RoadVitals

2016 Chevrolet Express Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
15
Latest Jan 7, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
10
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.
2

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2016 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

  • Electrical316.7%
  • Engine316.7%
  • Brakes316.7%
  • Body & structure316.7%
  • Seat belts15.6%
  • Suspension15.6%
  • Tires & wheels15.6%
  • Driver assistance15.6%
  • Fuel system15.6%
  • Powertrain (other)15.6%

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

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

PROBLEM: POWER WINDOW WOULDN'T WORK, REAR DEFROSTER WOULD NOT WORK, VEHICLE WOULD NOT START, VEHICLE WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED. THE RELAYS WERE DEFECTIVE AND WERE REPLACED. UPON TAKING THE RELAYS APART , I FOUND THAT THEY WERE RUSTED INSIDE AND THE RUST WAS FLAKING OFF. I CONTACTED CHEVROLET AND I WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IT WOULD NOT COVER RUSTED PARTS.THE REPRESENTATIVE ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE RELAYS FAILING.THERE ARE TEN OF THESE RELAYS IN THIS VEHICLE AND FOUR HAVE FAILED DUE TO RUST. THERE IS NO WAY TO TEST THE REMAINING UNITS FOR RUST UNTIL THEY FAIL. THIS IS A REAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11311860 · filed Feb 27, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR CONNECTION. WATER ALSO LEAKED ONTO THE CONTACT AND THE FLOOR. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ALSO LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAWYER CHEVROLET (351 W BRIDGE ST, CATSKILL, NY 12414, (518) 291-4586) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW WI-FI ANTENNA GASKET NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILED AGAIN DAYS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11184855 · filed Mar 7, 2019

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Service Engine” warning light flashed on and off. The contact stated that after arriving to the residence and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Progressive Snapshot device had caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the Snapshot device was removed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID 11634601 · filed Jan 7, 2025

LT245/75R16 The fist tire failure was rear driver's side which caused a code service stable trac- this caused the vehicle to lose power and engine to die. I made home at 20mph in yraffic.I spent $500 for diagnostic check and new tire. The tire is misshapen and alerts sensor that caused engine to lose power and ultimately die. With new tire the problem was solved. But then the rear passenger tire while on the freeway acted up and caused the van to shake and rattle violently. Drove home at lower speed . I replace that tire with the spare which is a different brand and the van ran fine. Checked the bad tire and it is higher on one side than the other. Checked front tires and there are flat spots and irregularities on both tires

NHTSA ID 11535732 · filed Aug 1, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS Module Broken. Needs repair. No part available. Part Number 84055065 needed. Vehicle was on highway slowed on to onramp when ABS went off for no reason. Van Pulled to right drastically.

NHTSA ID 11580460 · filed Apr 1, 2024

I'd be driving down the street when my brakes would apply by them selves slowing my car down . after that my dash would bong and the ABS light would come on . I took it to my Chevy dealer and they replaced the brakes and said it was fixed . I pulled out of the dealers lot and was driving at 35MPH when the brakes locked and a skidded to a stop . If I hadn;t been buckled in I would have gone thru the windshield . I held the gas pedal to the floor and returnd to the dealer at about 20 MPH and some salesman came running out and said my van was on fire .I got out of my van but I didn't see any fire but there was heavy smoke coming from around the brakes . THE cHEVY DEALER HAD MY VAN APPROXIMATELY 7 MONTHS AND SAID THEY REPAIRED IT TWICE MORE , bUT EVERYTIME i PICKED IT UP THE BRAKES WOULD GO ON A SHORT DISTANCE AWAY AND i WOULD HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK . I have been driving the car because the chevy dealer says they can't get the ABS Module to fix it and I can't drive more than a mile or so from home because the brakes apply themselves and I'm afraid the car will break down or catch on fire . I need a safe car to drive and the chevy dealer says they can't fix it because they can't get the part .

NHTSA ID 11454858 · filed Mar 2, 2022

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE VISOR CONNECTION. WATER ALSO LEAKED ONTO THE CONTACT AND THE FLOOR. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ALSO LEAKING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SAWYER CHEVROLET (351 W BRIDGE ST, CATSKILL, NY 12414, (518) 291-4586) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW WI-FI ANTENNA GASKET NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT FAILED AGAIN DAYS LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000.

NHTSA ID 11184855 · filed Mar 7, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE AND THE SLIDING DOOR WAS OPENED, THERE WAS NO LOCKING MECHANISM TO PROHIBIT THE SLIDING DOOR FROM CLOSING INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE DOOR CLOSED INDEPENDENTLY WHILE AN EMPLOYEE WAS MAKING DELIVERIES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE GENERAL MOTORS FLEET COORDINATOR THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS INTENDED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300.

NHTSA ID 10885075 · filed Jul 15, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS COMPLAINT IN REGARDS TO HOW GENERAL MOTORS HAS CONFISCATED MY NEW CAR!! MY RECENTLY PURCHASED (AND, PAID FOR) CHEVY SS HAS BEEN CONFISCATED BY GM DUE TO GM'S POORLY WORDED RECALL. I HAVE THE TITLE AND KEYS TO THE VEHICLE BUT DUE TO THE RECALL THAT EFFECTS MODEL YEARS 2014-2016, GM HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THEY CAN NOT RELEASE THE CAR TO ME UNTIL A PART HAS BEEN DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED, TESTED, AND SHIPPED TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION ON THESE MODELS!! THIS COULD TAKE MONTHS. IN THE MEANTIME: MY CAR IS SITTING ON THE DEALER'S STORAGE LOT IN VILLA PARK, ILLINOIS! EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED BY THIS SITUATION!! THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A NOTICE TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BELT, BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NOT PERMITTED ACCESS TO THE VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 10895517 · filed Aug 13, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE BOUNCES WHEN TRAVELLING ON AN UNEVEN SURFACE. I.E., CONCRETE BRIDGE OR OVERPASS. THIS CONDITION IS MORE PREVALENT WHEN TRAVELLING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO OPERATE AND THE MANUFACTURER IS UNWILLING TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM, STATING THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE AND THEY CANNOT FIX IT. IN CONTRAST WE HAVE TWO OLDER CHEVROLET VANS THAT DO NOT EXHIBIT THIS PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE IS NOT PRESENTLY IN SERVICE AS A RESULT OF THIS DEFECT. CHEVROLET HAD OPENED A COMPLAINT UNDER THE NUMBER 8-3011733484 FOR FIRE EXTINGUISHER & SUPPLY CO.,INC. THEIR REPRESENTATIVE WAS PAM SAUNDERS. I AM THE PRESIDENT OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER & SUPPLY CO.,INC. THE OWNER OF THE VAN. THE DEALER, BANNER CHEVROLET, HAS MADE SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO REMEDY THE PROBLEM BUT NOW SAYS THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO SINCE THIS IS A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS AND SPRINGS, ALSO PAID TO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL LEAF SPRING INSTALLED, ALL TO NO REMEDY. THE LAST ACTION, REPLACING THE FRONT SPRINGS, WAS DONE WITHOUT MY CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE AND ACTUALLY MADE THE PROBLEM WORSE. NOW, THEY REFUSE TO DO ANYTHING MORE. I HAVE CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY BUT THIS HAS NOT PRODUCED MUCH IN THE WAY OF A REMEDY. SO, WE ARE CURRENTLY PAYING INSURANCE AND A TRUCK NOTE ON A VEHICLE WE CANNOT USE BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO PUT MY EMPLOYEES OR MYSELF AT RISK OF A SERIOUS ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID 11044046 · filed Nov 7, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

LT245/75R16 The fist tire failure was rear driver's side which caused a code service stable trac- this caused the vehicle to lose power and engine to die. I made home at 20mph in yraffic.I spent $500 for diagnostic check and new tire. The tire is misshapen and alerts sensor that caused engine to lose power and ultimately die. With new tire the problem was solved. But then the rear passenger tire while on the freeway acted up and caused the van to shake and rattle violently. Drove home at lower speed . I replace that tire with the spare which is a different brand and the van ran fine. Checked the bad tire and it is higher on one side than the other. Checked front tires and there are flat spots and irregularities on both tires

NHTSA ID 11535732 · filed Aug 1, 2023

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

ABS Module Broken. Needs repair. No part available. Part Number 84055065 needed. Vehicle was on highway slowed on to onramp when ABS went off for no reason. Van Pulled to right drastically.

NHTSA ID 11580460 · filed Apr 1, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED AT 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW TRUCK LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 1,000. UPDATED 10/21/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL LINE SEPARATED, DUE TO A MISSING RETAINING CLIP. ALSO, TWO BRACKETS THAT WERE SUPPOSE TO ATTACH TO THE FUEL LINE WERE MISSING. UPDATED 10/25/16. *JB

NHTSA ID 10899303 · filed Aug 29, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2016 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the “Service Engine” warning light flashed on and off. The contact stated that after arriving to the residence and shifting into reverse(R), the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the contact was able to park the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Progressive Snapshot device had caused the failure. The vehicle was repaired, and the Snapshot device was removed; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID 11634601 · filed Jan 7, 2025

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

Data on this page last refreshed .