FaultScore

Chevrolet Express electrical problems

87 of the 856 complaints filed about the Chevrolet Express are about the electrical system — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2003.

87

Complaints

10%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

19

Fires

Electrical System complaints by model year

1995 Express 1 1.1%
1996 Express 3 3.4%

Median failure at 58,500 miles

1997 Express 1 1.1%
1998 Express 1 1.1%
1999 Express 7 8.0%

Median failure at 58,100 miles

2000 Express 4 4.6%

Median failure at 50,750 miles

2001 Express 7 8.0%

Median failure at 4,833 miles

2002 Express 8 9.2%

Median failure at 15,085 miles

2003 Express 10 11.5%

Median failure at 27,400 miles

2004 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 140,000 miles

2005 Express 4 4.6%

Median failure at 101,000 miles

2006 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 232,372 miles

2007 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 180,500 miles

2008 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 42,500 miles

2009 Express 1 1.1%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

2010 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 97,500 miles

2011 Express 1 1.1%

Median failure at 143,000 miles

2012 Express 3 3.4%

Median failure at 129,500 miles

2013 Express 5 5.7%

Median failure at 9,100 miles

2014 Express 3 3.4%

Median failure at 51,450 miles

2015 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 18,503 miles

2016 Express 3 3.4%

Median failure at 28,626 miles

2017 Express 3 3.4%

Median failure at 18,000 miles

2018 Express 4 4.6%

Median failure at 33,641 miles

2019 Express 1 1.1%

Median failure at 2,540 miles

2020 Express 2 2.3%

Median failure at 1,000 miles

2022 Express 2 2.3%
2023 Express 1 1.1%

What owners said

2012 Chevrolet Express 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.

2007 Chevrolet Express at 230,000 miles Las Vegas, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2007 Chevrolet Express. It was later discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 71,000; and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 230,000.

NHTSA complaint #11727934 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 Chevrolet Express at 258,051 miles Walnut, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2003 Chevrolet Express. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was approximately 156,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on July 2, 2024, was 258,051.

NHTSA complaint #11724984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Chevrolet Express at 143,000 miles Loudon, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 93,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 143,000 in 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11725025 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Chevrolet Express at 394,745 miles Sutton, AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER

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.

2020 Chevrolet Express 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.

2022 Chevrolet Express Cedar Grove, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have 2023 Jayco Redhawk SE mounted on a Chevy Express 4500 Cutaway chassis with only 5300 miles on it. Chevrolet dealer ran diagnostics and replaced an ABS sensor which had no impact on the problem. I have an appointment to have it looked at by another dealership recommended by Chevy Customer Service. It is not safe to drive, going up straight steep grades on the interstate the right rear wheel keeps locking up under acceleration. Best I can tell the system just starts braking hard on the right rear and maybe both rear wheels even though you are trying to accelerate. It gets worse on steep entrance and exit ramps or steep curvy roads. Almost always when this happens there is traffic following closely at highway speeds (55 to 70 MPH).

NHTSA complaint #11694814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2023 Chevrolet Express Fremont, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The car always turns on the slippery road warning light when I drive over 60 miles per hour and the wheels lock up. Sometimes, the ABS warning light also comes on, along with error messages saying 'Service Traction Control' and 'Service StabiliTrak'.

NHTSA complaint #11671263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2022 Chevrolet Express Fort Lauderdale, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE VAN HAS A ELECTRICAL ISSUE . ALL THE VAN DOORS UNLOCK AND LOCK.. WHEN I AM DRIVING THE VAN THE LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK 5 TIMES IN 2 BLOCKS. WHEN THE VAN IS PARKED AND ENGINE IS OFF AND NO KEY IN THE IGNITION THE LOCKS STILL UNLOCK AND LOCK. I TOOK IT TO MY CHEVY DEALER 3 DAYS AGO TO HAVE THE ELECTRICAL ISSUE DIAGNOSED AND FIXED. MY VAN IS STILL SITTING AT MY CHEVY DEALERSHIP FOR 3 DAYS TODAY JANUARY 16TH 2025 MY VEHICLES STILL HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED YET TO EVEN FIX THE ELECTRICAL DOORS LOCKING SYSTEM

NHTSA complaint #11636260 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Express Kenner, LA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While travelling down the road the "service Stabilitrak" and "service traction control" messages come on in the Driver Information Center and the lights for each component are lit in the dashboard. On occasion, the emergency brake light comes when I know the emergency brake is off. My safety is at risk because I'm not sure if the lights are indicating a problem or if the lights are malfunctioning as they come on every time I take a trip in this vehicle. The vehicle has been inspected by three different Chevrolet dealers, one of them three times and no fix has solved the problem. The dealers confirm the problem, but cannot find the solution. Chevrolet headquarters is well aware of the issue and have paid toward some of the dealer charges. The issue has been going since I purchased the vehicle in 2019.

NHTSA complaint #11634944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 Chevrolet Express Plymouth, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Hole warn in front passenger side brake line from battery cable going to engine starter motor. The shielding on electrical cable rubbed and wore a hole in the brake line causing fluid to flow out and caused brakes to fail. No one was injured and no accident. I was backing out of the driveway the brakes failed, next I saw a large puddle of fluid on driveway, I just put it in park. The battery cable crosses over the break line and both are fastened to the frame near each other. I can provide break line and photo. The van has 60,000 miles on it, I purchased it new in 2005.

NHTSA complaint #11483591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Chevrolet Express at 60,000 miles Ninilchik, AK

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2018 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that the defroster would intermittently fail to operate as needed. The contact mentioned that the defroster might start working when driving over a pothole or an obstruction in the road. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System). The contact also discovered that the rear window was made out of tempered glass which failed to comply with FMVSS standards; she was also able to link that failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V387000 (Visibility). The manufacturer was notified of both failures and informed her that the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System) was already performed on the vehicle. The manufacturer also informed her that the VIN was no longer included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V655000 (Electrical System). The contact was also referred to the dealer, but they offered no assistance. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA complaint #11447540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Chevrolet Express Venice, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle shuts down during operation. I just saw there is a recall on your site saying same problem but mine didnt qualify. I have burned wires in harness to instrument panel. I found two wires at harness where code reader plugs into . O was able to ground them but now a couple months later same problem. I found burnt wires in harness and I cannot access to evaluate or replace. I've completed repairs myself, I am poor and dont know any honest affordable mechanics as I am capable of most reasonable repairs. I think my van falls under overheating panel warranty as described by this website. I still have 2 years of payments on van

NHTSA complaint #11440876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Chevrolet Express at 1,000 miles Middleboro, 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.

2018 Chevrolet Express Phoenix, AZ Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Unknown, electrical fire from inside passenger door, no external heat source, and heat source seems to be from inside the door. Vehicle was parked while fire occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11418581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Chevrolet Express LAS Vegas, NV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CURRENTLY HAVE A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE (N172086770). SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL IN 2018, I'VE MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS WITH THE GENERAL MOTORS TO HAVE THIS ISSUE REPAIRED. AS OF THIS DATE, 7/12/2020, THEY HAVE BEEN UNWILLING TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I HAVE SEVERAL CASE NUMBERS WITH THE COMPANY BECAUSE I'VE HAD NUMEROUS CONVERSATIONS WITH THEM. THEY KEEP CHANGING THE CASE NUMBERS IN AN EFFORT TO DISCOURAGE ME FROM HAVING THE PROBLEM (A PROBLEM THEY CAUSED) FIXED. PLEASE REFERENCE DOT REFERENCE NUMBER 9064677 FILED ON OR AROUND 6/8/2020.

NHTSA complaint #11338963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 Chevrolet Express at 21,253 miles Palm Harbor, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PROBLEM: POWER WINDOW WOULDN'T WORK, REAR DEFROSTER WOULD NOT WORK, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. THE RELAYS WERE DEFECTIVE AND WERE REPLACED. UPON TAKING THE RELAYS APART , I FOUND THAT THEY WERE RUSTED INSIDE AND THE RUST WAS FLAKING OFF. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WOULD NOT COVER RUSTED PARTS.THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RELAYS FAILING.THERE ARE TEN OF THESE RELAYS IN THIS VEHICLE AND FOUR HAVE FAILED DUE TO RUST. THERE IS NO WAY TO TEST THE REMAINING UNITS FOR RUST UNTIL THEY FAIL. THIS IS A REAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA complaint #11311860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Express at 18,000 miles Burnsville, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EXPRESS G-3500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TAIL LIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHEVROLET OF WAYZATA (16200 WAYZATA BLVD, WAYZATA, MN) WHERE THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY FUSE BOX. THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. VIN IS INVALID.*CW

NHTSA complaint #11271082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Express at 18,000 miles Burnsville, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 CHEVROLET EXPRESS G-3500. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE TAIL LIGHTS AND DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDES WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHEVROLET OF WAYZATA (16200 WAYZATA BLVD, WAYZATA, MN) WHERE THE LIGHTS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A FAULTY FUSE BOX. THE FUSE BOX WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000. VIN IS INVALID.*CW

NHTSA complaint #11271082 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Chevrolet Express at 18,029 miles Lake Worth, FL Crash

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL- THE CONTACT SENT THE COMPLAINT VIA EMAIL TO BE USED: ON 5/08/19 AFTER SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM OUR DRIVER THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN OUR 2017 EXPRESS CHEVY SHUTDOWN WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR SLAMMING THE DRIVER DOOR WE DECIDED IT WAS TIME TO GET IT CHECKED OUT VAN WAS NOT PURCHASED FROM AUTO NATION CHEVY IN LAKE WORTH FL,THIS DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO LOCATE A PROBLEM THE SAME DESCRIBED PROBLEM CONTINUED TO PERSIST,WE DECIDED TO BRING THE VAN TO THE DEALER FROM WHOM IT WAS PURCHASED SCHUMACHER CHEVY IN NORTH PALM BEACH 05/13/19,UPON KEEPING THE VEHICLE FOR +/- A WEEK THIS DEALER CONCLUDED THAT THE FUSE CENTER ASSEMBLY WAS DEFECTIVE AND REPLACED VAN WAS RETURNED AND REMAINED PROBLEM FREE UNTIL LATE 6/2019 WHEN OUR DRIVER COMPLAINED THAT THE VAN WAS STARTING TO ACT UP AGAIN CONTACTED SCHUMACHER VIA TEXT TO LET THEM KNOW WE WERE HAVING RECURRING ISSUES ON 7/4/19. DURING THE DAYS PRIOR TO 7/4/19 OUR EMPLOYEE WHO DRIVES THE VAN WITH THE HELP OF OUR OTHER EMPLOYEE WHO WAS THE PASSENGER WAS ABLE TO RECORD WHAT GOES ON WHEN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUTS DOWN 7/8/19 THE VAN SHUT DOWN ON INTERSTATE 95 AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH. .WHEN THE VAN SHUT DOWN AT THIS SPEED OUR DRIVER GOT SPIKED AND IN SLOWING DOWN BY STEPPING ON THE BRAKES CAUSED THE VAN TO JACKKNIFE AND SPIN TWICE HITTING THE CENTER MEDIAN WITH THE RIGHT REAR OF THE VAN TWO PEOPLE IN THE VAN WERE SAVED FROM INJURY VAN WAS TAKEN TO SCHUMACHER CHEVY THE NEXT DAY,WHEN THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AFTER A FEW DAYS I MADE THE DECISION TO TRIGGER THE LEMON LAW WITH GENERAL MOTORS TWO MONTHS OF INVESTIGATION BY GM PERSONNEL AND THEIR ENGINEERS THEY HAVE COME TO A CONCLUSION THAT THIS VAN IS NOT DEFECTIVE AND ARE UNWILLING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY ARE NOW HAVING THE VAN REPAIRED AT THE BODY SHOP TO REPAIR THE RIGHT REAR DAMAGE. *LN *DT JB

NHTSA complaint #11268920 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Chevrolet Express problems