RoadVitals

2008 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.
14
Latest May 19, 2023
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.
10
Latest Apr 17, 2012
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 14 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 Chevrolet Express, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), brakes and electrical categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 1,069 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

  • Powertrain (other)315.8%
  • Brakes315.8%
  • Electrical210.5%
  • Airbags210.5%
  • Fuel system210.5%
  • Engine210.5%
  • Driver assistance210.5%
  • Exterior lighting15.3%

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

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

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
12V169000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Apr 17, 2012
34 units potentially affected
The defect: MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, 2009 GMC SAVANA, AND 2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CHASSIS, AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT’S OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
The risk: A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
The remedy: MAIN MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH BRAUN TO NOTIFY OWNERS, AND BRAUN DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. MAIN MOBILITY HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.
MAIN MOBILITY, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
10V205000

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

May 13, 2010
133 units potentially affected
The defect: MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA CHASSIS FROM OCTOBER 2007 THROUGH MAY 2010 AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN RICON S SERIES AND K SERIES L-MODEL WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. DUE TO A PROBLEM IN THE SOFTWARE THAT CONTROLS THE LIFT'S "UP" FUNCTION, SHOULD THE "UP" BUTTON BE RELEASED BEFORE THE FLOOR LEVEL LIMIT SWITCH IS ACTIVATED, THE LIFT MAY CONTINUE ITS UPWARD TRAVEL AND MAY OVERRUN THE FLOOR LEVEL CUT OFF POINT.
The risk: WHEN THE PLATFORM OVERRUNS THE VEHICLE FLOOR LEVEL AND STOPS AT AN ANGLE FROM 15-20 DEGREES, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PERSON IN A WHEELCHAIR TO TIP OVER AND FOR SOMEONE STANDING ON THE PLATFORM TO FALL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INJURIES.
The remedy: MAIN MOBILITY WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND THE REPAIRS WILL BE PERFORMED BY AUTHORIZED RICON DEALERS FREE OF CHARGE. A SOFTWARE SOLUTION FOR THIS SAFETY DEFECT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. UNTIL THE SOFTWARE SOLUTION IS AVAILABLE, RICON WILL PROVIDE OWNERS WITH A BULLETIN OUTLINING PROPER WHEELCHAIR LIFT OPERATION AND WILL SHIP OWNERS A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID TO PROMOTE PROPER LIFT OPERATION AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.
MAIN MOBILITY, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
09V456000

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Nov 19, 2009
269 units potentially affected
The defect: CUES, INC. IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 SERVICE VEHICLES BUILT ON VARIOUS CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH CARRIER AIRV CEILING UNITS, MODEL NOS. 68RV0010BA, 68RV0012CA, AND 68RV0010EA. THE HEATER ELEMENT IN THESE ASSEMBLIES MAY BE DEFECTIVE WHICH COULD CAUSE THE UNIT TO CREATE SMOKE OR SPARKS.
The risk: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The remedy: CUES IS WORKING WITH CARRIER TO REMEDY THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. REPAIRS WILL BE MADE BY CARRIER FREE OF CHARGE. PLEASE SEE CARRIER'S DEFECT REPORT 09E-053. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 5, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CARRIER AT 1-877-584-7059 OR CUES AT 1-407-849-0190.
CUES, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 14
EngineFuel system
Filed May 19, 2023

2008 Chevrolet Express van stalled while driving. I was able to coast over to the highway's shoulder. Van restarted after a few attempts and I resumed driving towards a small town ahead. Van re-stalled in the town. Attendant at small garage said the van had diagnostic codes for the fuel system. I was able to idle the van to a Chevrolet dealership for servicing. The dealership diagnosed and replaced the Fuel Pump Driver Module (part 20759945) (aka: Chassis Electronic Control Module) 17-days later, for about $650. Why wasn't I given notice and serviced under GM Recall Bulletin 14515 or 14515B, which specifies my van and that exact part? The dealership said my van is not part of that recall. The NHTSA site says my van has no pending recalls. The problem is serious enough that the Recall Bulletin applies regardless of years or miles. Even if an affected vehicle came in for an oil change, it can't be released until 20759945 is replaced. Van now suffering from code for upset oxygen sensor. VAN IS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN BUT WAS NOT ADDED TO THE DATABASE OF VEHICLES TO BE SERVICED! The contact stated that the dealership told them that the module failure "probably" did not ruin the catalytic converters. The contact said they would look into the issue within their home garage.

NHTSA ID
11522790
Incident
Apr 30, 2023
Brakes
Filed Sep 9, 2019

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WENT THROUGH A INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH NO BRAKES

NHTSA ID
11254272
Incident
Jun 5, 2019
Mileage
60,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 28, 2017

PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR HAS FAILED.

NHTSA ID
10968963
Incident
Dec 15, 2016
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 7, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING, THE TRANSMISSION DISENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE AND TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V313000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. UPDATED 10/28/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE LOCAL DEALER REPROGRAMMED THE ECM AND TCM. UPDATED 11/02/16.*JB

NHTSA ID
10904496
Incident
Sep 7, 2016
Mileage
55,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Apr 23, 2015

WHEN I WAS DRIVING IN MY LOCAL AREA,MY BRAKES STARTED TO GIVE OUT.IN ORDER TO STOP I NEEDED TO PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKES TO STOP. NOT EASY TO DO.THE WARNING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON.I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL AUTO REPAIR SHOP.THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIX IT.THE BRAKE LINE WAS THE ISSUE.THEY FILLED IT WITH BRAKE FLUID THEN I WAS ABLE TOO DRIVE IT TO THE DEALER WHO THEN REPAIRED THE LINE ,FOR 600 DOLLARS. MY QUESTION IS WERE THERE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ISSUE.?IF MY KIDS WERE DRIVING THIS IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN A DIFFERENT STORY.THANK GOODNESS NO ONE WAS HURT. THERE WAS NO OTHER INDICATORS OF THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10712348
Incident
Apr 12, 2015
Mileage
103,880 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 4, 2014

MECHANIC TESTED FROM CANISTER TO FUEL TANK HAS SMALL LEAK, WHICH MAY RESULT TO ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WENT TO LOCAL AUTO MECHANIC SHOP SAN JOSE CA AND THERE ARE TWO CHEVY EXPRESS OF THE SAME FAILURE BEFORE ME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10652422
Incident
Sep 12, 2014
Mileage
123,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Apr 9, 2014

THE SIDE DOORS ON BOTH SIDES VERY HARD TO OPEN BECAUSE YOU CANNOT GREASE THEM, THE SUNROOF LEAKS ,BACK REAR DOORS HANDLES STOP WORKING, TOOK THESE PROBLEMS SEVERAL TIMES TO BE ADDRESS AND PAID FOR SOME OF THE WORK TO BE DONE TO NO AVAIL STILL HAVE THE PROBLEMS, I HAVE A SON THAT'S DISABLE AND ITS VERY DANGEROUS IF SOMETHING HAPPENS AND WE CANNOT GET HIM OUT THE DOORS, PLUS THE SUNROOF LEAKS SO BAD THAT ANYONE IN THE REAR WILL GET SOAK AGAIN PAID TO HAVE IT DONE BUT TO NO AVAIL. CALL GM BUT AGAIN NO HELP JUST WAS TOLD THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND THAT'S WHY THEY CHANGE THE HINGES THIS YEAR, GRANTED I HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THE HINGES ON A 2001 CHEVY 1500 EXPRESS BOTH VAN I PURCHASED NEW TO SAY I HAD THESE PROBLEMS WITHIN A FEW WEEKS OR MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE AND NO RECALL AND TO SAY THEY KNEW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ID
10578689
Incident
Mar 26, 2008
Mileage
199 mi
AirbagsDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Apr 3, 2014

WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ALL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP, THE SPEEDOMETER CEASED TO FUNCTION, THE RADIO CUT OUT, THE AIRBAGS WERE REPORTING AS NONFUNCTIONAL, THE ABS SYSTEM WAS REPORTING NONFUNCTIONAL. TOOK VEHICLE TO LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAID THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE CAUSED BY CORROSION ON THE ABS SENSOR AS WELL AS CORROSION ON THE POWER DISTRIBUTION CABLES INTO THE FUSE BOX. ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC GM WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AS TECHNICAL BULLETINS DATING BACK TO AROUND 2005 WERE ISSUED. HE ALSO STATED SHOULD IT HAPPEN AT THE TIME OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIR BAGS WOULD LIKELY FAIL TO DEPLOY, AND THE PROBLEM IN GENERAL COULD LEAD TO THE POSSIBILITY OF A VEHICLE FIRE. ACCORDING TO HIM THE ENTIRE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER IF THEY HAD MADE SURE THE CABLES WERE WRAPPED IN SHRINK TUBE-THUS ELIMINATING THE INTRODUCTION OF MOISTURE TO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10577161
Incident
Mar 31, 2014
Mileage
73,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT6448

This preliminary information states to reuse a fastener during a front sensor replacement due to a supply issue.

PIT6448

This preliminary information states to reuse a fastener during a front sensor replacement due to a supply issue.

13598

New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH

PIC5650M

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, B3935, C0750, C0755, C0760, C0765, and/or C0775.

PIP5601C

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

PIT5074R

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.

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
2008Viewing1410040.9
2007174057.5
20061216067.9
2005239063.5
2004217156.6
20035811264.3
2002550137.1
2001452152.7
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.