RoadVitals

2004 Chevrolet Express 2500

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
8
Latest Oct 5, 2016
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 8 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Chevrolet Express 2500, most frequently naming the brakes, engine and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 94 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes330.0%
  • Engine220.0%
  • Powertrain (other)220.0%
  • Electrical110.0%
  • Other / unspecified110.0%
  • Transmission110.0%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Dec 13, 2005
2 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON GMC/CHEVROLET CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HOUSING LENS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP DOES NOT ALLOW ENOUGH LIGHT TO EMIT FROM THE LAMP.
The risk: FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY NOT BE FULLY INFORMED OF VEHICLE BRAKING. REAR-END CRASHES AND INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
The remedy: QUALITY COACHES IS WORKING WITH AUDIOVOX TO REPLACE THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT QUALITY COACHES AT 1-800-373-6357 OR ASA AT 1-800-274-1886.
QUALITY COACHES INC.Manufacturer number VCCBLCHVView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Brakes
Filed Oct 5, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXTREME FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 05V043000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND 04V045000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ID
10913946
Incident
Apr 7, 2014
Mileage
115,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Aug 2, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER AT AN IDLE A LOUD METAL TO METAL NOISE WOULD EMIT CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHERE THE CRACKED FLYWHEEL WAS REPLACED EACH TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 119,000.

NHTSA ID
10533187
Incident
Aug 8, 2012
Mileage
119,000 mi
Engine
Filed Feb 6, 2012

AS I ATTEMPTED TO SPEED UP IN TRAFFIC, I HEARD A NOISE AND THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE HIGHWAY ON TO A SIDE ROAD. ONCE THERE, IT WOULD NOT START. ON CLOSER INSPECTION, I SAW THAT THE BELT HAD COME APART AND OFF THE PULLEY'S. I HAD THE VAN TOWED TO MY HOME AND SUBSEQUENTLY, FIXED/REPLACED THE BELT. SINCE THAT TIME, I BEGAN TO HEAR A LOW KNOCKING, MORE SO WHEN I TURNED ON THE AIR CONDITIONING. WHEN IT BECAME LOUDER ON ALL GEARS AND WHILE PARKED, I TOOK IT TO HOLLER DRIVERS MART, IN WINTER PARK, FL. ON 01/19/2012, I WAS TOLD THAT THE FLYWHEEL HAD SHEARED AROUND THE AREA WHERE IT WAS BOLTED ONTO THE TRANSMISSION AND CONNECTED TO THE ENGINE. IT ALSO HAD FRACTURES IN AND AROUND THE SAME AREA OF THE SHEARING. TECH INFORMED ME THAT I HAD CAUGHT THE PROBLEM BEFORE A SERIOUS INCIDENT MAY HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE THE FLY WHEEL AND WILL SEND PHOTOS. CONSUMER SENT IN PHOTOS. 02/07/12 UPDATED 02/07/12 *BF STATUS UPDATE 02/23/12

NHTSA ID
10447592
Incident
May 26, 2010
Mileage
15,500 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 14, 2010

MYSTERIOUS COOLANT LEAK. RESERVOIR IS LOW AND NEEDS REFILLING OFTEN. MECHANIC HAS PERFORMED PRESSURE TEST TO NO AVAIL. NO COOLANT ON GROUND AT ANY POINT. NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF LEAK. THIS BEGAN RIGHT AFTER 2ND CRACKED FLYWHEEL WAS REPLACED. AT THE SAME TIME A LIFTER KNOCK BEGAN AS WELL. 1ST FLYWHEEL WAS REPLACED AT 103K (3K OUTSIDE OF EXTENDED WARRANTY). 2ND FLYWHEEL REPLACED AT 143K. VAN IS KEPT IN MINT CONDITION, OIL CHANGED EVERY 3K W/O FAIL. VEHICLE SEEMS TO BE IN OTHERWISE TERRIFIC CONDITION. 1ST AND ONLY OWNER. DATE REFERRED TO IS DATE OF 2ND FLYWHEEL CRACK. *TR

NHTSA ID
10336168
Incident
May 20, 2010
Mileage
103,000 mi
Transmission
Filed Apr 15, 2010

REPEATED CRACKED FLYWHEEL. ORIGINAL CRACKED JUST OVER 100K MILES. REPLACEMENT NOW CRACKED 40K MILES LATER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10325828
Incident
Apr 15, 2010
BrakesElectrical
Filed Jan 15, 2010

I OWN A 2004 SILVERADO 2500 HD WITH 26,500 MILES ON IT. I HAD MY TRUCK SERVICED FOR SPEEDOMETER THAT WAS NOT WORKING AND WAS TOLD BY KARL CHEVY HERE IN ANKENY, IA THAT ALL OF MY ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF RUST. GM OUGHT TO FIX MY BRAKES FOR FREE, THEY NEED TO RECALL. I AM 61 AND HAVE OWNED A FEW AUTOMOBILES AND HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE ROTORS WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE. THE MAJORITY OF MILES ARE HIGHWAY. I HAVE BEEN IN A RIDESHARE POOL USING A METRO VAN PROVIDED TO OUR POOL FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS AS THE MAIN DRIVER. *TR

NHTSA ID
10299911
Incident
Jan 9, 2010
Mileage
26,500 mi
Other / unspecified
Filed Jun 7, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ELECTRICAL MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE AUDIO WARNING SYSTEM IS LOCATED IN THE ORIGINAL RADIO. THE CONTACT SWITCHED THE RADIO AND LOST ALL OF THE AUDIO WARNING SYSTEMS. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED AND DETERMINED THE MODULE WAS IN THE ORIGINAL RADIO AND IT SHOULD BE PUT BACK IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
10159219
Incident
Jun 7, 2006
Mileage
21,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Dec 30, 2005
Crash reported

DURING A SUDDEN STOP CHEVY 2500 EXPRESS ABS BRAKES PULLED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURRED DURING A PANIC STOP. THE CONSUMER STATED HE HAD THREE SEPARATE ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE DEFECTIVE BRAKES. *JB

NHTSA ID
10147553
Incident
Jan 1, 1901

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

03-06-01-023I

ENGINE

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

03-06-01-023H

ENGINE

This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

General Communication

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.

24-NA-141

POWER TRAIN

GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Chevrolet Express 2500 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026000
2024000
2023110
2019000
2018000
2017000
2016000
2015000
2014000
2013000
2012000
2011300
2010700
2009200
2008700
2007700
2006130037.7
2005910
2004Viewing820
2003121134.7
2002110
2001210
2000210
1999010
1998300
1997000
1996000

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.