if the release bar moves permanently out of position the buckle will either be unable to engage the latch or the pushbutton will be unable to unlatch the buckle. Correction: Dealers will inspect buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly will be replaced.
Recall 20052966,487 units in Canada
Steering
Certain vehicles may have been built with a power steering hose that is not to specification. Under extreme steering manoeuvres, such as turning the steering wheel fully to the left or right while braking, the hose may fracture and leak fluid. If this were to occur, power steering assist would be lost and increased steering effort would be required. On vehicles equipped with hydro-boost power brakes, it could also result in loss of power brake assist and increase braking effort would be required. If power steering fluid were to spray onto hot engine parts, an engine compartment fire could occur. Correction: Dealers will inspect the power steering hose(s) for two suspect date codes and replace them if required.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 64,500 milesMedford, ORCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
ON APRIL 29, 2011, A PASSENGER AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A VERY SERIOUS NEAR-FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS A 2006 CHEVY EXPRESS CARGO VAN. WE WERE DRIVING FROM MEDFORD, OREGON TO KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON ON HWY 140 EAST. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR MILE MARKER 59 AT APPROXIMATELY 8 A.M. THIS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY RUNS PARALLEL TO KLAMATH LAKE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL WHEN WE DROVE OVER A PATCH OF UNSEEN BLACK ICE. AS THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL WE WENT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND INTO THE LAKE WHERE WE COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A HUGE BOLDER (NOT A ROCK) THAT WAS PROTRUDING FROM THE WATER. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER LENGTH WISE AND THEN CAME TO REST UPRIGHT IN THE WATER. THE VAN SANK INTO THE WATER AND STOPPED SINKING WHEN THE WATER LEVEL HAD RISEN TO OUR CHINS. HIGHWAY PATROL AND AN AMBULANCE TEAM WERE DISPATCHED TO THE SCENE AND IT WAS NOTED THAT THE DUAL AIRBAG SYSTEM DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT I SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES INCLUDING A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A VERY SERIOUS SHOULDER INJURY WHICH REQUIRED RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY AND A LENGTHY RECOVERY PERIOD. MY PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. I BELIEVE, AS WELL AS OTHERS, THAT HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THE INJURIES I RECEIVED WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED OR WOULD HAVE BEEN GREATLY MINIMIZED.
NHTSA complaint #10441629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 258 milesPuyallup, WACrash
STEERING
I WAS LEAVING A MILITARY HOSPITAL AFTER DROPPING OFF MILITARY PEOPLE AND TURNED LEFT AND DROVE ABOUT 200 YARDS WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE STEERING AND I COULDN'T STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE RIGHT HITTING A ROAD SIDE LIGHT POLE. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS BLOWN ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL. I CAN'T SAY THAT IT HAD BLOWN BEFORE OR AFTER THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10157947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Miami, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving approximately 70 mph on the highway when I came up behind a vehicle whose three brake lights were completely inoperative. The vehicle suddenly stopped, but there was no brake light illumination to warn following traffic. The only reason I realized the vehicle was stopping was because I was traveling on a slope and could see the vehicles ahead of it also slowing down. If the roadway had been level, I likely would not have known the vehicle was braking and could have rear-ended it at highway speed. This created a serious safety hazard and put me and other drivers at significant risk of a high-speed collision.
NHTSA complaint #11747878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2006 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 178,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 394,745.
NHTSA complaint #11723693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesBloomingburg, NY
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED SEVERELY AND STOPPED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #10894065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesBridgewater, VA
POWER TRAIN
I BOUGHT A CHEVROLET VAN EXPRESS WITH A 6.0 V8 ENGINE A YEAR AGO WITH ONLY 37000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE AND STABILITRAK SYSTEM IN ADDITION TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILURE DETAILED BELOW SAME ACROSS THE ENTIRE V8 6.0 ENGINES PRODUCED BY CHEVROLET. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. I WAS ALSO ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN TWO TIMES IN A 30 MINUTE SPAN OF TIME. NOW WITH ONLY 41,000 MILES I HAVE PARKED THE VAN UNTIL A RECALL CORRECTS THE DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS. AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY AIR BAG SENSOR WENT OFF WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT AGAIN ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. I WAS ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED COLD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT THEY ARE FRAUGHT WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES BEING IN A COMPROMISING POSITION 3 TIMES WITH 9 PEOPLE AND 2 ARE INFANTS IN THE VAN. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. SOMETHING AS DRAMATIC AS A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE IN A CAR THAT IS AS POPULAR AS THE V8 6.0 ENGINE IS A FRIGHTENING ISSUE THAT EVERYONE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY IS GOING TO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT. F THE ENGINE WON'T RESTART . TTHE STEERING WILL FEEL INCREASINGLY HEAVIER, MAKING IT HARDER TO STEER. ALSO THE POWER BOOST FOR THE BRAKES DISAPPEARS AFTER ONE OR TWO APPLICATIONS, MAKING THE VAN HARDER TO STOP. IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE UNDERHOOD BUSSED ELECTRICAL CENTER (UBEC) HOUSING CAN EXPAND AND CAUSE THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT WIRE TO BEND. IF THE WIRE IS REPEATEDLY BENT, IT MAY FRACTURE CAUSING A LOSS OF LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ILLUMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10887623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesBridgewater, VA
ENGINE
I BOUGHT A CHEVROLET VAN EXPRESS WITH A 6.0 V8 ENGINE A YEAR AGO WITH ONLY 37000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE AND STABILITRAK SYSTEM IN ADDITION TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILURE DETAILED BELOW SAME ACROSS THE ENTIRE V8 6.0 ENGINES PRODUCED BY CHEVROLET. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. I WAS ALSO ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN TWO TIMES IN A 30 MINUTE SPAN OF TIME. NOW WITH ONLY 41,000 MILES I HAVE PARKED THE VAN UNTIL A RECALL CORRECTS THE DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS. AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY AIR BAG SENSOR WENT OFF WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT AGAIN ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. I WAS ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED COLD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT THEY ARE FRAUGHT WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES BEING IN A COMPROMISING POSITION 3 TIMES WITH 9 PEOPLE AND 2 ARE INFANTS IN THE VAN. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. SOMETHING AS DRAMATIC AS A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE IN A CAR THAT IS AS POPULAR AS THE V8 6.0 ENGINE IS A FRIGHTENING ISSUE THAT EVERYONE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY IS GOING TO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT. F THE ENGINE WON'T RESTART . TTHE STEERING WILL FEEL INCREASINGLY HEAVIER, MAKING IT HARDER TO STEER. ALSO THE POWER BOOST FOR THE BRAKES DISAPPEARS AFTER ONE OR TWO APPLICATIONS, MAKING THE VAN HARDER TO STOP. IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE UNDERHOOD BUSSED ELECTRICAL CENTER (UBEC) HOUSING CAN EXPAND AND CAUSE THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT WIRE TO BEND. IF THE WIRE IS REPEATEDLY BENT, IT MAY FRACTURE CAUSING A LOSS OF LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ILLUMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10887623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,000 milesBridgewater, VA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I BOUGHT A CHEVROLET VAN EXPRESS WITH A 6.0 V8 ENGINE A YEAR AGO WITH ONLY 37000 MILES. APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE, I BEGAN HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE ENGINE AND STABILITRAK SYSTEM IN ADDITION TO THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FAILURE DETAILED BELOW SAME ACROSS THE ENTIRE V8 6.0 ENGINES PRODUCED BY CHEVROLET. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. I WAS ALSO ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE SHUT DOWN TWO TIMES IN A 30 MINUTE SPAN OF TIME. NOW WITH ONLY 41,000 MILES I HAVE PARKED THE VAN UNTIL A RECALL CORRECTS THE DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEMS. AGAIN WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY MY AIR BAG SENSOR WENT OFF WITH THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION LIGHT AGAIN ILLUMINATED SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE VAN VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY STRESSING ALL THE OCCUPANTS. I WAS ALERTED THAT "ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED" AND MY VEHICLE STOPPED COLD. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER GM PRODUCT THEY ARE FRAUGHT WITH ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THIS IS CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES BEING IN A COMPROMISING POSITION 3 TIMES WITH 9 PEOPLE AND 2 ARE INFANTS IN THE VAN. RESEARCH SHOWS THIS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE. SOMETHING AS DRAMATIC AS A TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE IN A CAR THAT IS AS POPULAR AS THE V8 6.0 ENGINE IS A FRIGHTENING ISSUE THAT EVERYONE ACROSS THE INDUSTRY IS GOING TO WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT. F THE ENGINE WON'T RESTART . TTHE STEERING WILL FEEL INCREASINGLY HEAVIER, MAKING IT HARDER TO STEER. ALSO THE POWER BOOST FOR THE BRAKES DISAPPEARS AFTER ONE OR TWO APPLICATIONS, MAKING THE VAN HARDER TO STOP. IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES, THE UNDERHOOD BUSSED ELECTRICAL CENTER (UBEC) HOUSING CAN EXPAND AND CAUSE THE HEADLAMP LOW BEAM RELAY CONTROL CIRCUIT WIRE TO BEND. IF THE WIRE IS REPEATEDLY BENT, IT MAY FRACTURE CAUSING A LOSS OF LOW BEAM HEADLAMP ILLUMINATION.
NHTSA complaint #10887623 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesSantan Valley, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE IGNITION WAS ORIGINALLY REPAIRED AT 54,322 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10632737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesAsheville, NC
AIR BAGS
MY FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING. IT WILL NOT TURN ON AT ALL WHEN PEOPLE OF ALL DIFFERENT SIZES ARE IN THE SEAT. IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN THE AIRBAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA complaint #10592953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 64,500 milesMedford, ORCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
ON APRIL 29, 2011, A PASSENGER AND I WERE INVOLVED IN A VERY SERIOUS NEAR-FATAL MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT. I WAS THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH WAS A 2006 CHEVY EXPRESS CARGO VAN. WE WERE DRIVING FROM MEDFORD, OREGON TO KLAMATH FALLS, OREGON ON HWY 140 EAST. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED NEAR MILE MARKER 59 AT APPROXIMATELY 8 A.M. THIS STRETCH OF HIGHWAY RUNS PARALLEL TO KLAMATH LAKE. THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL WHEN WE DROVE OVER A PATCH OF UNSEEN BLACK ICE. AS THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL WE WENT ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND INTO THE LAKE WHERE WE COLLIDED HEAD ON INTO A HUGE BOLDER (NOT A ROCK) THAT WAS PROTRUDING FROM THE WATER. THE IMPACT CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER LENGTH WISE AND THEN CAME TO REST UPRIGHT IN THE WATER. THE VAN SANK INTO THE WATER AND STOPPED SINKING WHEN THE WATER LEVEL HAD RISEN TO OUR CHINS. HIGHWAY PATROL AND AN AMBULANCE TEAM WERE DISPATCHED TO THE SCENE AND IT WAS NOTED THAT THE DUAL AIRBAG SYSTEM DID NOT DEPLOY. AS A RESULT I SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES INCLUDING A FRACTURED STERNUM AND A VERY SERIOUS SHOULDER INJURY WHICH REQUIRED RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY AND A LENGTHY RECOVERY PERIOD. MY PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. I BELIEVE, AS WELL AS OTHERS, THAT HAD THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, AS THEY SHOULD HAVE, THE INJURIES I RECEIVED WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED OR WOULD HAVE BEEN GREATLY MINIMIZED.
NHTSA complaint #10441629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 25,620 milesWilder, VT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM ACTIVATES FOR NO REASON AND GREATLY EXTENDS THE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS HAS PUT OUR DRIVERS IN VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. WE HAVE SEVERAL GM LIGHT DUTY VANS AND TRUCKS AND THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH ALMOST ALL OF THEM. THE WHEEL SENSOR MECHANISM IS A FAULTY DESIGN AND CAUSES A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR THE DRIVERS. GM SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE ALL OF THESE WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED UNIT THAT WORK SAFELY.
NHTSA complaint #10434425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,529 milesHarrisburg, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE CARGO DOOR HINGES NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND BINDING. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HINGES HAS OCCURRED DESPITE OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THE HINGES LUBRICATED TO TRY TO PREVENT THE DOORS FROM BINDING SO BADLY THAT IT MADE OPENING THE DOORS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE EVEN FOR A STRONG, GROWN MAN. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY EITHER THE HANDICAPPED VEHICLE CONVERSION COMPANY OR THORNTON CHEVROLET ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN THESE PROBLEMS BECAME SO SEVERE THAT THEY PREVENTED MY UTILIZATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE HINGES TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011. I CONTACTED THE COLLISION REPAIR SHOP AT THORNTON CHEVROLET AND HAD THEM ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE HINGE PIN ASSEMBLY ON THE PROBLEM DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (WHERE MY WHEELCHAIR LIFT IS INSTALLED AND USED TO ALLOW ME TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE). HOWEVER, THE TRAINED COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS AT THORNTON CHEVROLET REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS AND INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER HINGE ASSEMBLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER CARGO DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A CRACK IN THE METAL OF THE HINGE ASSEMBLY WHERE IT IS WELDED TO THE VEHICLE. AS YOU WILL REALIZE, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM HAD I NOT BEEN OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE THREE SEPARATE INSTANCES WHEN THE LATCH MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. HAD I BEEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR NOT AT MY RESIDENCE (SUCH AS BEING AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT) WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10429461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,529 milesHarrisburg, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE CARGO DOOR HINGES NOT OPERATING PROPERLY AND BINDING. THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HINGES HAS OCCURRED DESPITE OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THE HINGES LUBRICATED TO TRY TO PREVENT THE DOORS FROM BINDING SO BADLY THAT IT MADE OPENING THE DOORS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE EVEN FOR A STRONG, GROWN MAN. I HAD TO HAVE BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY EITHER THE HANDICAPPED VEHICLE CONVERSION COMPANY OR THORNTON CHEVROLET ON THOSE OCCASIONS WHEN THESE PROBLEMS BECAME SO SEVERE THAT THEY PREVENTED MY UTILIZATION OF THE VEHICLE. THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE OF PROBLEMS WITH THE HINGES TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2011. I CONTACTED THE COLLISION REPAIR SHOP AT THORNTON CHEVROLET AND HAD THEM ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE ISSUE BY REPLACING THE HINGE PIN ASSEMBLY ON THE PROBLEM DOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE (WHERE MY WHEELCHAIR LIFT IS INSTALLED AND USED TO ALLOW ME TO ENTER AND EXIT THE VEHICLE). HOWEVER, THE TRAINED COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS AT THORNTON CHEVROLET REALIZED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MORE SERIOUS THAN THIS AND INFORMED ME THAT THE ENTIRE LOWER HINGE ASSEMBLY ON THE REAR PASSENGER CARGO DOOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF A CRACK IN THE METAL OF THE HINGE ASSEMBLY WHERE IT IS WELDED TO THE VEHICLE. AS YOU WILL REALIZE, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN AN EXTREMELY SERIOUS SAFETY PROBLEM HAD I NOT BEEN OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE ON THE THREE SEPARATE INSTANCES WHEN THE LATCH MECHANISM FAILED TO OPERATE PROPERLY. HAD I BEEN INSIDE THE VEHICLE OR NOT AT MY RESIDENCE (SUCH AS BEING AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT) WHEN THIS OCCURRED, I WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #10429461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lodi, NJ
POWER TRAIN
PURCHASED ANOTHER FLY WHEEL. *DT THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE REDESIGNED FLYWHEEL AND THERE MUST BE ANOTHER REASON FOR IT WEARING OUT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE ORIGINAL FLYWHEELS WERE MADE STRONGER AND HAD DIFFERENT HOLES IN THEM. THE REDESIGNED FLYWHEEL WAS MUCH THINNER AND LESS EXPENSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10313231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lodi, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
PURCHASED ANOTHER FLY WHEEL. *DT THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE REDESIGNED FLYWHEEL AND THERE MUST BE ANOTHER REASON FOR IT WEARING OUT. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER MECHANIC FOR A SECOND OPINION AND WAS TOLD THE ORIGINAL FLYWHEELS WERE MADE STRONGER AND HAD DIFFERENT HOLES IN THEM. THE REDESIGNED FLYWHEEL WAS MUCH THINNER AND LESS EXPENSIVE.
NHTSA complaint #10313231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 15 PASSENGER VAN THE VAN IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 BENCH SEATS. THE FIRST THREE BENCHES SEAT THREE PEOPLE AND THE LAST BACK BENCH SEATS FOUR. THIS LEAVES A VERY SMALL WALKWAY TO ACCESS THE SEATS FROM THE DOOR. THE SEAT BELTS FOR THE OUTER POSITIONS OF THE BENCH SEATS ARE AFFIXED TO THE SIDE WALLS PROVIDING SHOULDER BELTS FOR THESE SEATS. THESE BELTS HAVE TWO BUCKLE ENDS ON EACH BELT. THE CLIP ON THE END OF THE BELT SPANS THE WALKWAY AND ATTACHES TO THE WALKWAY SIDE OF THE BENCH SEAT. THE OTHER SLIDING CONNECTOR THEN IS ATTACHED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCCUPANT PROVIDING A SHOULDER AND LAP RESTRAINT. ONCE CONNECTED, THIS BUCKLE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE REMOVED IT LACKS A USABLE BUTTON TO DISCONNECT THE BELT. IT DOES HAVE A SMALL RECTANGULAR HOLE IN THE FRONT TO STICK IN AN OBJECT, FLAT SCREWDRIVER, OR SUCH TO DISCONNECT THE BELT. WITH THIS CONFIGURATION THE OCCUPANTS OF THE FRONT BENCH CAN ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING IMPEDED. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE REMAINING SEATS ARE FORCED TO TRANSVERSE THE BELTS OF THE SEATS IN FRONT OF IT AS THEY ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS CONFIGURATION PRODUCES A STRANGULATION HAZARD FOR 10 OF THE 15 OCCUPANTS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS THEY ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE COMPOUNDED IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10168815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Loganville, GA
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 15 PASSENGER VAN THE VAN IS EQUIPPED WITH 4 BENCH SEATS. THE FIRST THREE BENCHES SEAT THREE PEOPLE AND THE LAST BACK BENCH SEATS FOUR. THIS LEAVES A VERY SMALL WALKWAY TO ACCESS THE SEATS FROM THE DOOR. THE SEAT BELTS FOR THE OUTER POSITIONS OF THE BENCH SEATS ARE AFFIXED TO THE SIDE WALLS PROVIDING SHOULDER BELTS FOR THESE SEATS. THESE BELTS HAVE TWO BUCKLE ENDS ON EACH BELT. THE CLIP ON THE END OF THE BELT SPANS THE WALKWAY AND ATTACHES TO THE WALKWAY SIDE OF THE BENCH SEAT. THE OTHER SLIDING CONNECTOR THEN IS ATTACHED TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE OCCUPANT PROVIDING A SHOULDER AND LAP RESTRAINT. ONCE CONNECTED, THIS BUCKLE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE REMOVED IT LACKS A USABLE BUTTON TO DISCONNECT THE BELT. IT DOES HAVE A SMALL RECTANGULAR HOLE IN THE FRONT TO STICK IN AN OBJECT, FLAT SCREWDRIVER, OR SUCH TO DISCONNECT THE BELT. WITH THIS CONFIGURATION THE OCCUPANTS OF THE FRONT BENCH CAN ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING IMPEDED. THE OCCUPANTS OF THE REMAINING SEATS ARE FORCED TO TRANSVERSE THE BELTS OF THE SEATS IN FRONT OF IT AS THEY ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS CONFIGURATION PRODUCES A STRANGULATION HAZARD FOR 10 OF THE 15 OCCUPANTS IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AS THEY ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM CAN BE COMPOUNDED IN AN ACCIDENT SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #10168815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 258 milesPuyallup, WACrash
STEERING
I WAS LEAVING A MILITARY HOSPITAL AFTER DROPPING OFF MILITARY PEOPLE AND TURNED LEFT AND DROVE ABOUT 200 YARDS WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE STEERING AND I COULDN'T STEER THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WENT TO THE RIGHT HITTING A ROAD SIDE LIGHT POLE. THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS BLOWN ON THE INSIDE SIDEWALL. I CAN'T SAY THAT IT HAD BLOWN BEFORE OR AFTER THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10157947 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.