Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2012 Chevrolet Express with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 30
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Express. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
40% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 85
50% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 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 2012 Chevrolet Express
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
420.0%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Electrical System
315.0%
Median failure at 129,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
210.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 85,000 mi
Fuel & Propulsion
210.0%
Steering
210.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 47,000 mi
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
15.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Seat Belts
15.0%
Median failure at 4,750 miles
Suspension
15.0%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Body & Structure
15.0%
Median failure at 14,500 miles
Airbags
15.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
15.0%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
15.0%
Median failure at 100,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
18.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
18.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
325.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
325.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
18.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
216.7%
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.
Jan 2013peak 3Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2012 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 202047956,979 units in Canada
Other
Issue: Certain vehicles may have incorrect body control module software. As a result, the immobilization system is not active during the learning procedure for a new "unlearned" blank replacement key could be used during a 30 minute reprogramming procedure to disable the immobilization system. During this time, the vehicle cannot be driven. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. General Motors has made changes to vehicle software to ensure that all unsold and new vehicles have the correct body control module software.
Recall 2018212368 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect the fire extinguisher to see if it is recalled. Replacement fire extinguishers will be supplied by Kidde directly. Note: For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>
Recall 2015352442 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles equipped with a hinged left side rear door may have a condition where inadequate clearance between the rear brake lines and the lower fuel filler hose clamp may result in abrasion to one or both rear brake lines. This condition could cause brake fluid loss which could result in decreased brake line pressure, increased brake pedal travel and increased stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. This condition could cause various warning lights to illuminate in the instrument panel of the vehicle such the red “BRAKE” telltale symbol; illumination of the Stabilitrak telltale symbol; scrolling display of “Service Brake”, “Service Stabilitrak,” and “Service Traction Control” messages in the Driver Information Centre (DIC); and audible alerts/chimes. Correction: Dealers will inspect the brake lines. If the clearance is found to be below specification, the brake lines will be replaced with a new part design that provides adequate clearance.
Recall 201435213 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain compressed natural gas (CNG) fuelled vehicles, the CNG high pressure regulator may leak natural gas. Should a leak occur in the presence of an ignition source, a fire or explosion could result, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the regulator. Note: If a leak is suspected, owners should not start nor drive their vehicles, and have the vehicle immediately towed, inspected and repaired.
Recall 201408325,710 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 201 - Occupant Protection. During a frontal impact below the airbag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head were to impact the instrument panel where the passenger airbag is located, it could decelerate at a rate higher than what is allowable by the standard. This could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will install energy absorbing trim pieces on the passenger side of the instrument panel, and on 2012-2014 model year 1500 series vehicles, dealers will also replace the front passenger seat belt retractor.
Recall 20132069 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, underbody shut-off solenoid connectors for the compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel tanks may corrode and form a high-resistance short. This could result in a vehicle fire causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the solenoid at the fuel tanks and the regulator, and the 30 amp fuel pump fuse will be replaced with either a 7.5 amp fuse (for the four tank configuration) or a 5.0 amp fuse (for the three tank arrangement). In addition, the wiring routing will be adjusted, if necessary, to eliminate any undue tension on the connector, and anti-corrosion sealing plugs will be installed into the valve body.
Recall 2012105712 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering gear pitman arm may not have been manufactured correctly and could fail. Pitman arm failure would cause a loss of steering control, which could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman arm.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Butte, MTCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
About 6:45 in the morning on November 10th, the vehicle was in a high-speed. Front end collision with adult cow elk at 70 miles an hour on the freeway, and the airbags failed to deploy in the Van on both front seats and the vehicle was severely damaged. Injuries were sustained.
NHTSA complaint #11704917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford, INCrash2 killed
STEERING
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford, INCrash2 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Oshawa ON, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ABS Valve Body / Pump Harness chafed through brake hydraulic line near transmission crossmember. This resulted in a hydraulic leak and loss of brake pedal feel / partial loss of brakes. Fortunately failure occurred in the driveway--I had 4500 Lbs of sailboat trailer hitched to the van and was about to go on a long trip. Design issue. Wiring harness should not be located so as to chafe on hydraulic lines. This is not the first chafe related failure on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11755204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oshawa ON, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS Valve Body / Pump Harness chafed through brake hydraulic line near transmission crossmember. This resulted in a hydraulic leak and loss of brake pedal feel / partial loss of brakes. Fortunately failure occurred in the driveway--I had 4500 Lbs of sailboat trailer hitched to the van and was about to go on a long trip. Design issue. Wiring harness should not be located so as to chafe on hydraulic lines. This is not the first chafe related failure on this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11755204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Butte, MTCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS
About 6:45 in the morning on November 10th, the vehicle was in a high-speed. Front end collision with adult cow elk at 70 miles an hour on the freeway, and the airbags failed to deploy in the Van on both front seats and the vehicle was severely damaged. Injuries were sustained.
NHTSA complaint #11704917 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downingtown, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a re hazard. This is even more critical as these vehicles are carrying students as a school bus. We perform visual inspections of the straps at 6 month intervals (per Pennsylvania these vehicles are subject to Semi-Annual State Inspection). There were no symptoms of the problem before this failure. There are never symptoms of the problem.
NHTSA complaint #11656226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downingtown, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a fire hazard. This is even more critical as these vehicles are carrying students as a school bus. We perform visual inspections of the straps at 6 month intervals (per Pennsylvania these vehicles are subject to Semi-Annual State Inspection). There were no symptoms of the problem before this failure. There are never symptoms of the problem before any failure. Failed fuel tank straps on this were repaired by GM Dealer (Faulkner GMC, 705 Auto Park Blvd, West Chester, PA 19382) (Invoice #677658 - Invoice Date Feb 25 2025).
NHTSA complaint #11649646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford, INCrash2 killed
STEERING
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bedford, INCrash2 killed
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
NHTSA complaint #11538233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesSilverdale, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE ROLLS WHILE IN PARK
NHTSA complaint #11216933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesCity OF Industry CA., CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I MANAGE A FLEET OF 53 SCHOOL BUSES, MODEL YEARS RANGING FROM 2008 TO 2015. I HAVE NOTICED A TREND WITH THE HYDRO BOOSTERS AND MASTER CYLINDERS, THEY TEND TO LEAK INTERNALLY ON THESE GM VEHICLES SOME HAVE BEGUN TO LEAK AS EARLY AS 30,000 MILES. I EXPECT TO HAVE TO REPLACE ALL OF THESE COMPONENTS, ON EVERY BUS IN THE NEAR FUTURE. AS THE FLEET AGES THE TREND IS GETTING INCREASINGLY WORSE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION BECAUSE I AM VIGILANT WITH KEEPING UP ON THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER I AM NOT SURE THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL HAVE THE SAME UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE DANGER OF THIS DESIGN FLAW. I HAVE HAD BUSES COME IN BLEEDING BRAKE FLUID OR HYDRAULIC FLUID.
NHTSA complaint #10970667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCorydon, IN
POWER TRAIN
THE ENGINE WILL GO TO LOW POWER AND NOT GO MORE THAN 30 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS AN AMBULANCE CHASSIS AND IS A KNOW PROBLEM GM HAS NOT ADDRESSED YET IN THE 2012 AND 2013 CHASSIS. IT CAN DO THIS ON HWYS WITH SPEED LIMITS OF 55, 65, 70 MPH SUDDENLY WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS NO STOP LIGHTS GIVE ANY WARNING AND YOU CAN'T SPEED UP ANYTIME IN POOR VISIBILITY OR AT ANYTIME. NOT ONLY IS IT BAD FOR THE INJURED OR ILL PATIENT IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND INJURY OTHERS. GM HAS FIXED THIS ON THE 2014 AND NEWER MODELS BUT NOT 12 &13. THIS IS NOT JUST OUR ONE UNIT THIS IS 2012 AND 2013 CHEVY DIESELS AMBULANCE ALL OVER THE US. WE HAVE FOUR UNITS THAT IT CAN HAPPEN TO AND TWO THAT IS HAS WITH PATIENTS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE EPA, GM, AND OUR INDIANA STATE SENATORS TRYING TO GET THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION TAKEN CARE OF IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. I AM ASKING ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN TO HELP PUSH GM FOR A FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10778557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesCorydon, IN
ENGINE
THE ENGINE WILL GO TO LOW POWER AND NOT GO MORE THAN 30 MPH WITHOUT WARNING. THIS IS AN AMBULANCE CHASSIS AND IS A KNOW PROBLEM GM HAS NOT ADDRESSED YET IN THE 2012 AND 2013 CHASSIS. IT CAN DO THIS ON HWYS WITH SPEED LIMITS OF 55, 65, 70 MPH SUDDENLY WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AS NO STOP LIGHTS GIVE ANY WARNING AND YOU CAN'T SPEED UP ANYTIME IN POOR VISIBILITY OR AT ANYTIME. NOT ONLY IS IT BAD FOR THE INJURED OR ILL PATIENT IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND INJURY OTHERS. GM HAS FIXED THIS ON THE 2014 AND NEWER MODELS BUT NOT 12 &13. THIS IS NOT JUST OUR ONE UNIT THIS IS 2012 AND 2013 CHEVY DIESELS AMBULANCE ALL OVER THE US. WE HAVE FOUR UNITS THAT IT CAN HAPPEN TO AND TWO THAT IS HAS WITH PATIENTS. I HAVE CONTACTED THE EPA, GM, AND OUR INDIANA STATE SENATORS TRYING TO GET THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION TAKEN CARE OF IN THE LAST FEW DAYS. I AM ASKING ANYONE WHO WILL LISTEN TO HELP PUSH GM FOR A FIX.
NHTSA complaint #10778557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 212,000 milesBelleville, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ENGINE WAS AT IDLE HAD PULLED INTO GAS STATION . ALARMS WENT OFF CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, STABLE TRACK ERROR, MULTIPLE TONES. AFTER 20 SECONDS ENGINE STALLED. WOULD NOT CRANK. AFTER TALKING TO PEOPLE AND COUPLE TRIES FIX TOOK TO DEALERSHIP AS IT WAS DIAGNOSED TO BE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE SHORTED. I HAD GONE THRU RAIN EARLIER AND A COUPLE STORMS PASSED THRU WHILE AT STATION AND EATING. DEALER REPLACED ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND PROGRAMMED IT. THIS COULD OF HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD OF LOST ENGINE POWER AND POWER STEERING. SINCE JUST MODULE REPLACED AND BEN TOLD IT IS KNOW TO SHORT OUT WHEN WET IT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN.
NHTSA complaint #10763324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesDanville, WV
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND RELEASED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STABILITRAK ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER BEING TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesDanville, WV
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHEN THE BRAKES WERE DEPRESSED AND RELEASED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE STABILITRAK ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY AFTER BEING TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10725751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 4,750 milesGreens Farms, CT
SEAT BELTS
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT REEL SEIZED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED SO THE BELT COULD NOT BE EXTENDED AND BUCKLED. THE OPERATOR WAS NOT ABLE TO WEAR THE SEAT BELT AS REQUIRED BY LAW. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE CHEVROLET DEALER AND REPAIRED UNDER TSB 05-09-40-002G TODAY, A SECOND VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE/MODEL 2014 MODEL YEAR EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10649163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesOakland, TN
SUSPENSION
PARKING BRAKE CABLE FOUND RUBBING ON THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE, FORWARD OF THE REAR AXLE ON DRIVERS SIDE OF CHASSIS. WEAR IS EVIDENT ON HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE AND PARKING CABLE, ALONG WITH COMPONENT PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS STUCK UNDER.
NHTSA complaint #10509029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesOakland, TN
STRUCTURE:BODY
PARKING BRAKE CABLE FOUND RUBBING ON THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE, FORWARD OF THE REAR AXLE ON DRIVERS SIDE OF CHASSIS. WEAR IS EVIDENT ON HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE AND PARKING CABLE, ALONG WITH COMPONENT PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS STUCK UNDER.
NHTSA complaint #10509029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,500 milesOakland, TN
SERVICE BRAKES
PARKING BRAKE CABLE FOUND RUBBING ON THE HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE, FORWARD OF THE REAR AXLE ON DRIVERS SIDE OF CHASSIS. WEAR IS EVIDENT ON HYDRAULIC SERVICE BRAKE LINE AND PARKING CABLE, ALONG WITH COMPONENT PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY WAS STUCK UNDER.
NHTSA complaint #10509029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200 milesPetaluma, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
VIOLENT SHAKING WHILE APPLYING BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10492330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.