Chevrolet Uplander Best and Worst Years (2005–2009)
2005 and 2006 Chevrolet Uplander years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75, the highest in the lineup. 2007 is rated Good (index 25) and 2008 is Caution (index 50). No year is rated Best.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 5
- 2005–2009
- NHTSA complaints
- 584
- Recall campaigns
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 24
- Fires reported
- 6
- Top problem area
- Structure & Body
Uplander Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chevrolet Uplander problems and recalls by year
Uplander years to avoid: what went wrong
2005 Chevrolet Uplander Index 100 · 196 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2005 Uplander has the highest complaint index (100) in the lineup, with 196 total complaints. Structure & Body issues dominate, making up 46% of that year's complaints at a median mileage of 28,000, including reports of second-row seat latches unlatching in side-impact crashes. Electrical System problems account for 33% of complaints at a median mileage of 45,000. Owners also reported stalling near a half tank of fuel and a steering knuckle failure. NHTSA lists three recall campaigns for this year, covering suspension, brakes, and body structure. Seven crashes, one fire, 31 injuries, and one death are recorded.
2005 structure & body problems →2005 electrical system problems →2005 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
2006 Chevrolet Uplander Index 75 · 158 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2006 Uplander carries a complaint index of 75 with 158 total complaints. Electrical System issues lead at 30% of complaints with a median failure mileage of 32,319.5, including a wiring harness fire that disabled power doors, locks, and windows. Structure & Body problems follow closely at 30% with a median mileage of 30,000, including automatic door sensor failures. Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints account for 20% at a median mileage of 27,009. Three recall campaigns were issued for this year. Seven crashes and two fires were reported, with 14 injuries and no deaths.
2006 electrical system problems →2006 structure & body problems →2006 suspension, wheels & tires problems →
Most common Chevy Uplander problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Structure & Body200 (34%)
- Electrical System161 (28%)
- Brakes98 (17%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires80 (14%)
- Fuel System59 (10%)
- Steering55 (9%)
- Engine50 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain41 (7%)
- Other38 (7%)
- Airbags23 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Chevrolet Uplander should I avoid?
- The 2005 and 2006 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint indexes of 100 and 75, the highest among all five Uplander model years covered.
- Which Chevrolet Uplander year is the best?
- No Uplander year earns a Best verdict. The 2007 model year is rated Good, with the lowest complaint index (25) and only one recall campaign.
- Is the 2008 Chevrolet Uplander reliable?
- The 2008 Uplander is rated Caution, with a complaint index of 50 and Brakes as the top problem area, based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What problems does the 2005 Chevrolet Uplander have?
- Owners reported Structure & Body issues in 46% of complaints, including second-row seat latch failures, plus Electrical System problems in 33% of complaints, at a median mileage of 45,000.
- How many recalls does the Chevrolet Uplander have?
- Across model years 2005-2009, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns total for the Chevrolet Uplander, with 3 recalls each affecting the 2005 and 2006 model years.