2011 Chevrolet Express Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Aug 10, 2026 · 12 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Express years
Fewer complaints than other years 21st of 31 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Chevrolet Express. That ranks 21st out of 31 Express model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is power train (3 complaints, 25%), typically at around 109,000 miles. There are 5 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 2011 Chevrolet Express problems

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

Power Train3 · ~109,000 mi
Service Brakes3 · ~85,400 mi
Engine2 · ~94,500 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling2 · ~86,528 mi
Fuel/propulsion System2 · ~115,000 mi
Electrical System1 · ~143,000 mi
Fuel System, Diesel1 · ~98,100 mi
Steering1
Structure1 · ~94,036 mi
Suspension1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Power Train325%109,000——
Service Brakes325%85,400——
Engine217%94,500——
Engine and Engine Cooling217%86,528——
Fuel/propulsion System217%115,000——
Electrical System18%143,000——
Fuel System, Diesel18%98,100——
Steering18%———
Structure18%94,036——
Suspension18%———
Unknown or Other18%74,955——

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2013, with 3 complaints
2013: 3201332014: 1201412015: 1201512016: 1201612017: 1201712018: 2201822019: 1201912026: 220262

n = 12 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Chevrolet Express recalls (5)

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.

Fuel system, otherAug 13, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V500000 · 3,345 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

Risk: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

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.

Fuel system, otherMay 15, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V225000 · 1,791 vehicles

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.

Risk: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

Fuel system, other:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings; fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devicesMar 8, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V080000 · 48 vehicles

Problem: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.

Risk: If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.

Fix: Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

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.

Vehicle broke down with a crank no start condition. Verified no fuel pressure. Diagnostics revealed no continuity between tank fuel pump positive lead at fuel pump relay, and ground. Removed fuel tank, disconnected fuel pump wiring harness, and found burned pin at positive terminal of fuel pump and…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Aug 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756037

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 93,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 143,000 in 2024.

Electrical System · received Mar 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11725025

When applying brakes to stop the brake peddle vibrates and the car shifts forward a little and the steering column makes a winding noise.

Service Brakes · received Dec 3, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11286632

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE AGGRESSIVELY DOWNSHIFTED, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY DEPRESSED, AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HARD UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS…

Service Brakes · received May 4, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11091693

Upon inspection of the coil spring cradles ,it was found that the upper control arm on the right side was cracked where the top of the coil spring seats. This is the second crack in the coil spring area that was found on an ambulance package vehicle.this unit has been taken out of service as well…

Suspension · received Apr 19, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11088965

Other Chevrolet Express years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Chevrolet Express?

Owners most often report power train, service brakes, engine problems. The top one, power train, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Chevrolet Express?

Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 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 2011 has fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.