2004 Chevrolet EXPRESS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
21 owner complaints analyzed
6 distinct recall campaigns
87,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2004 model year. Data snapshot: . 18 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Service Brakes is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 21 complaints (14.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 6 | 28.6% |
| Steering behavior | 2 | 9.5% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 9.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 4.8% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 4.8% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 4.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes | 3 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
| Structure:Body | 2 |
| Air Bags | 1 |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 1 |
Service Brakes: 3; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Structure:Body: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 5 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 2 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 7 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 5; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 7; 150,000 and above: 2
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (7). 3 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 |
| 2006 | 3 |
| 2008 | 2 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2014 | 3 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
2005: 4; 2006: 3; 2008: 2; 2011: 1; 2012: 1; 2013: 1; 2014: 3; 2016: 4; 2021: 1; 2022: 1
Pattern summary
Service Brakes leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10127002 · 2005-06-29 (June 29, 2005)
LEFT FRONT WHEEL DISENGAGED FROM VAN AT 55 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE DUE TO A NUT FALLING OFF OF THE SPINDLE. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS AND COSTLY SITUATION.
Owner-reported narrative. 49,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10127002 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10127644 · 2005-07-06 (July 6, 2005)
THREE TIMES OUR VEHICLE ENGINE HAS ABRUPTLY STOPPED RUNNING IN CROWDED INTERSTATE TRAFFIC, ENDANGERING THE LIVES OF US AND OCCUPANTS OF ADJACENT VEHICLES. THE FIRST WAS AUGUST 7, 2004 ON INTERSTATE 40 NEAR KINGMAN AZ. OUR FIRST THOUGHT WAS THAT WE RAN OUT OF GAS, BUT THE GAUGE REGISTERED !/4 FULL AND WHEN WE ADDED GAS IT TOOK ONLY 22.8 GALLONS (31 GALLON TANK). THE SECOND WAS MAY 23, 2005 ON INTERSTATE 25 PASSING THROUGH COLORADO SPRINGS CO. THE GAS TANK WAS 3/4 FULL. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE ABLE TO COAST INTO THE RIGHT LANE AND OFF TO …
Owner-reported narrative. 10,875 miles reported. Look up ODI 10127644 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10128655 · 2005-07-13 (July 13, 2005)
DT: THE VEHICLE IS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 2500 VAN. ON 7-11-05 THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING INTERMITTENT KNOCKING NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL ABLE TO GO AT THIS POINT. THIS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS. THE PROBLEM HAD BECAME WORSE, SO THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MIDAS. THE MECHANIC TOLD THE CONSUMER THAT THE FLY WHEEL HAD FAILED. THE CONSUMER HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP, BATTERY AND THE ALTERNATOR . *JB
Owner-reported narrative. 140,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10128655 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10129686 · 2005-07-22 (July 22, 2005)
OUR 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN STALLED SERVERAL(12) TIMES WITHIN A 14 MILE DISTANCE ON THE INTERSTATE IN DENVER, CO. THE WIFE WAS ABLE TO GET IT HOME, AND WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER (STEVENSON CHEVY, GOLDEN CO.) THE SERVICE ADVISOR ADVISED US THAT CHEVY IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH FUEL PUMPS OVERHEATING AND IS WORKING THE PROBLEM. NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM FROM CHEVY. YES, THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACE AT SEVENSON CHEVY IN GOLDEN, CO ON 21 JULY. THIS IS OUR SECOND OCCURANCE OF A FUEL PUMP FAILURE IN A NEW CHEVY VE…
Owner-reported narrative. 19,250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10129686 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10154305 · 2006-03-31 (March 31, 2006)
AIR BAGS FAILED ON CRASH. *NM
Owner-reported narrative. 34,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10154305 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10161551 · 2006-06-16 (June 16, 2006)
CONSUMER COMPLAINT CONCERNING THE POOR QUALITY OF GM AND GMAC PRODUCTS. *TS THE CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE FRONT BUCKLE ASSEMBLY ON HIS SEAT BELT. THE CONSUMER HAD ALREADY BEEN EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS PRIOR TO THE RECALL. *JB
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10161551 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10171403 · 2006-10-20 (October 20, 2006)
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE DID NOT RELEASE THE SEAT BELT PROPERLY. INTERMITTENTLY, THE SEAT BELT BECAME STUCK IN THE BUCKLE. THE NOTICE FOR NHTSA RECALL #05V558000, PERTAINING TO THE SEAT BELTS, WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHERE THE DEALER DENIED A FREE REMEDY DUE TO THE PROBLEM ONLY BEING INTERMITTENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, WHO STATED THE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD ONLY BE REPLACED IF THE PROBLEM COULD BE REPLICATED AT THE DEALERSHIP.
Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10171403 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10245516 · 2008-10-15 (October 15, 2008)
MY ANTI-LOCK BRAKES ACTIVATE AT LOW SPEEDS. WE FIRST NOTICED IT AROUND 37,000 MILES, BUT NOW IT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME WE APPLY THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED AT 39,000 MILES. WE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM WITH TWO CHEVY GARAGES - BOTH ADMITTED THAT IT WAS A COMMON, KNOWN CORROSION PROBLEM THAT REQUIRES EITHER CLEANING THE BRAKE SENSORS FOR APPROXIMATELY $200 OR REPLACING THEM AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $460. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR US. THE VAN DRIFTS FORWARD TOO FAR WHEN WE STOP AND WE ARE CONCERNED THAT WE WILL EITHER HIT ANOTHER CAR OR POS…
Owner-reported narrative. 37,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10245516 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2004-02-04 (February 4, 2004)
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.
Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.
Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.
NHTSA campaign record ↗04V189000 · Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly
Reported: 2004-04-19 (April 19, 2004)
CERTAIN VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING A LATCH WITH A BRITTLE CONDITION THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Consequence: THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE. THE RECALL BEAGN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA campaign record ↗04V320000 · Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Column Shift
Reported: 2004-07-06 (July 6, 2004)
CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT MAY SEPARATE. IF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR MAY NO LONGER CORRELATE.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE IN A DIRECTION NOT ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Reported: 2005-02-08 (February 8, 2005)
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
NHTSA campaign record ↗05V558000 · Seat Belts
Reported: 2005-12-19 (December 19, 2005)
ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLES AND, IF FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE, THE ENTIRE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED. FOR BUCKLES FOUND TO BE OPERATIVE, DEALER WILL REPLACE ONLY THE UPPER BUCKLE COVER. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA campaign record ↗12V388000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
Reported: 2012-08-08 (August 8, 2012)
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Water and road contaminants may become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may cause the pipe to corrode.
Consequence: Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel filler neck, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
NHTSA campaign record ↗