2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 has a complaint index of 13, among the lowest of the 9 model years with data, ranking 8th worst out of 9. It has 3 complaints and 2 recalls, covering brakes and a rear axle cross pin.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 13/100
- #8 of 9 Express 1500 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 3
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14
- 13 city / 17 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2011 Chevy Express 1500 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags1 (33%)
- Brakes1 (33%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Low beam headlamps failed repeatedly, requiring replacement multiple times with no clear cause found.
- A rear brake line developed a significant leak, draining the brake reservoir nearly empty at 87,000 miles.
- Front airbag sensors cracked apart at the mounting screw where the aluminum body meets the plastic shield, triggering the airbag warning light at 80,000 miles.
- Both front airbag sensors failed in the same manner on the same vehicle.
2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 11V275000May 6, 2011Brakes7,593 vehicles
Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." some of these vehicles may have been built with a clearance condition in which the right rear brake hose may contact the tire or wheel rim. If the brake hose repeatedly contacts the tire or wheel rim, a hole could be worn in the brake hose.
Risk: A damaged brake hose may reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes and increase the distance required to stop the vehicle. An increased braking distance may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
- NHTSA 11V007000Jan 6, 2011Suspension, Wheels & Tires30,566 vehicles
Suspension:rear:axle:spindle
General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
Risk: The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17 MPG
- Combined
- 14 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Gasoline or E85
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2011 compared with other Express 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2011 Express 1500 has a complaint index of 13, one of the lowest among the 9 model years tracked, and ranks 8th worst out of 9 years.
- What problems does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 have?
- NHTSA lists 3 complaints for the 2011 Express 1500 split evenly across airbags, brakes, and the electrical system, each accounting for 33 percent of complaints.
- Does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for a brake hose clearance issue (campaign 11V275000) and one for a rear axle cross pin (campaign 11V007000). Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- What mileage do problems show up at on the 2011 Express 1500?
- The median mileage at failure across reported problems is 80,000 miles, with brake issues appearing around 87,000 miles and an electrical headlamp issue reported at 12,000 miles.