2005 Chevrolet Express Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2005 Chevrolet Express carries a Caution verdict, capped despite a moderate complaint index of 47 because it has 8 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit. NHTSA lists 23 complaints, with Brakes as the top problem area, and a median failure mileage of 85,934 miles.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 47/100
- #11 of 20 Express years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 23
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 8
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 14.5
- 13 city / 17.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2005 Chevy Express problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes7 (30%)
- Electrical System6 (26%)
- Structure & Body6 (26%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (26%)
- Fuel System2 (9%)
- Seat Belts2 (9%)
- Airbags1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report the dashboard or instrument panel wiring caught fire while the van was parked, with flames spreading to the front seats and steering wheel.
- Some drivers say the transmission unexpectedly shifted into 3rd gear when the brakes were applied.
- Owners describe the sliding door failing to latch or open properly after the child safety latch was engaged.
- Some report the shock tower cracking in half, followed by a shimmy and worn tie rods after repair.
- Owners say the brake pedal became hard to stop the vehicle at low speed due to brake fluid leaking from rubbing brake lines.
- Several describe the engine stalling at highway speed with the security warning light on, tied to the anti-theft system and fuel pump.
2005 Chevrolet Express recalls
8 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 09V307000Jul 29, 2009Other3 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Customizers is recalling 3 vans 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 system accessible 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.
Remedy: Customizers is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000.
- NHTSA 09V272000Jul 6, 2009Other185 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 09V270000Jul 6, 2009Other185 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility
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.
Remedy: 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.
2005 Chevrolet Express fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 13 MPG
- Highway
- 17.5 MPG
- Combined
- 14.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,475
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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.
2005 compared with other Express years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Chevrolet Express reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 47 for the 2005 Express, which is moderate compared to other years, but the verdict is capped at Caution because of 8 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2005 Chevrolet Express?
- Brakes are the top problem area, accounting for 30% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 47,200 miles.
- Does the 2005 Chevrolet Express have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2005 Express, covering seat belts, wheelchair lifts, brake boosters, and the center brake lamp.
- How does the 2005 Express compare to other model years?
- With a complaint index of 47, the 2005 model ranks 11th worst out of 20 model years with data; 2015 and 2011 are the lowest-risk years with indexes of 16 and 21.
- Did the 2005 Chevrolet Express catch fire?
- NHTSA recorded 1 fire complaint for the 2005 Express, describing wiring in the dashboard area igniting while the van was parked.