NHTSA vehicle safety data

2011 Chevrolet Express Recalls & Complaints

The 2011 Chevrolet Express has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 12 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Chevrolet dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2011 Chevrolet Express. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

2011 Chevrolet Express owner complaints

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Express, describing incidents dated May 6, 2011 to August 10, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
Power Train 3 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Electrical System 1 complaint
Steering 1 complaint

Newest complaints

ODI #11756037 · Filed August 10, 2026
Vehicle broke down with a crank no start condition. Verified no fuel pressure. Diagnostics revealed no continuity between tank fuel pump positive lead at fuel pump relay, and ground. Removed fuel tank, disconnected fuel pump wiring harness, and found burned pin at positive terminal of fuel pump and…
ODI #11725025 · Filed March 17, 2026
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.
ODI #11286632 · Filed December 3, 2019
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDDLE VIBRATES AND THE CAR SHIFTS FORWARD A LITTLE AND THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A WINDING NOISE.

Read all 12 complaints

Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable

NHTSA #18V267000 · Equipment · NHTSA notice

Reported April 26, 2018 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 6,154 vehicles

Repair completion: 14.23% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 18146 · Owners notified June 11, 2018 · Vehicles built September 9, 2008 – March 23, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Safety consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

CNG Regulator Leaking Natural Gas

NHTSA #14V500000 · Fuel System, Other · NHTSA notice

Reported August 13, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 3,345 vehicles

Repair completion: 92.5% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14321 / 14758 · Owners notified February 13, 2015 · Vehicles built September 10, 2010 – August 16, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

Safety consequence

A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Head Impact/FMVSS 201

NHTSA #14V117000 · Air Bags — Frontal · NHTSA notice

Reported March 17, 2014 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 303,013 vehicles

Repair completion: 87.84% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Manufacturer campaign 14082 · Owners notified May 19, 2014 · Vehicles built June 15, 2010 – August 17, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

CNG Solenoid May Melt, Possibly Leading to a Fire

NHTSA #13V225000 · Fuel System, Other · NHTSA notice

Reported May 15, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 1,791 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13139/FA13GM001 · Owners notified August 5, 2013 · Vehicles built February 14, 2011 – February 20, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.

Safety consequence

A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

Manufacturer remedy

GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

CNG Pressure Relief Vent Pipe

NHTSA #13V080000 · Fuel System, Other — Delivery — Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings · NHTSA notice

Reported March 8, 2013 · General Motors LLC

Potentially affected: 48 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 13065 · Owners notified March 28, 2013 · Vehicles built November 23, 2010 – December 23, 2010 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.

Safety consequence

If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.

Manufacturer remedy

Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Notes

This is General Motors campaign number 13065.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2011 Chevrolet Express. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

12 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2011 Chevrolet Express.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11756037

Incident: August 10, 2026 · Filed: August 10, 2026

Vehicle broke down with a crank no start condition. Verified no fuel pressure. Diagnostics revealed no continuity between tank fuel pump positive lead at fuel pump relay, and ground. Removed fuel tank, disconnected fuel pump wiring harness, and found burned pin at positive terminal of fuel pump and mating harness connector. Harness displayed significant distortion and charring consistent with a poor connection.

Electrical System

ODI #11725025

Incident: March 16, 2026 · Filed: March 17, 2026

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.

Steering; Service Brakes

ODI #11286632

Incident: November 30, 2019 · Filed: December 3, 2019

WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDDLE VIBRATES AND THE CAR SHIFTS FORWARD A LITTLE AND THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A WINDING NOISE.

Power Train; Service Brakes; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11091693

Incident: May 3, 2018 · Filed: May 4, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE AGGRESSIVELY DOWNSHIFTED, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY DEPRESSED, AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HARD UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS INTENDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VERA MOTORS (300 S UNIVERSITY DR., PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33025, (954) 362-9458) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Suspension

ODI #11088965

Incident: April 19, 2018 · Filed: April 19, 2018

UPON INSPECTION OF THE COIL SPRING CRADLES ,IT WAS FOUND THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS CRACKED WHERE THE TOP OF THE COIL SPRING SEATS. THIS IS THE SECOND CRACK IN THE COIL SPRING AREA THAT WAS FOUND ON AN AMBULANCE PACKAGE VEHICLE.THIS UNIT HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AS WELL DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.

Power Train; Engine

ODI #10949157

Incident: January 5, 2017 · Filed: February 2, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STABILITRACK AND TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH A BEEPING SOUND. IN ADDITION, THE POWER REDUCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE VEHICLE IDLED VERY ERRATICALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR IT TO OPERATE NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Structure

ODI #10818988

Incident: September 8, 2015 · Filed: January 8, 2016

2011 CHEVY EXPRESS CUTAWAY WITH THOMAS BUS BODY HAD EXCESSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO STRUCTURAL FLOOR SUPPORT BEAM IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF REAR WHEELS. ENTIRE BEAM HAD TO BE REPLACED.

Engine

ODI #10683380

Incident: February 5, 2015 · Filed: February 13, 2015

I WAS PULLING BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY MY VAN STARTED IDLING VERY ROUGH AND ERRATIC. THE VEHICLE DISPLAY READ "ENGINE POWER REDUCED. SERVICE TRACTION. ESC OFF." I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK SO I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF. I STARTED MY CAR UP AGAIN AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND IT RAN FINE AGAIN BUT THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS STILL ON. THE NEXT DAY I WAS HEADED TO WORK AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. THE SAME MESSAGE POPPED UP ON THE DISPLAY AND THE VAN LOST POWER. I HAD TO PULL OVER SO NOT TO BE A NUISANCE FOR OTHER DRIVERS. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I STARTED THE VAN UP AND I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A NEARBY DEALERSHIP. WHEN I GOT THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR WAS RUNNING FINE OF COURSE. I LEFT IT RUNNING AS I RAN INSIDE TO GET A TECH. HE CAME OUTSIDE AND SEEN THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" ON. HE BROUGHT OUT THE SCANNER AND SAID THAT IT WAS SOMETHING WITH THE THROTTLE BODY. MY PREVIOUS VEHICLE WAS ALSO A GM PRODUCT, 2001 GMC SAVANNA 2500. I'VE HAD EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH IT. SEEMS LIKE 10 YEARS LATER YOU GUYS SHOULD IMPROVE THESE CARS. *TR

Service Brakes

ODI #10652494

Incident: November 1, 2014 · Filed: November 4, 2014

VEHICLE WAS NOTED TO BE LEAKING FLUID WHILE PARKED IN DRIVEWAY. FURTHER INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE BACK DRIVER'S SIDE BRAKE LINE WAS LEAKING BRAKE FLUID. BRAKE FLUID LEVEL NOTED TO BE VERY LOW (JUST ABOVE THE MINIMUM LINE). NOTED THAT WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED BRAKE FLUID LEAKS AT A STEADY AND SIGNIFICANT PACE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling; Unknown or Other

ODI #10535618

Incident: July 10, 2013 · Filed: August 14, 2013

WHILE TRANSPORTING A PATIENT IN THIS AMBULANCE THE DASH WARNING NOTICE CAME ON WARNING THE DEF TANK LEVEL WAS LOW AND THE VEHICLE WOULD SOON GO INTO LIMP MODE. THE DEF TANK HAD JUST BEEN FILLED TO FULL. STRANGE READINGS CONTINUED TO APPEAR WARNING OF EITHER JUST A FEW MILES OR OVER 2000 MILES.I WAS AFRAID OF HAVING A PATIENT DIE IN OUR AMBULANCE IF THE AMBULANCE WENT INTO LIMP MODE ON A LONG TRANSPORT TO PHOENIX SO I TOOK THE AMBULANCE TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DEF TANK FOR $1547.33. I WAS TOLD BY ROSE AT THE GM CUSTOMER COMPLAINT LINE THAT EMISSIONS PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY WARANTEE BUT I CANNOT GET MY MONEY BACK. GM STATES THEY HAVE NO REPORTS OF THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING BUT THE INTERNET IS FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS.

Other Chevrolet Express model years

Check your 2011 Chevrolet Express VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Chevrolet Express at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

Check a Chevrolet VIN