RecallPlainVehicle recalls, explained in plain English

2010 Chevrolet Express 3500 12 Passenger recalls & complaints

4 high-risk recalls and 19 owner complaints. Check every recall is completed before buying.
5recalls
4high risk
0stop-driving
19complaints

Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.

5 safety recalls, most serious first

High risk Campaign 18V267000 · announced 26/04/2018 (6 years ago)

1. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/20…

What could happen: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

The fix: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this…

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2010 EXPRESS 3500 12 PASSENGER.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V267000 (manufacturer code 18146).
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: EQUIPMENT
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

High risk Campaign 14V117000 · announced 17/03/2014 (11 years ago)

2. Airbags

What's wrong, in plain English: The airbag system — the part that is supposed to protect you in a crash. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

What could happen: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14…

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2010 EXPRESS 3500 12 PASSENGER.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V117000 (manufacturer code 14082).
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-630-2438.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Consequence: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

High risk Campaign 10V096000 · announced 12/03/2010 (15 years ago)

3. Visibility (wipers / glass)

What's wrong, in plain English: You may not be able to see the road clearly. 103, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) CONTROL KNOBS THAT MAY FRACTURE AND SPIN ON THE CONTROL SHAFT. THE DRIVER MAY NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE.

What could happen: IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH.

The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL HVAC CONTROL KNOBS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2010 EXPRESS 3500 12 PASSENGER.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V096000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-630-2438.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 103, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) CONTROL KNOBS THAT MAY FRACTURE AND SPIN ON THE CONTROL SHAFT. THE DRIVER MAY NO LONGER BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE HEATING, COOLING, AND VENTILATION FOR THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: IF THIS CONDITION AFFECTS THE DEFROST SYSTEM WHEN IT IS REQUIRED, IT MAY DECREASE THE DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, AND COULD POSSIBLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL HVAC CONTROL KNOBS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 10012. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

High risk Campaign 10V138000 · announced 06/04/2010 (16 years ago)

4. Electrical system

What's wrong, in plain English: Wiring, modules, batteries. Short circuits can cause stalls or fires. GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS 2500, 3500 AND 4500 SERIES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE GENERATOR MAY DEVELOP A LOW RESISTANCE SHORT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR.

What could happen: THE LOW RESISTANCE SHORT COULD EVENTUALLY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

The fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT GENERATORS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2010 EXPRESS 3500 12 PASSENGER.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 10V138000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-630-2438.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
Summary: GENERAL MOTORS HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS 2500, 3500 AND 4500 SERIES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH THE GENERATOR MAY DEVELOP A LOW RESISTANCE SHORT WITHIN THE VOLTAGE REGULATOR.
Consequence: THE LOW RESISTANCE SHORT COULD EVENTUALLY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO RESULT IN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE ANY SUSPECT GENERATORS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 12, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Notes: GM RECALL NO. 10216. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

Moderate Campaign 12V169000 · announced 17/04/2012 (13 years ago)

5. Equipment

What's wrong, in plain English: A part or accessory supplied with the vehicle. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT’S OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.

What could happen: A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.

The fix: MAIN MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH BRAUN TO NOTIFY OWNERS, AND BRAUN DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. MAIN MOBILITY HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.

What to do

  1. Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2010 EXPRESS 3500 12 PASSENGER.
  2. Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 12V169000.
  3. The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
  4. Manufacturer hotline: 1-716-759-6811.
  5. Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA

Component: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
Summary: MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, 2009 GMC SAVANA, AND 2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CHASSIS, AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE WHEELCHAIR LIFT’S OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
Consequence: A WHEELCHAIR OCCUPANT MAY DEFEAT OR RIDE OVER THE INSUFFICIENTLY LATCHED ROLL STOP. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN THE LIFT PLATFORM IS IN AN ELEVATED POSITION, THE WHEELCHAIR’S OCCUPANT COULD FALL AND SUSTAIN INJURY.
Remedy: MAIN MOBILITY IS WORKING WITH BRAUN TO NOTIFY OWNERS, AND BRAUN DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES, FREE OF CHARGE. MAIN MOBILITY HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO VEHICLES ALTERED BY MAIN MOBILITY AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS OR FORD. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Useful for owners

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Owner complaints filed with NHTSA

19complaints
1crashes
1fires
7injuries
0deaths

Most complained-about parts: Engine (5), Brakes (4), Airbags (3), Electrical system (3), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (3).

Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.

Read recent complaints (8)

08/24/2021 · Airbags
My 2010 Chevrolet Express 1500 AWD Passenger Van was recently in the dealer's shop for work on various sensors and other problems. When the codes were downloaded from the computer, one indicated a faulty passenger side air bag module. At no time had any of the dashboard warning lights indicated a problem with the air bag system, so I had driven an unknown…

08/06/2018 · Airbags
THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 10 MPH. WE HAD JUST TURNED OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND HEADING TO A STOP SIGN AT THE HIGHWAY. LUCKILY IT HAPPENED BEFORE GETTING ON THE HIGHWAY. NOTHING HIT THE VAN AND NO PRIOR DAMAGE. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND SHE HAS BRUISING ON HER ARM AND WE BOTH HAVE RINGING AND SORE EARS. SOUNDED LIKE A BOMB W…

11/15/2017 · Electrical system
LAST MONTH THE RIGHT SIDE REAR BRAKE LITE AND BLINKER DID NOT WORK AND THIS MONTH THE DRIVERS SIDE TAIL LITE DOESN"T WORK . THEY REPLACED THE MAIN COMPUTER BCM LAST MONTH ,WAITING TO SEE WHAT THEY DO THIS TIME. BOTH TIMES I WAS ON THE HWY DRIVING

04/21/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ATTEMPTING THE GO DOWN A HILL OR A LIGHT SLOPE, THE VEHICLE REVVED AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT SOFTLY APPLIED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND SLOWED DOWN TO STEADY THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNO…

09/29/2015 · Body / structure
THE FRAME OF THIS VEHICLE BEHIND THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WHERE THE BOLT GOES THROUGH TO SECURE THE AMBULANCE BODY TO THE FRAME HAS CRACKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON THIS SAME VEHICLE. IT WAS REPAIRED ONCE AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP.

05/15/2015 · Transmission / drivetrain
GOING UP STEEP HILLS THE TRUCKS SHUDDERS VERY BADLY. THIS HAPPENS ONLY AT LOW SPEED AND IN 2ND AND OR 3 RD GEAR. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND COULD CAUSE A ACCIDENT. THIS HAPPENED AFTER GM ISSUED A RECALL LETTER TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPROGRAMED. IT WORKED FINE BEFORE. NO GM WILL NOT ALLOW THE DEALER TO PUT THE ORIGINAL PROGRAMING BACK AND TRANSMISSIO…

04/09/2015 · Engine
SOMETIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, IT WILL TURN OVER BUT NOT START. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AND A ENGINE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE WILL ILLUMINATE. IF THE ENGINE STARTS, IT WILL RUN ROUGH, THE LIGHT WILL BE ON AND STAY ON, AND THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE WILL APPEAR. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK FOR ANY CODES AND HE CAME UP WITH P168…

11/17/2014 · Airbags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V117000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT E…

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