2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
5 safety recalls, most serious first
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
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 EXPRESS CARGO 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V267000 (manufacturer code 18146).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- 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.
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
What could happen: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 EXPRESS CARGO 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V500000 (manufacturer code 14321).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-222-1020.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Consequence: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
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.
3. 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
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 EXPRESS CARGO 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 14V117000 (manufacturer code 14082).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-630-2438.
- 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.
4. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.
What could happen: If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.
The fix: Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 EXPRESS CARGO 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V080000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-521-7300.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Summary: General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.
Consequence: If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.
Remedy: Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Notes: This is General Motors campaign number 13065. 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.
5. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corro…
What could happen: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
The fix: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact G…
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2011 EXPRESS CARGO 3500.
- Book a repair at any authorized Chevrolet dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 13V225000 (manufacturer code 13139).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-800-353-3867.
- 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: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
Consequence: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.
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.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo 3500 owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Engine (4), Fuel system (3), Brakes (3), Transmission / drivetrain (3), Electrical system (1).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
08/10/2026 · Fuel system
Vehicle broke down with a crank no start condition. Verified no fuel pressure. Diagnostics revealed no continuity between tank fuel pump positive lead at fuel pump relay, and ground. Removed fuel tank, disconnected fuel pump wiring harness, and found burned pin at positive terminal of fuel pump and mating harness connector. Harness displayed significant dis…
03/17/2026 · Electrical system
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 93,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 143,000 in 2024.
12/03/2019 · Steering
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES TO STOP THE BRAKE PEDDLE VIBRATES AND THE CAR SHIFTS FORWARD A LITTLE AND THE STEERING COLUMN MAKES A WINDING NOISE.
05/04/2018 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING AND SLOWING DOWN, THE VEHICLE AGGRESSIVELY DOWNSHIFTED, THE BRAKE PEDAL INDEPENDENTLY DEPRESSED, AND THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE HARD UPSHIFTS AND DOWNSHIFTS OF THE TRANSMISSION. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES, THE VE…
04/19/2018 · Suspension
UPON INSPECTION OF THE COIL SPRING CRADLES ,IT WAS FOUND THAT THE UPPER CONTROL ARM ON THE RIGHT SIDE WAS CRACKED WHERE THE TOP OF THE COIL SPRING SEATS. THIS IS THE SECOND CRACK IN THE COIL SPRING AREA THAT WAS FOUND ON AN AMBULANCE PACKAGE VEHICLE.THIS UNIT HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AS WELL DUE TO SAFETY CONCERNS.
02/02/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STABILITRACK AND TRACTION CONTROL SERVICE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH A BEEPING SOUND. IN ADDITION, THE POWER REDUCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE VEHICLE IDLED VERY ERRATICALLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO RESTART THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FOR…
01/08/2016 · Body / structure
2011 CHEVY EXPRESS CUTAWAY WITH THOMAS BUS BODY HAD EXCESSIVE RUST DAMAGE TO STRUCTURAL FLOOR SUPPORT BEAM IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF REAR WHEELS. ENTIRE BEAM HAD TO BE REPLACED.
02/13/2015 · Engine
I WAS PULLING BACK INTO MY DRIVEWAY MY VAN STARTED IDLING VERY ROUGH AND ERRATIC. THE VEHICLE DISPLAY READ "ENGINE POWER REDUCED. SERVICE TRACTION. ESC OFF." I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO THINK SO I IMMEDIATELY SHUT THE CAR OFF. I STARTED MY CAR UP AGAIN AFTER LETTING IT SIT FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AND IT RAN FINE AGAIN BUT THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WAS STILL ON. THE N…