Model year record

2008 Chevrolet Express recalls & problems

The 2008 Chevrolet Express has 10 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (3 complaints).

Recalls10safety recalls

Complaints14filed by owners

Crashes · fires0 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths0 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobilityApr 17, 2012

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 12V16900034 vehicles

Problem: 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 LIFTÂS OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
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 WHEELCHAIRÂS OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
Fix: 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityMay 13, 2010

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 10V205000133 vehicles

Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.

EquipmentNov 19, 2009

Appliance › Air conditioner

Recall 09V456000269 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: THIS DEFECT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 6, 2009

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 09V272000185 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN 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.
Risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Fix: MAIN MOBILITY 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 MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 6, 2009

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 09V270000185 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, 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.
Risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Fix: MAIN MOBILITY 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 MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityOct 24, 2008

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 08V56900042 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CUMMINGS IS RECALLING 42 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E350, CHEVROLET EXPRESS, MY 2006 FORD E250, GMC SAVANNA, DODGE SPRINTER CONVERSION VANS, AND MY 2007 NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTOR HOMES 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 SYSTEMS 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.
Risk: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
Fix: CUMMINGS 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 CUMMINGS AT 1-763-498-7887.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityOct 24, 2008

Equipment adaptive/mobility

Recall 08V56800042 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: CUMMINGS IS RECALLING 42 MY 2006-2008 FORD E150, E350, CHEVROLET EXPRESS, MY 2006 FORD E250, GMC SAVANNA, DODGE SPRINTER CONVERSION VANS, AND MY 2007 NEWMAR DUTCHSTAR MOTOR HOMES EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE BUSES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATION 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.
Risk: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Fix: CUMMINGS 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 CUMMINGS AT 1-763-498-7887.

Power trainJul 28, 2008

Transfer case (4-wheel drive)

Recall 08V340000151 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 151 MY 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE (AWD). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE TRANSFER CASES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITH AN INCORRECT PART THAT CAN CAUSE EARLY FAILURE OF A DRIVE CHAIN. IF THE CHAIN BREAKS, SHIFTING THE TRANSMISSION TO PARK MAY NOT KEEP THE VEHICLE STATIONARY.
Risk: IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON AN INCLINE OR BUMPED, IT MAY ROLL AND STRIKE A PERSON, OBJECT, OR ANOTHER VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING, AND CAUSE PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE DATE CODE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE TRANSFER CASE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Fuel system, gasolineJul 14, 2008

Storage

Recall 08V315000567 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 567 MY 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA CUTAWAY VEHICLES WITH A 139" WHEEL BASE. THE FRAME RAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE MAY BE WIDER THAN SPECIFICATION.
Risk: IF THE FRAME RAIL IS WIDER THAN SPECIFICATION, OVER TIME IT MAY CONTACT THE FUEL TANK HOUSING, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE FUEL LEAK. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRAME RAIL AND FUEL TANK HOUSING AND WILL REWORK THE FRAME RAIL IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-966-9463, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Power trainJul 11, 2008

Automatic transmission

Recall 08V3130006,390 vehicles

Problem: GM IS RECALLING 2,481 MY 2008 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA G-CUTAWAY FLEET VAN EQUIPPED WITH A 6.0L (RPO LY6) V8 ENGINE, 4L80E (RPO MT1) TRANSMISSION, 4.10 (RPO GT5) AXLE AND 75 MPH GOVERNOR (RPO 9D7). THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE TRANSMISSION MAY BE DAMAGED DUE TO FIRST GEAR ENGAGEMENT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THEN DOES NOT TRANSMIT POWER WITH D4 OR R SELECTED. THIS MAY BE PRECEDED BY ENGINE SHUTDOWN IF THE VEHICLE EXCEEDS 81 MILES PER HOUR IN CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Risk: THE VEHICLE MAY BE STRANDED ON OR NEAR A HIGHWAY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE CONTROL MODULES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OR ABOUT JULY 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Express 1500/2500 2WD

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

Express 1500/2500 2WD FFV

14mpg combined

City / highway	12 / 16 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

5.3 L · 8 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,800/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Typical mileage*
Power train	3	40,000 mi
Electrical system	2	—
Air bags	2	—
Fuel/propulsion system	2	—
Service brakes	2	—
Engine	2	—
Traction control system	1	—
Vehicle speed control	1	—
Exterior lighting	1	—
Service brakes, hydraulic	1	—
Electronic stability control (esc)	1	—
StructureBody	1	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Fuel/propulsion system
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.…
Apr 30, 2023
Service brakes
TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WENT THROUGH A INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH NO BRAKES
Jun 5, 2019 · 60,000 miles
Air bags
PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR HAS FAILED.
Dec 15, 2016
Power train
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
Sep 7, 2016 · 55,000 miles
Service 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
Apr 12, 2015 · 103,880 miles
Fuel/propulsion system
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
Sep 12, 2014 · 123,000 miles
Structure › Body
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…
Mar 26, 2008 · 199 miles
Electronic stability control (esc)
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…
Mar 31, 2014 · 73,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.