2021 Chevrolet Express Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Chevrolet Express has 13 complaints and a complaint index of 89, ranking 3rd-worst among 20 model years with data and earning an Avoid verdict. Brakes and Fuel System each account for 31% of complaints, with two recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 89/100
- #3 of 20 Express years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Brakes
Top 2021 Chevy Express problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Brakes4 (31%)
- Fuel System4 (31%)
- Airbags3 (23%)
- Structure & Body2 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain2 (15%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Fuel pump control modules reportedly fail without warning, causing the engine to stall or shut off while driving and sometimes leaving the vehicle unable to restart.
- Owners describe stalling events that also cut power steering and braking assistance, making the vehicle hard to control.
- Brake trouble on motorhome chassis builds includes a burning smell, wheel wobble, and the ABS light activating after extended stop-and-go driving.
- One owner reported the power steering suddenly became difficult to turn at low speed, requiring the vehicle to slow down to regain control.
- A tire reportedly blew out at the sidewall shortly after a low tire-pressure warning on a nearly new van.
- Multiple owners reported vehicle fires, including one report referencing repeated fire incidents across several 2021 and 2022 Express vans.
2021 Chevrolet Express recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V189000Mar 18, 2021Electrical System10,154 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
Risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325160.
- NHTSA 21V115000Feb 25, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires33,838 vehicles
Tires
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
2021 compared with other Express years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chevrolet Express reliable?
- NHTSA data shows the 2021 model has 13 complaints and a complaint index of 89, ranking 3rd-worst among 20 Express model years, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chevrolet Express?
- Brakes and Fuel System issues each make up 31% of complaints, followed by Airbags at 23%. Fuel pump control module failures causing stalling are frequently described.
- Does the 2021 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a battery cable terminal issue that could contact a fuse block, requiring owners to park outside until repaired, and one covering tire inspection and replacement.
- How does the 2021 Express compare to other model years?
- The 2021 model has a complaint index of 89, which is higher than most other years and ranks it 3rd-worst out of 20 years with data, behind only the 2010 (index 100) and 2012 (index 95) model years.