RoadVitals

2001 Chevrolet Express

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.
45
Latest Nov 18, 2021
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 Dec 10, 2008
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.
1
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.
5
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 45 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2001 Chevrolet Express, most frequently naming the tires & wheels, brakes and engine categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 382 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

  • Tires & wheels916.1%
  • Brakes814.3%
  • Engine610.7%
  • Electrical610.7%
  • Fuel system58.9%
  • Steering47.1%
  • Interior & seats47.1%
  • Visibility35.4%

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
08V650000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dec 10, 2008
6 units potentially affected
The defect: RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING (RAC) IS RECALLING 6 MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PRIVATE TRANSPORT, MY 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS65, MY 2006-2007 MONITOUR BUS, AND MY 2007 C-2 SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER, AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
The risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: RAC IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E095). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR RAC AT 1-800-627-1707.
RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMSView on NHTSA.gov
08V649000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Dec 9, 2008
6 units potentially affected
The defect: RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING (RAC) IS RECALLING 6 MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PRIVATE TRANSPORT, MY 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS65, MY 2006-2007 MONITOUR BUS, AND MY 2007 C-2 SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER, AND GM CHASSIS AND EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE LIFTS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403,"PLATFORM LIFT SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
The risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
The remedy: RAC IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR RAC AT 1-800-627-1707.
RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMSView on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

EA04012ClosedEngineering Analysis

HYDRAULIC PUMP FAILRES

Opened Apr 30, 2004
Closed Feb 28, 2005

GM IS CONDUCTING A RECALL ON ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILD BETWEEN MAY 1999 AND OCTOBER 14, 1999.SIGNIFICANT CHANGES WERE INCORPORATED INTO PRODUCTION IN EARLY OCTOBER 1999, AND VEHICLES BUILT AFTER THAT DATE HAVE LOWER WARRANTY FAILURE RATES.THE COMPLAINT AND WARRANTY DATA APPEAR TO SUPPORT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE CHANGES. GM MADE ADDITIONAL CHANGES IN NOVEMBER 1999, FEBRUARY 2000, MAY 2001, AND FEBRUARY 2004.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PROBLEM AND WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION, IF WARRANTED, IN THE FUTURE.FOR FURTHER TECHNICAL DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED ENGINEERING ANALYSIS REPORT.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSISTLed to recall 05V005000

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 45
Electrical
Filed Nov 18, 2021

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 ID
11440876
Incident
Nov 18, 2021
Brakes
Filed Feb 1, 2010
Crash reported

ON FRIDAY JANUARY 29TH 2010 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. I REAR ENDED A SUV. MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN WOULD NOT STOP DUE TO ANTI LOCK BRAKE FAILURE. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKES THE ANTI LOCK SYSTEM TOOK OVER AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. MY VEHICLE CONTINUED FORWARD NEVER SLOWING DOWN UNTIL I STRUCK THE VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STOP IF THE ANTI LOCK BRAKES HAD NOT TAKEN OVER MY VEHICLE. I HAD A MORE THAN A FIVE SECOND SPACE BETWEEN THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10303571
Incident
Jan 29, 2010
Mileage
84,715 mi
Interior & seats
Filed May 13, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS RV G1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS MOVED OUT OF PLACE WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,500.

NHTSA ID
10268637
Incident
Oct 6, 2008
Mileage
179,000 mi
Engine
Filed Apr 15, 2007

THIS RELATES TO EA06-016. I OWN A 2001 CHEVROLET 3500 , ENGINE DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF THIS DATE. THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL AS DESCRIBED IN THE DEFECT REPORT OF JULY OF 2006. I HAVE IN MY POSSESSION 6 WORK ORDERS FROM BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL CHEVROLET DEALER-WHITEMAN CHEVROLET IN GLENS FALLS NY TO DIAGNOSE AND REPAIR THE STALL/START PROBLEM. THE OLDEST WORK ORDER WAS DATED 8/15/06 AND THE MOST RECENT ON 3/23/07. I HAVE ASKED FOR THEM TO CHECK SERVICE BULLETINS AND WITH GM'S MAINTENANCE HELP DEPARTMENT. ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO FAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE PROBLEM BECAUSE MY STALL/CRANK PROBLEM DOES NOT PRODUCE A CODE TO TRIGGER THE SERVICE WARNING LIGHT IN THE VEHICLE. AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT GM HAS NO SERVICE BULLETIN OR ANY INFORMATION ON THIS ISSUE? MY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE EXACTLY WHAT IS DESCRIBED IN THIS PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION, VEHICLE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING AND WILL CRANK WITHOUT STARTING. THIS HAPPENS ON AN INTERMITTENT BUT REGULAR BASIS, JUST NOT WHEN THE DEALERSHIP HAS THE VEHICLE IN ITS SERVICE DEPT. THE INCIDENT DATE LISTED BELOW IN THE APPROXIMATE DATE AND MILEAGE WHEN INCIDENT FIRST OCCURRED. THE NUMBER OF FAILURES LISTED IS JUST A GUESS, TOO MANY TO REALLY RECALL. JUST WANTED TO INDICATE THAT IT IS NOT A ONE TIME ONLY INCIDENT. THIS VEHICLE IS USED IN AS A WORK VEHICLE AND MAKES SHORT TRIPS, USED SEASONALLY-NOT IN THE WINTER MONTHS. *AK

NHTSA ID
10187883
Incident
Jul 1, 2006
Mileage
36,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE STALLED WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR WHEN STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP WAS REPLACED. THIS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE.*AK UPDATED 12/07/05. *JB

NHTSA ID
10142929
Incident
Nov 8, 2005
Mileage
86,338 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE IT STALLED INTERMITTENTLY. ALSO, IT STALLED WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR WHEN STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE FUEL INJECTOR PUMP WAS REPLACED. THIS REPAIRED THE VEHICLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10142923
Incident
Sep 27, 2004
Mileage
53,420 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Nov 8, 2005

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE LEFT REAR TIRE. THIS HAPPENED ON A RENTAL CAR THAT THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING. THE TIRE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. *AK UPDATED- THE CONSUMER STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER HE DID MANAGED TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE STOP. *JB

NHTSA ID
10142179
Incident
Nov 5, 2005
Mileage
56,272 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Sep 19, 2005

SIDEWALLS OF TIRES SPLIT AFTER ONLY 38,000 MILES ON TIRES AND ARE ORIGINAL TIRES FOR MY 2001 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN . TIRE STYLE IS A STEELTEX RADIAL R45 ( LT 245/75R16)*JB

NHTSA ID
10137004
Incident
Sep 10, 2005
Mileage
38,000 mi

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.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

03-06-01-023I

ENGINE

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

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

03-06-01-023H

ENGINE

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

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

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 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026030—
2025040—
2024100—
2023210—
2022410—
2021132055.4
2020161052.5
2019840—
2018116048.4
2017206047.6
2016156052.0
2015831—
2014147048.6
2013228046.1
2012136064.6
2011125054.4
2010155053.7
2009107049.4
20081410040.9
2007174057.5
20061216067.9
2005239063.5
2004217156.6
20035811264.3
2002550137.1
2001Viewing452152.7
2000841144.5
1999682044.7
1998232046.4
1997292049.8
1996153055.0
1995100—
1994000—
1993000—

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.