2009 Chevrolet Express Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 24, 2025 · 10 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Express years
Fewer complaints than other years 24th of 31 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Chevrolet Express. That ranks 24th out of 31 Express model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (3 complaints, 30%), typically at around 51,000 miles. Complaints mention 1 crash, 2 injuries. There are 7 safety recalls covering this model year.

Chevrolet Express
Chevrolet Express photographed in Washington, D.C. , USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Chevrolet Express problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags3 · ~51,000 mi
Tires2 · ~40,700 mi
Electrical System1 · ~160,000 mi
Power Train1 · ~30,000 mi
Structure1
Vehicle Speed Control1 · ~61,000 mi
Wheels1 · ~126,116 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags330%51,000——
Tires220%40,700——
Electrical System110%160,000——
Power Train110%30,000——
Structure110%———
Vehicle Speed Control110%61,000——
Wheels110%126,116——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2012, with 2 complaints
2011: 1201112012: 2201222013: 1201312014: 2201422016: 1201612019: 1201912020: 1202012025: 120251

n = 10 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Chevrolet Express recalls (7)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

EquipmentApr 26, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

Air bags:frontalMar 17, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V117000 · 303,013 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Risk: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityApr 17, 2012 · NHTSA campaign 12V169000 · 34 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 liftâ’s 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 wheelchairâ’s 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 · NHTSA campaign 10V205000 · 133 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.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac systemMar 12, 2010 · NHTSA campaign 10V096000 · 9,137 vehicles

Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield wiping and washing systems." these vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (hvac) control knobs that may fracture and spin on the control shaft. The driver may no longer be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.

Risk: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace all hvac control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on march 11, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Equipment adaptive/mobilityJul 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V270000 · 185 vehicles

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/mobilityJul 6, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V272000 · 185 vehicles

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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was…

Power Train · received Feb 24, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11644633

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 chevrolet express. The contact stated the vehicle accelerated independently without warning while stopped at a traffic light. The contact turned the vehicle off for several seconds and then restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was repaired…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Oct 13, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11364173

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V614000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS THE RECALL…

Electrical System · received Jun 25, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11222451

White 2009 chevrolet equinox paint is peeling off of car. It started on the driver's side above the windows first and within a few days, the passenger side is doing the exact same thing. We noticed some "dimpling" in the paint on the lift gate as well. We have contacted gm (chevrolet) and have been…

Structure · received Feb 20, 2016 · NHTSA complaint 10837304

Tl* the contact owned a 2009 chevrolet express. While driving approximately 62 mph, the contact's vehicle crashed into the driver side door of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a few cuts on the knee that did not require medical…

Air Bags · received Nov 13, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10654755

Other Chevrolet Express years

← 2008 Express · 2010 Express →

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Chevrolet Express?

Owners most often report air bags, tires, electrical system problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Chevrolet Express?

Yes, 7 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Chevrolet Express a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Express model years, the 2009 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.