Owners have filed 20 complaints
about the 2020 Chevrolet Express with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 19 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 — 26
5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
60% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2020 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 2020 Chevrolet Express
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
945.0%
Median failure at 99,376 miles
Body & Structure
315.0%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
210.0%
Brakes
210.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
210.0%
Median failure at 1,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
210.0%
Median failure at 26,000 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
240.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
120.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
120.0%
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.
Sep 2021peak 8Mar 2026
Recalls on the 2020 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 20211032,360 units in Canada
Tires
Issue: Certain vehicles were built with tires that may have been cured too long. As a result, the sidewall could crack or the tread and belts could separate. This could lead to a sudden loss of air pressure and could cause a tire failure. Note: This recall only affects certain Continental tires, with specific date codes and mold numbers. Safety Risk: A tire failure could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify the owners by mail and instruct them to take the vehicle to a dealer to inspect and replace the tires, if necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bastrop, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
After purchasing a used vehicle 2020 model, and after setting in owner's garage for two weeks, the vehicle was driven at slow speed thru two intersections after a complete stop. at the third intersection stopsign the vehicle started moving slowly with the brake on. the brake was then applied much harder very forcefully to avoid a collision. the vehicle continued moving at a creep striking the rear of the vehicle that was passing thru the intersection. the vehicle then continued on..with the brake pedal still applied at floor level and only stopping after hitting the ditch. Problem was----BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO FLOOR AND NOT STOPPING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11466204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 98,753 milesCalifornia, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power and shuddered abnormally, causing the vehicle to decelerate to 40 MPH. The vehicle was pulled over and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The failure recurred while driving at 40 MPH on several occasions. An independent mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V839000 (POWER TRAIN); and refused to provide a diagnosis without a visible fractured part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,753.
NHTSA complaint #11726848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesIndian Wells, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power and was shuddering while driving on the highway. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure reoccurred shortly afterwards while driving at 15 MPH. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but it was not diagnosed. The vehicle was then driven to a dealer, where the contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V839000 (POWER TRAIN); and associated the issue with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plattsburgh, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving this cargo van, the driver stopped in traffic to make a left hand turn. In the middle of the turn, the vehicle stalled out and would not immediately start, exposing the vehicle to nearly being hit by the oncoming traffic. When the vehicle eventually restarted, and later brought to a GM dealer for repair, it was discovered that the main ground cable had completely deteriorated. In our fleet of 15 GM vehicles, this is now the SEVENTH vehicle that has needed this main ground cable replaced. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
NHTSA complaint #11695217 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission issues at 50,00 to 60,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11692050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission needed replaced at 50,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11692051 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
Certified mechanic said it needs a transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11692053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission needed replaced at 61,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11692056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
STRUCTURE:BODY
Door latches on the side rear door need replaced every few months. Dealer charges $1300 to fix this issue on 8 of the 2020 Chevy Expresses that I we own.
NHTSA complaint #11692060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Douglas, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Catalytic converter cracked at exhaust manifold @5 yrs, 34,600 miles. Known problem, denial, scam warranty allowing them to break ‘clean air act’ and scam customers into paying. On the hook myself for a fed law requiring manufacturers repair. At my shop getting fixed when they offered to fix after my mention of fraud! 3 years of claimed-broken welds in vans (doghouse over motor). I know of 4th year problem. Also not believing bad weld.Engineer friend says stress crack. Weak metal, no support due to flex pipe I believe. Cheap parts, money over safety again. And I have proof they do it and deny, misdiagnose, and lie. Criminal I think. Posting online about warranty scam. I was schooled in auto, small business owner. I know law! Given up on gov I’m sorry to say.
NHTSA complaint #11690865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Douglas, MA
ENGINE
Catalytic converter cracked at exhaust manifold @5 yrs, 34,600 miles. Known problem, denial, scam warranty allowing them to break ‘clean air act’ and scam customers into paying. On the hook myself for a fed law requiring manufacturers repair. At my shop getting fixed when they offered to fix after my mention of fraud! 3 years of claimed-broken welds in vans (doghouse over motor). I know of 4th year problem. Also not believing bad weld.Engineer friend says stress crack. Weak metal, no support due to flex pipe I believe. Cheap parts, money over safety again. And I have proof they do it and deny, misdiagnose, and lie. Criminal I think. Posting online about warranty scam. I was schooled in auto, small business owner. I know law! Given up on gov I’m sorry to say.
NHTSA complaint #11690865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cleveland, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission valve
NHTSA complaint #11686768 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Essex, MD
POWER TRAIN
Improper shift and hard jerking downshifts Which has been a continuous problem since September 22
NHTSA complaint #11584018 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
POWER TRAIN
Transmission needs to be replaced at 70k miles and I have had all scheduled service maintenance done. Vehicle jerks hard when shifting gears.
NHTSA complaint #11571580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bastrop, TXCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
After purchasing a used vehicle 2020 model, and after setting in owner's garage for two weeks, the vehicle was driven at slow speed thru two intersections after a complete stop. at the third intersection stopsign the vehicle started moving slowly with the brake on. the brake was then applied much harder very forcefully to avoid a collision. the vehicle continued moving at a creep striking the rear of the vehicle that was passing thru the intersection. the vehicle then continued on..with the brake pedal still applied at floor level and only stopping after hitting the ditch. Problem was----BRAKE PEDAL GOING TO FLOOR AND NOT STOPPING VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11466204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesMiddleburgh, NY
ENGINE
The contact stated that the 2020 Chevrolet Express was used as a school bus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled and would not restart. During the failure the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but the failure could not be duplicated and no repair was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
NHTSA complaint #11460154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Grove, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Bought this van new & when traveling down a hill, brake assist helps slow up the van. Once the van is on level ground, it will NOT shift back out of the brake assist & it takes effort or time to return to normal D. I was told I must set up & find a hill. I had major water leaks in the van & once corrected, there started a whistling of air now. The passenger door was 1/4" off, nowhere near flush. How does that get missed? Lastly, the right read brake cylinder went out with less then 12,000 miles on it. Many many problems with this "new" van. I'm concerned for my safely & others. The future looks bad with this lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11454725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Grove, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Bought this van new & when traveling down a hill, brake assist helps slow up the van. Once the van is on level ground, it will NOT shift back out of the brake assist & it takes effort or time to return to normal D. I was told I must set up & find a hill. I had major water leaks in the van & once corrected, there started a whistling of air now. The passenger door was 1/4" off, nowhere near flush. How does that get missed? Lastly, the right read brake cylinder went out with less then 12,000 miles on it. Many many problems with this "new" van. I'm concerned for my safely & others. The future looks bad with this lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11454725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Grove, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
Bought this van new & when traveling down a hill, brake assist helps slow up the van. Once the van is on level ground, it will NOT shift back out of the brake assist & it takes effort or time to return to normal D. I was told I must set up & find a hill. I had major water leaks in the van & once corrected, there started a whistling of air now. The passenger door was 1/4" off, nowhere near flush. How does that get missed? Lastly, the right read brake cylinder went out with less then 12,000 miles on it. Many many problems with this "new" van. I'm concerned for my safely & others. The future looks bad with this lemon.
NHTSA complaint #11454725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesMiddleboro, MA
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Redhawk. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the RV the plumbing hoses and lines as well electrical wires, fuel line from the propane tank, and fuel line from the generator was just lying on the frame. The hoses and lines were not insulated or secured underneath the RV. The contact stated that he was concerned that a fire could have been started. The contact stated that he wire-tied all the wires, so they were not laying on the frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who only secured the wires with a single wire tie. The contact stated that many of the wires were still just hanging as the dealer did not repair the problem. The contact stated that the brake, fuel, and electrical harness were all clamped together which could cause a failure. The Jayco dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a GM dealer for repairs to the chassis. The contact stated he contacted McGee Chevrolet (1455 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767) and they stated they could not repair the RV due to the large size. The contact stated that the Jayco manufacturer was notified and advised to take the RV to a Jayco dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11433832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,000 milesMiddleboro, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Jayco Redhawk. The contact stated that while inspecting underneath the RV the plumbing hoses and lines as well electrical wires, fuel line from the propane tank, and fuel line from the generator was just lying on the frame. The hoses and lines were not insulated or secured underneath the RV. The contact stated that he was concerned that a fire could have been started. The contact stated that he wire-tied all the wires, so they were not laying on the frame. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who only secured the wires with a single wire tie. The contact stated that many of the wires were still just hanging as the dealer did not repair the problem. The contact stated that the brake, fuel, and electrical harness were all clamped together which could cause a failure. The Jayco dealer advised the contact to take the vehicle to a GM dealer for repairs to the chassis. The contact stated he contacted McGee Chevrolet (1455 New State Hwy, Raynham, MA 02767) and they stated they could not repair the RV due to the large size. The contact stated that the Jayco manufacturer was notified and advised to take the RV to a Jayco dealer for repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.
NHTSA complaint #11433832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.