Which year to buy
Best betNo standoutNo year is clearly better than the rest
Newest we'd buy2017The latest year rated a good buy
AvoidNoneNo year stands out as bad
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual Extended coverage
18 serious complaints of 24, the most about fuel system (7) and brakes (7); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 6 recalls.
What owners report
“Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a re hazard.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the fuel system, Apr 2025
“Traveling at 50 to 55mph I make a easy brake application and the front wheels will start oscillating until the front goes into a violent shake. Releasing the brake will stop the shaking. This is a cutaway school bus. I'm the mechanic and the driver brought it to my attention. She noticed it while braking on a downhill.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Apr 2013
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage Certain 2010-2014 model year Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles may have a condition in which the fuel pump becomes inoperative due to an open circuit and/or overheating of the fuel pump module battery terminal. 14634 - Special Coverage. (14634, Feb 2015)
- Extended coverage Some 2010-2015 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles and 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD vehicles that are equipped with 6.6L Duramax Diesel engines (RPO LML or LGH) may contain a leak in the seal between the engine-exhaust down pipe and the engine-exhaust pipe. 15457 -… (GCUS-9-898, Sep 2015)
- Extended coverage On some vehicles a malfunction-indicator light (MIL) may illuminate due to an offset in the temperature sensor in the diesel-emission-reduction fluid (DEF) tank reservoir, increased tank-heater resistance, or reductant-system performance. 14652A-Special Coverage. (GCUS-9-2952, Oct 2016)
- Extended coverage On some vehicles, equipped with a hinged left side rear door (e26), inadequate clearance may result in abrasion to one or both rear brake lines. 14301 - special coverage. (14301, Mar 2015)
- Extended coverage Some 2010-2014 model year chevrolet express, 2011-2014 model year chevrolet silverado hd, 2010-2014 model year gmc savana and 2011-2014 model year gmc sierra hd vehicles equipped with a 6.6l engine (rpo lml or lgh), may have a condition where the indirect fuel injector can become stuck in the… (14653, Jun 2015)
- Extended coverage On some 2012 model year chevrolet silverado, express, colorado and gmc sierra, savana, and canyon vehicles equipped with a 4.3l, 2.9l, or 3.7l engine (rpo lu3, llv, or llr) and a 4l60e automatic transmission (rpo m30), the malfunction indicator lamp (mil) may be illuminated and the transmission… (15111, Jun 2015)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
24 owner complaints · 6 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 12–17 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
Every Express year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
Engines: 4.3L 6-cyl; 4.8L 8-cyl; 5.3L 8-cyl; 6.0L 8-cyl · Drive: AWD, RWD
2012 Express trims
| 3LT | 4LT | EXT | EXT 3LT | LS | LS EXT | LT | LT EXT |
|---|
base price, seating and driver-assistance equipment from NHTSA's vehicle database (vPIC), as Chevrolet reports it. Tech and comfort features (CarPlay, heated seats, sunroof) for Chevrolet aren't in our data yet. "—": not verified in our sources. "Varies": standard on some versions of the trim.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | — | — | — | Not rated | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 | — | — | — | Not rated | 4 | 0 | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — | — | Not rated | 0 | 2 | Vehicle speed control (1) | — |
| 2023 | — | — | — | Not rated | 1 | 1 | Engine (2) | — |
| 2022 | — | — | — | Not rated | 2 | 11 | Power train (5) | — |
| 2021 | — | — | — | Not rated | 4 | 27 | Air bags (3) | — |
| 2020 | — | — | — | Not rated | 2 | 36 | Power train (10) | — |
| 2019 | — | — | — | Not rated | 8 | 18 | Power train (4) | — |
| 2018 | — | — | — | Not rated | 12 | 25 | Electrical system (5) | — |
| 2017 | 6.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 12–13 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 22 | Service brakes (11) | — |
| 2016 | 6.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 12–13 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 22 | Service brakes (4) | — |
| 2015 | 4.8L 8-cyl 6.0L 8-cyl | RWD | 12–13 mpg | Not rated | 3 | 9 | Electrical system (2) | — |
| 2014 | 4.3L 6-cyl 4.8L 8-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl 6.0L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 12–16 mpg | Not rated | 7 | 29 | Air bags (8) | — |
| 2013 | 4.3L 6-cyl 4.8L 8-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl 6.0L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 12–17 mpg | Not rated | 10 | 28 | Engine (9) | — |
| 2012 | 4.3L 6-cyl 4.8L 8-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl 6.0L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 12–17 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 24 | Fuel/propulsion system (7) | — |
| 2011 | 4.3L 6-cyl 4.8L 8-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl 6.0L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 12–17 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 19 | Fuel/propulsion system (4) | — |
| 2010 | 4.3L 6-cyl 5.3L 8-cyl | AWD, RWD | 14–17 mpg | Not rated | 6 | 30 | Air bags (8) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSENGER 2500 PV N/A RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | CHEVROLET EXPRESS PASSENGER 3500 PV N/A RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 - 12 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 12 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 0 |
| 2025 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 15 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 0 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 - 12 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500- 12 passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500- 15 passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 2 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 12 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 15 Passenger PV RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 4 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 12 Passenger VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 7 |
| 2022 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 15 Passenger VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 7 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 13 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 12 Passenger VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 14 |
| 2021 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 - 15 Passenger VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 2 | 14 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 17 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 19 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 1 | 19 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Express Passenger G2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 8 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Express Passenger G3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 10 |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Express Passenger G3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | Optional | Optional | 4 | 10 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 11 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 14 |
| 2018 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 14 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 21 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 22 |
| 2017 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 22 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 15 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 20 |
| 2016 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 20 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 9 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 8 |
| 2015 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 3 | 8 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 24 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 24 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 15 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 15 |
| 2014 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 15 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 22 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 22 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 22 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 23 |
| 2013 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 8 | 23 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 15 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 15 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 13 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 18 |
| 2012 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 18 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 15 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 1500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 15 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 2500 VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 15 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 12 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 12 |
| 2011 | Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 15 Pass VAN RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 13 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Express 1500 Passenger Van w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 19 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Express 2500 12 Passenger Van w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 22 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Express Van 3500 12 Passenger Van w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 19 |
| 2010 | Chevrolet Express Van 3500 15 Passenger Van w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 6 | 19 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 13 |
| 2017 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2016 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 13 |
| 2016 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2015 | Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L, FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
12 |
| 2015 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L, FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
13 |
| 2015 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L, FFV Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
12–13 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 2WD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
15–16 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 2WD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 AWD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2014 | Express 1500 AWD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2014 | Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2014 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
13 |
| 2014 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
12–13 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 2WD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
15–17 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 2WD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 AWD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Express 1500 AWD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2013 | Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2013 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
13 |
| 2013 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
12–13 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 2WD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
15–17 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 2WD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 AWD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Express 1500 AWD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2012 | Express 2500 2WD Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2012 | Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2012 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
13 |
| 2012 | Express 3500 2WD Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2012 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
12–13 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 2WD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
15–17 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 2WD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 AWD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Express 1500 AWD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2011 | Express 2500 2WD Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2011 | Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2011 | Express 2500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 4.8 L Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L |
13 |
| 2011 | Express 3500 2WD Cargo | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2011 | Express 3500 2WD Passenger | Auto 6-spd, 8 cyl, 6.0 L | 12 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 2WD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 4.3 L Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L |
15–17 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 2WD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 AWD Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
| 2010 | Express 1500 AWD Passenger | Auto 4-spd, 8 cyl, 5.3 L | 14 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.