2001 Chevrolet Express: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 45 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is tires (20% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 45 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Vehicle shuts down during operation. I just saw there is a recall on your site saying same problem but mine didnt qualify. I have burned wires in harness to instrument panel. I found two wires at harness where code reader plugs into . O was able to ground them but now a couple months later same problem. I found burnt wires in harness and I cannot access to evaluate or replace. I've completed repairs myself, I am poor and dont know any honest affordable mechanics as I am capable of most reasonable repairs. I think my van falls under overheating panel warranty as described by this website. I still have 2 years of payments on van”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2021
“On friday january 29th 2010 I was involved in an accident. I rear ended a suv. My 2001 chevrolet express van would not stop due to anti lock brake failure. When I applied the brakes the anti lock system took over and the brake pedal went to the floor. My vehicle continued forward never slowing down until I struck the vehicle ahead of me. I would have been able to stop if the anti lock brakes had not taken over my vehicle. I had a more than a five second space between the vehicle in front of me. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chevrolet express rv g1500. The contact stated that the front driver and passenger seats moved out of place while driving 30 mph. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 179,000 and current mileage was 180,500.”Owner report · Seats · Oct 2008
Show 7 more owner reports
“Dt: the contact stated while driving vehicle stalled intermittently. The vehicle stalled when slowing down or when stopping. The vehicle was taken to the dealership, and the fuel injector pump was replaced. This repaired the vehicle.*ak updated 12/07/05. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Nov 2005
“Dt: the contact stated the tread separated from the left rear tire. This happened on a rental car that the contact's husband was driving. The tire dealer could not determine the cause of the failure. *ak updated- the consumer struggled to maintain control of the vehicle, however he did managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Nov 2005
“Sidewalls of tires split after only 38,000 miles on tires and are original tires for my 2001 chevy express van . Tire style is a steeltex radial r45 ( lt 245/75r16)*jb”Owner report · Tires · Sep 2005
“Dt: contact owns a 2001 chevrolet express van. The contact stated the power pedestal bracket for the driver's seat broke. The general motors service dealer stated that the there was no reason for the bracket to break. The general motors manufacturer stated that they will not be responsible for the failure of the after market product installed by majestic because it was not the original equipment of the vehicle. Majestic stated that the bracket that broke was a general motors product, and ii was the responsibility of general motors to repair it. *ak”Owner report · Seats · Aug 2005
“Dt:consumer bought vehicle new. Afterwards, consumer started having problem with the door handles which broke off. Consumer bought another van, later and the handles were the same. The van just purchased had the same problem. Each time consumer had handles replaced. Consumer pays about $160 per door. Consumer contacted general motors a few times, but general motors refused to answer to consumer's satisfaction.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2005
“The consumer had come to a stop sign and attempted to turn left and did so with great difficulty. The consumer noticed that each turn had become more difficult and was accompanied by grinding noises. *sc the consumer had the vehicle towed and it was discovered that the steering gear box had seized internally. *jb”Owner report · Steering · Dec 2004
“Intermittently accelerator pedal would be stiff/hard for the consumer to depress. *ak when accelerating from a standing position or a very slow speed the pedal would not go down gradually when pushed harder, the vehicle would lurch forward. The cable was found frayed inside the cable shreath and was replaced. *sc *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING (RAC) IS RECALLING 6 MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PRIVATE TRANSPORT, MY 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS65, MY 2006-2007 MONITOUR BUS, AND MY 2007 C-2 SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER, AND GM CHASSIS AND 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.
Remedy: RAC 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 RAC AT 1-800-627-1707.
RIFLED AIR CONDITIONING (RAC) IS RECALLING 6 MY 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS PRIVATE TRANSPORT, MY 2005 THOMAS BUILT FS65, MY 2006-2007 MONITOUR BUS, AND MY 2007 C-2 SCHOOL BUS VEHICLES BUILT ON FREIGHTLINER, AND GM CHASSIS AND 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.
Remedy: RAC 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 RAC AT 1-800-627-1707.
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 2001 Chevrolet Express reliable?
NHTSA has 45 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2001 Chevrolet Express. The most complained-about area is tires (20% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2001 Chevrolet Express problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 45,000 miles or less.
Does the 2001 Chevrolet Express have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment adaptive/mobility. 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.