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U.S. public vehicle records

2005 Chevrolet EXPRESS: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

23 owner complaints analyzed

8 distinct recall campaigns

85,934 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2005 model year. Data snapshot: . 16 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 23 complaints (17.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior834.8%
Electrical and battery issues28.7%
Fuel system concerns28.7%
Transmission and shifting14.3%
Engine operation14.3%
Steering behavior14.3%

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.

Electrical System
4
Service Brakes
4
Structure:Body
4
Suspension
3
Seat Belts
2
Air Bags
1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Electrical System4
Service Brakes4
Structure:Body4
Suspension3
Seat Belts2
Air Bags1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Exterior Lighting1

Electrical System: 4; Service Brakes: 4; Structure:Body: 4; Suspension: 3; Seat Belts: 2; Air Bags: 1; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Exterior Lighting: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
2
50,000 to 74,999
2
75,000 to 99,999
3
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
3
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9992
50,000 to 74,9992
75,000 to 99,9993
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above3

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 2; 50,000 to 74,999: 2; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 3

Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 7 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.

2005
2
2007
3
2009
1
2012
3
2013
1
2014
4
2015
1
2019
1
2021
2
2022
2
2025
1
2026
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20052
20073
20091
20123
20131
20144
20151
20191
20212
20222
20251
20262

2005: 2; 2007: 3; 2009: 1; 2012: 3; 2013: 1; 2014: 4; 2015: 1; 2019: 1; 2021: 2; 2022: 2; 2025: 1; 2026: 2

Pattern summary

Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 8 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 10115397 · 2005-04-06 (April 6, 2005)

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED THE VEHICLE SHIFTED INTO 3RD GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THIS HAPPENED NINE TIMES IN 2900 MILES. *AK *SC

Owner-reported narrative. 2,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10115397 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10140661 · 2005-10-24 (October 24, 2005)

SLIDING DOOR WAS CLOSING AT FIRST, THEN WHEN THE CHILD SAFETY LATCH WAS ENGAGED, IT WOULDN'T CLOSE. THEN WHEN WE SWITCHED THE LATCH BACK, THE DOOR CLOSED AND WOULDN'T OPEN AGAIN. THE DOOR, ALTHOUGH CLOSED MORE THAN BEFORE, WASN'T FULLY CLOSED AS IT KEPT THE DOME LIGHTS ON AND YOU COULD HEAR THE WIND BLOWING. THE FACT THAT THE DOOR WOULDN'T OPEN, WE HAD TO CLIMB IN AND OUT OF THE VAN VIA THE PASSENGER DOOR OR CLIMB OVER THE BACK SEATS AND OUT THE BACK DOORS. THE DOME LIGHTS HAD TO BE DISCONNECTED AS TO NOT RUN THE BATTERY DOWN OVERNIGHT. IT ALSO…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10140661 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10179562 · 2007-01-16 (January 16, 2007)

PROBLEM WITH RECEIVING PROPER RECALL SCHEDULING**NAR**CC THE CONSUMER VEHICLE IS AN RV AND THERE IS NO FACILITY CLOSE ENOUGH THAT CAN ACCOMMODATE THE RV, THE NEAREST DEALER IS 5 HOURS AWAY. THE RECALL WAS REGARDING SEAT BELTS ON AN RV. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10179562 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10197741 · 2007-07-28 (July 28, 2007)

SUBJECT VEHICLE IS A 2005 CHEVY EXPRESS/EXPLORER CONVERSION VAN. THE PASSENGER SIDE SHOCK TOWER STEEL ARM COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT THE WELDED POINT. I DROVE VEHICLE TO CLOSEST DEALER. WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE TOOK A HIT AND THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY, AND THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. WAS TOLD THAT AUTO INSURANCE MIGHT COVER THE DAMAGE. AT NO TIME WAS THAT VEHICLE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. FILED CLAIM WITH ALLSTATE. DEALER REPAIR SHOP WAS AUTHORIZED BY IN-HOUSE ADJUSTER TO DETERMINE IF DAMAGE WAS COVERED. INSURANCE A…

Owner-reported narrative. 27,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10197741 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10212794 · 2007-12-20 (December 20, 2007)

2005 CHEVROLET EXPRESS SHOCK TOWER FAILURE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE SHOCK TOWER CRACKED IN HALF. WAS REPAIRED. SHE STATES THAT THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A SHIMMY AFTER THE REPAIR. *KB WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOP FOR THE SHIMMY, SHE WAS INFORMED THE TIE RODS HAD WORN OUT AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT EXCESSIVE WEIGHT AND THE WRONG WHEEL/TIRE SIZE CAUSED ADDITIONAL STRESS AND WEAR AND TEAR ON THE VEHICLE. THE ABS LIGHT FLICKERED.

Owner-reported narrative. 2,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10212794 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10267068 · 2009-04-28 (April 28, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CUT-AWAY G3500. WHEN THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AT 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME DIFFICULT TO STOP. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, HE NOTICED BRAKE FLUID LEAKING FROM THE HOSES. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUBBING TOGETHER, WHICH CAUSED THE HOSE TO RUPTURE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 58,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 58,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10267068 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10444339 · 2012-01-18 (January 18, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHEVROLET EXPRESS G2500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE ORIGINATED IN THE INTERIOR WIRES WITHIN THE DASHBOARD OR INSTRUMENTAL PANEL AREA. THE FLAMES SPREAD TO THE DRIVER SEAT, PASSENGER FRONT SEAT AND THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 70,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10444339 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10460964 · 2012-06-07 (June 7, 2012)

PAINT IS SIMPLY PEELING FLAKING AWAY BY HAND AND I ONLY WASH IT BY HAND ITS TERRIBLE AND 80% OF THE VANS I SEE IN FLORIDA ARE THE SAME.HOW COME NOTHING GETS DONE CHEVY SHOULD PAINT THESE TRUCKS FOR FREE AND HONOR THE BRAND I GUESS I WILL SELL LOOSE LOTS OF MONEY AND BUY A MORE RELIABLE FORD. *JS

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10460964 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

8 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

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 ↗
05V530000 · Exterior Lighting

Reported: 2005-11-07 (November 7, 2005)

CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON GMC/CHEVROLET CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HOUSING LENS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP DOES NOT ALLOW ENOUGH LIGHT TO EMIT FROM THE LAMP.

Consequence: FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY NOT BE FULLY INFORMED OF VEHICLE BRAKING. REAR-END COLLISIONS AND INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.

Remedy: SANTA FE IS WORKING WITH AUDIOVOX TO REPLACE THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SANTA FE AT 1-800-274-1886 OR ASA AT 1-574-266-3172.

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 ↗
09V049000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2009-02-06 (February 6, 2009)

MOBILITY IS RECALLING 86 MY 2005-2006 FORD E-SERIES AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN 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 ON 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.

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: MOBILITY 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 MOBILITY AT 714-674-0480.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V050000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2009-02-06 (February 6, 2009)

MOBILITY IS RECALLING 43 MY 2005-2006 FORD E-SERIES AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS 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.

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: MOBILITY 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 MOBILITY AT 714-674-0480.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V270000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2009-07-06 (July 6, 2009)

MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, 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.

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: MAIN MOBILITY 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 MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V272000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2009-07-06 (July 6, 2009)

MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN 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.

Consequence: THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: MAIN MOBILITY 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 MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
09V307000 · Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported: 2009-07-29 (July 29, 2009)

CUSTOMIZERS IS RECALLING 3 VANS 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.

Consequence: A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.

Remedy: CUSTOMIZERS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.

NHTSA campaign record ↗