RoadVitals

2021 Chevrolet Express

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

NHTSA has issued a “park outside” advisory affecting this model year.

Campaign 21V189000. Confirm whether your specific vehicle is covered using its VIN before acting on this.

Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov
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.
13
Latest Jul 8, 2026
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 Mar 18, 2021
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.
2
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 13 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Chevrolet Express, most frequently naming the fuel system, brakes and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 637 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

  • Fuel system423.5%
  • Brakes423.5%
  • Airbags317.6%
  • Powertrain (other)211.8%
  • Body & structure211.8%
  • Tires & wheels15.9%
  • Steering15.9%

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
21V189000NHTSA advisory: park outside

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES

Mar 18, 2021
10,154 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
The risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
The remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325160.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N202325160View on NHTSA.gov
21V115000

TIRES

Feb 25, 2021
33,838 units potentially affected
The defect: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
The risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
General Motors, LLCManufacturer number N212329050View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 13
AirbagsBody & structureBrakes
Filed Jul 8, 2026

Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026

NHTSA ID
11749131
Incident
Apr 16, 2026
AirbagsBody & structureBrakes
Filed Jul 8, 2026
Fire reported

Vehicle Caught Fire while driving on the highway. This is the third Chevy express 2021 that caught fire in last three months. 1GB0GRFP9M1249499 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date of Fire - July 6th 2026 1GB0GRF72N1218998 - 2022 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 16th 2026 1GB0GRFP0M1249665 - 2021 Chevy Express 3500 - Date Of Fire - April 18th 2026

NHTSA ID
11749127
Incident
Jul 6, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 8, 2025

My 2021 Chevrolet express van with an 8L90 transmission has failed after only 80k miles, willing to have it inspected. Check engine codes show P0700 and P2714 on 02/08/25. No prior warning lamps. This product has put my safety at risk due to overheating and making the vehicle go into limp mode while on public roadways. The product is known to fail for trucks alike with the same transmission but has yet to be reported for the Chevrolet express. Has only been confirmed via OBDii scanner from parts shop.

NHTSA ID
11647184
Incident
Feb 8, 2025
Brakes
Filed Mar 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started to pull to the left, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder off the roadway. After a visual inspection, the contact stated there was smoke coming from the driver's side front brakes. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 18,000.

NHTSA ID
11646583
Incident
Sep 25, 2024
Mileage
18,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Jan 4, 2025

This is a Forest River Sunseeker Motorhome on a 2021 Chevrolet Express chasis. On Friday, [XXX], after being in stop and go traffic for 10-15 minutes on [XXX] driving at 65 mph, a smell of burning brakes started filling up the motorhome. Then the vehicle started to wobble and the ABS light came on. Pulled over to the side and while applying brakes the vehicle shook/wobbled. Drove to a NTB tire store and the manager indicated it was not the tires but smelled like the brakes burning and advised not to drive it. Had it towed to Monument Chevrolet and they reported they could not replicate the problem. No repair. On [XXX] after numerous trips in RV, the exact same thing occurred. This time drove it to Monument Chevrolet with dash lights on: ABS, brakes, etc. and demanded a repair. They replaced left front speed sensor for $406.00. On [XXX], coming off of a mountain, the exact problem happened again: wobble, ABS light, and this time the Stabilitrak sensor on. The dealer in Arkansas ran a history report and said the right front speed sensor had failed. No repair available because of the size of the vehicle. Now scheduled to return to Monument Chevrolet 01/09/2025 to hopefully be repaired. Chevrolet has recalled 638,000 of the vehicles with identical issues but mine not on recall list. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11634050
Incident
Dec 30, 2024
Fuel system
Filed Oct 3, 2024

Fuel Pump Control Module failed in vehicle with only 26,000 miles. No warning light came on. No previous issue. Vehicle stalled while driving speed limit, all control of steering and braking was lost and vehicle did not restart. Needed to have vehicle towed. Vehicle was diagnosed by a dealership. Part unavailable, backordered and have been without vehicle for over 2 weeks. Awaiting invoice for repair

NHTSA ID
11617913
Incident
Sep 21, 2024
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 7, 2024

When I come to stop in traffic the drivetrain suddenly jolts and pushes the vehicle forward potentially pushing me into the car or traffic in front of me unless I put it in neutral or press hard on the brakes approaching the stoplight. Happens everyday.

NHTSA ID
11587552
Incident
May 7, 2024
Airbags
Filed Dec 11, 2023
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH the contact was crashed into by a deer, the contact stated that the deer struck the driver's side front headlight and then the driver's door. The contact stated that the left headlight was fractured and the grill was damaged by the deer strike. The contact stated that both side curtain air bags had deployed. The contact stated that the impact of the side air bag caused his left arm to pull down on the steering wheel which caused the vehicle to veer out of the lane and into oncoming traffic. The contact was hauling an 18-foot box trailer. The contact stated that he turned the steering to the right to get back into his lane, however, he had overcompensated and the vehicle left the roadway and into a ditch and stopped. The contact stated that the vehicle frame and undercarriage had extensive damage. The contact stated that the police were on the scene and a report was filed. The contact declined medical treatment and stated that he had abrasions and bruises on both arms and legs and had a scrape on the left side of his face from the air bag. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11559558
Incident
Nov 2, 2023
Mileage
65,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

PIT5099J

PI to help diagnose A/C concern

PIT5966F

This Preliminary information communicates an issue with an OTA pending message still displayed after an OTA event and how to reset/clear the message.

PIC6551B

This Preliminary information communicates to dealer to perform a MEC reset for wireless projection issues

PIC6423A

Pi created to provide GM dealers with information on gathering information for projection issue

PIT3271Q

This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.

PIP4902V

This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.

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—
2021Viewing132055.4
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
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.