Owners have filed 18 complaints
about the 2021 Chevrolet Express with NHTSA between 2022 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 12 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 — 27
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Express. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
27.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — not reported
Too few complaints recorded a mileage to measure this.
How 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Express
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Fuel & Propulsion
422.2%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Brakes
422.2%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 18,000 mi
Airbags
316.7%
1 crashes, 1 fires · median 65,000 mi
Tires
211.1%
Body & Structure
211.1%
0 crashes, 1 fires
Transmission & Drivetrain
211.1%
Steering
15.6%
Median failure at 23 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
125.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
125.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
125.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
125.0%
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.
May 2022peak 6Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2021 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 2021166877 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, the positive battery cable terminals could come into contact with the fuse block assembly. If this happens, there could be a short circuit. Safety Risk: A short circuit could create a fire risk. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to remove part of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals.
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.
Duluth, GAFire
AIR BAGS
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMelvin, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH the contact was crashed into by a deer, the contact stated that the deer struck the driver's side front headlight and then the driver's door. The contact stated that the left headlight was fractured and the grill was damaged by the deer strike. The contact stated that both side curtain air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the impact of the side air bag caused his left arm to pull down on the steering wheel which caused the vehicle to veer out of the lane and into oncoming traffic. The contact was hauling an 18-foot box trailer. The contact stated that he turned the steering to the right to get back into his lane, however, he had overcompensated and the vehicle left the roadway and into a ditch and stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle frame and undercarriage had extensive damage. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and a report was filed. The contact declined medical treatment and stated that he had abrasions and bruises on both arms and legs and had a scrape on the left side of his face from the air bag. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11559558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Duluth, GAFire
AIR BAGS
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GA
AIR BAGS
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GAFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GAFire
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749127 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duluth, GA
SERVICE BRAKES
Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026
NHTSA complaint #11749131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Winter Haven, FL
POWER TRAIN
My 2021 Chevrolet express van with an 8L90 transmission has failed after only 80k miles, willing to have it inspected. Check engine codes show P0700 and P2714 on 02/08/25. No prior warning lamps. This product has put my safety at risk due to overheating and making the vehicle go into limp mode while on public roadways. The product is known to fail for trucks alike with the same transmission but has yet to be reported for the Chevrolet express. Has only been confirmed via OBDii scanner from parts shop.
NHTSA complaint #11647184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesOcala, FL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to pull to the left, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder off the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact stated there was smoke coming from the driver's side front brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.
NHTSA complaint #11646583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hitchcock, TX
SERVICE BRAKES
This is a Forest River Sunseeker Motorhome on a 2021 Chevrolet Express chasis. On Friday, [XXX], after being in stop and go traffic for 10-15 minutes on [XXX] driving at 65 mph, a smell of burning brakes started filling up the motorhome. Then the vehicle started to wobble and the ABS light came on. Pulled over to the side and while applying brakes the vehicle shook/wobbled. Drove to a NTB tire store and the manager indicated it was not the tires but smelled like the brakes burning and advised not to drive it. Had it towed to Monument Chevrolet and they reported they could not replicate the problem. No repair. On [XXX] after numerous trips in RV, the exact same thing occurred. This time drove it to Monument Chevrolet with dash lights on: ABS, brakes, etc. and demanded a repair. They replaced left front speed sensor for $406.00. On [XXX], coming off of a mountain, the exact problem happened again: wobble, ABS light, and this time the Stabilitrak sensor on. The dealer in Arkansas ran a history report and said the right front speed sensor had failed. No repair available because of the size of the vehicle. Now scheduled to return to Monument Chevrolet 01/09/2025 to hopefully be repaired. Chevrolet has recalled 638,000 of the vehicles with identical issues but mine not on recall list. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11634050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Paia, HI
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel Pump Control Module failed in vehicle with only 26,000 miles. No warning light came on. No previous issue. Vehicle stalled while driving speed limit, all control of steering and braking was lost and vehicle did not restart. Needed to have vehicle towed. Vehicle was diagnosed by a dealership. Part unavailable, backordered and have been without vehicle for over 2 weeks. Awaiting invoice for repair
NHTSA complaint #11617913 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albemarle, NC
POWER TRAIN
When I come to stop in traffic the drivetrain suddenly jolts and pushes the vehicle forward potentially pushing me into the car or traffic in front of me unless I put it in neutral or press hard on the brakes approaching the stoplight. Happens everyday.
NHTSA complaint #11587552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesMelvin, MICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH the contact was crashed into by a deer, the contact stated that the deer struck the driver's side front headlight and then the driver's door. The contact stated that the left headlight was fractured and the grill was damaged by the deer strike. The contact stated that both side curtain air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the impact of the side air bag caused his left arm to pull down on the steering wheel which caused the vehicle to veer out of the lane and into oncoming traffic. The contact was hauling an 18-foot box trailer. The contact stated that he turned the steering to the right to get back into his lane, however, he had overcompensated and the vehicle left the roadway and into a ditch and stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle frame and undercarriage had extensive damage. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and a report was filed. The contact declined medical treatment and stated that he had abrasions and bruises on both arms and legs and had a scrape on the left side of his face from the air bag. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11559558 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesGilsum, NH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving out of the driveaway, the vehicle shut off inadvertently and failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump control module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the failure recurred. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to a second dealer, Auto Gallery Chevrolet Buick GMC (1415 Lafayette Pkwy, LaGrange, GA 30241) and the contact was informed that the dealer could not repair the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle would be towed to another dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11558742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Myrtle Beach, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The fuel pump power control module in this vehicle has caused the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, interrupting the flow of fuel to the engine. When the engine does not receive adequate fuel, the vehicle has unexpectedly stalled. This has happened several times. At times has seen a check engine light or experienced a rough running engine. The vehicle may also be A vehicle stall without warning could increase the risk of a crash, especially at high speeds. This vehicle has been taken to a GM or Chevrolet service center twice for this problem. The first time, the fuel pump module was replaced. The second time, there was wiring that was bad that had to be traced down that was related to the fuel pump module failing. It has now happened a third time, while driving down the road, the vehicle suddenly shuts off. It has less than 5,000 miles on the engine. This vehicle has been out of service to the owners for an inordinate amount of time since ownership. It was in the shop 38 days the 2nd time. It is now taking a very long time with GM customer care for them to even find a place to work on it and to have it towed there. This has happened several times. I have created a log of events. I will enter the first time that this happened below and then provide other data.
NHTSA complaint #11542691 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newport, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving engine inexplicably shut off leaving us without power steering or brakes and unable to safely navigate off of the roadway. Fault: Fuel Pump Control Module GM representative stated they are seeing numerous failures of these components
NHTSA complaint #11519585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23 milesFairburn, GA
STEERING
The contact rented a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was slowed to 10 MPH for the contact to regain control of the steering wheel. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering gears were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23.
NHTSA complaint #11497723 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
TIRES
TPS monitoring system displayed front right tire pressure low. Seconds later tire blew-out where sidewall meets tread. We luckily were traveling at low rate of speed (25mph). This is new van with 100 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11462943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
TPS monitoring system displayed front right tire pressure low. Seconds later tire blew-out where sidewall meets tread. We luckily were traveling at low rate of speed (25mph). This is new van with 100 miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11462943 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.