1996 Chevrolet Express: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 15 owner complaints on record; most reports concern electrical system.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The steel cable system securing the spare tire rusted throughand severed releasing the spare tire to fall freely from under the van to the road below. At the slow speed I was traveling I incurred no loss of control or danger to other motorists, however if I was traveling at highway speeds this failure would have resulted in a 65mph missle going down the road. Calls to the manufacturer resulted in no action. I am in possession of all failed parts. Thank you”Owner report · Equipment · Aug 2001
“After making a u turn, the power steering assist was lost. The power steering pump shaft had broken making the vehicle nearly impossible to control. Could this be the problem of NHTSA campaign #: 96v187000?”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2000
“When the van was involved in a pretty severe frontal crash, passenger's side air bag did deploy, but the driver's side did not. Van was traveling about 5 mph when this happened. Frontal damage totalled over $7,000 dollars. The van is being repaired. Please provide any further information. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2000
Show 5 more owner reports
“Engine runs ruff with no power. Sounds like engine is dieseling. Black smoke comes out of exhaust, somtimes backfires. Ecm never sets trouble code. Eventually the ecm set trouble code for right cat comming apart. The fourth (most resent) both cats came apart. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 1999
“Van totally destroyed ,had been sitting for over 2 hours before it decided to catch fire had trouble with keyless remote prior to catching fire remote would not unlock doors fire started under neath pass. Side dashboard in what I was told the area where the computer is”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 1999
“Consumer contacted dealer in reference to recall 00v110000/manufacturer's recall 00031 concerning fuel odor/leakage. Dealer corrected recall problem. Consumer believed recall problem has caused additional problems in fuel system. Fuel system was contaminated, and fuel pump/ filler needed to be replaced. Please provide any further details.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
“Brake pedal moves to 2-3 inches before it will begin to brake, and pedal travels too far down.this defect causes increased reaction time. Dealer and manufacturer claim it was designed like that. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
“While driving vehicle had stalled out. Lost steering and braking power. Towed to dealership. Informed by mechanic that fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. This has happened 3 times already.*ak the dealer said there was no recall on the fuel pump which was failing numerous times. *yh”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
ONE OF THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS CAN BREAK. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE SPRING LIFTING FROM THE AXLE UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING OR CORNERING MANEUVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Express by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Chevrolet Express reliable?
NHTSA has 15 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Chevrolet Express. The most complained-about area is electrical system.
Does the 1996 Chevrolet Express have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:u-bolt, leaf spring to axle. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.