2008 Chevrolet Express Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Chevrolet Express, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)315.8%
- Brakes315.8%
- Electrical210.5%
- Airbags210.5%
- Fuel system210.5%
- Engine210.5%
- Driver assistance210.5%
- Exterior lighting15.3%
- Other / unspecified15.3%
- Body & structure15.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE MERGING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE TRANSMISSION FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF FIRST OR SECOND GEAR CAUSING HIGH ENGINE RPM'S . I HAD TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND BACK INTO DRIVE SEVERAL TIMES BUT IT STILL FAILED TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR. I HAD TO PUT ON FLASHERS ( HEAVY TRAFFIC ) AND MAKE MY WAY TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. WHEN I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND SHIFTED BACK INTO DRIVE IT SHIFTED CORRECTLY. I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS TO PRESENT DATE. I TOOK THE VAN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND THEIR WERE NO CODE REPORTS SO THEY COULD NOT FIX THE ISSUE. THIS IS STILL A VERY REAL DANGER FOR MY FAMILY ( SEVEN CHILDREN ) BECAUSE THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS WHILE AT HIGH SPEEDS USUALLY WHILE ENTERING THE EXPRESSWAY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WENT THROUGH A INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH NO BRAKES
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVEN TIMES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 47,115.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR HAS FAILED.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE DRIVING VAN AT START OF RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. AND NEED TO STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE ROAD A HEAD OF ME MERGES FROM 3 LANE TO 2. WHEN LIGHT CHANGED I STEPPED ON PEDAL TO MERGE LEFT. AND GAS PEDAL STAYED TO FLOOR. I AM NOT SURE IF I STEPPED ON PEDAL A FEW TIMES TO GET IT UNSTUCK, AS I HAD MY FOOT ON BRAKE TO SLOW VAN DOWN. I AM NOT SURE OF THE SEQUENCE. BUT VAN THEN STARTING TO SLOW DOWN. ALL THIS HAPPEN IN UNDER A MINUTE. IF IT HAD NOT SLOWED DOWN I WOULD OF RAN IN TO THE BACK OF CAR IN FRONT OF ME. IT WAS VERY SCARY. SINCE THEN PEDAL HAS WORKED FINE. I REPORTED THIS TO OUR MAIN OFFICE. AND TOLD THEM I WOULD TAKE IT TO A CHEVY DEALER TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. ON 10-11-10 I TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE ME. BUT TOOK A QUICK LOOK AT PEDAL. AND SAID SAME THING AS TOYOTA "IT MUST OF BEEN FLOOR MAT. WE HAVEN'T SEEN OR HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM IN THIS VAN. VAN IS OUT OF WARRANTY. SPRING RETURN PRESSURE IS GOOD". I TOLD THEM I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEARS AND THIS VAN FOR 2. AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM LIKE THIS HAPPEN TO ME. SO I ORDERED A REPLACEMENT PEDAL. AND THEY SAID IT SHOULD BE IN 10-13-10. THAT IS TODAY. I WILL KEEP OLD PEDAL FOR FUTURE STUDY. I DON'T THINK PEOPLE BELIEVE ME AS I AM NOT LOOKING FOR ANY FAME. IT WAS JUST A SCARY TIME. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AND CAME ACROSS A DARK ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO USE THE HIGH BEAMS AND WHEN THEY WERE TURNED ON, THEY CAUSED ALL OF THE EXTERIOR LIGHTS TO FAIL. THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND OFF, BUT THE HIGH BEAMS NO LONGER WORKED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT BOTH LIGHT BULBS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE FAILURE SINCE THEY WERE ABLE TO USE THE LOW BEAMS. THE LOW BEAM HEAD LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAM HEAD LIGHTS WERE IDENTICAL AND THE FAILURE OCCURRED IN BOTH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 37405.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2008 CHEVY 3500 EXPRESS VAN WITH ABOUT 40,000 MILES. HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STABILATRACK SYSTEM AND THE DEALER SAID IT IS A WIRING PROBLEM. IT IS A FLEET VAN. HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM ON 2 OF 15. TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTS WHEN THIS HAPPENS, SPEED IS LIMITED TO ABOUT 15 MPH, SPEEDOMETER QUITS. STABILATRACK LIGHT TURNS ON. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .