2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems
The Chevrolet Express (also known as the GMC Savana) is a series of full-size vans produced by General Motors since 1996. The successor to the Chevrolet G-series van, the Express is produced in passenger and cargo variants. Alongside the standard van body, the line is offered as a cutaway van chassis; the latter vehicle is a chassis cab variant developed for commercial-grade applications, including ambulances, buses, motorhomes, and small trucks.
In production for a single generation since 1995, over 2.5 million examples of the Express and the Savana have been produced. One of the longest-produced designs in American automotive history, the Express/Savana are rivaled only by the Jeep Wagoneer and Dodge Ram Van for longevity.
Since 1995, General Motors has assembled the Express and Savana at its Wentzville Assembly facility (Wentzville, Missouri). Also, since 2017, GM has sourced commercial cutaway-chassis production from Navistar through its Springfield Assembly Plant (Springfield, Ohio).
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Common 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems
The Chevrolet Express 3500, model year 2001, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. Here are some of the issues in detail:
- Brake Warning Indicator and Power Steering Cooler Hose: Certain vans with a brake warning indicator may have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow witch assembly. If this occurs, power steering fluid could flow onto hot engine parts, and an engine compartment fire could occur.
- Wheel Bearing Assembly Retaining Nut: Some of these vans were built without a wheel bearing assembly retaining nut, which could lead to a possible bearing separation. This could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Front Safety Belt Buckles: On certain vans with a gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 pounds, during a crash sufficient to deploy the safety belt pretensioner, the front safety belt buckles may not release after a crash, or may cause the buckle to unlatch in a crash, resulting in an increased risk of personal injury.
- Courtesy Lights on Running Boards: Certain running boards on the Express 3500 contain courtesy lights that might overheat when the wiring harness is exposed to excessive moisture and road salt. This could potentially lead to an engine compartment fire.
- Starting and Stalling Problems: Some owners have reported issues with the van starting or stalling, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including bad grounds, fuel pump issues, security system problems, or battery and alternator issues.
Please note that these issues are based on complaints from owners and may not represent all vehicles of this model year. Always consult with a certified mechanic for professional advice regarding specific vehicle concerns.
How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.
How many miles per gallon does a Chevy Express 3500?
Fuel Economy
| City | 11 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 16 mpg |
| Combined | 12 mpg |
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
Why does my Chevy Express 3500 stall at idle?
The most common reasons a Chevrolet Express 3500 engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
How many miles does a Chevy Express 3500 last?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around 200,000 miles, with some average wheel noise and fuel pump issues reported.
Are Chevy Express vans reliable?
The Chevrolet Express 1500 Reliability Rating is 3.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 9th out of 21 for commercial vans. The average annual repair cost is $963 which means it has poor ownership costs.
How many MPG does a Chevy Express 3500 get?
Fuel Economy
| City | 12 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 16 mpg |
| Combined | 14 mpg |
What's the difference between 2500 and 3500 Chevy Express van?
The difference between the 2500 and 3500 models are in the gross weight each can handle and the payload. The 2500 can carry up to 8,600 pounds and tow up to 3234 pounds. The 3500 can carry up to 9900 pounds and two up to 4,192 pounds.
2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Chevrolet Express 3500 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Tires problems
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 complaints
The NHTSA has received 11 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-22
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 EQUIPPED WITH DEXTERO DHT2 TIRES, SIZE: LT245/75R/16 (NA). WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE REAR PASSENGER TIRE EXPERIENCED A BLOW OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AMERICAN CUSTOM TIRE INC (1300 W MAIN ST, QUARTZSITE, AZ) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTERNAL SIDEWALL FAILED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-06-01
- VIN: 1GCHG35F411
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE "PCM"-PUMP CONTROL MODULE LOCATED ON THE INJECTION PUMP THAT IS IN CHARGE OF OPERATING AND COORDINATING PUMP OPERATIONS FAILS AFTER 30,000 TO 40,000 MILES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO STOP RUNNING--NO BRAKES OR STEERING SIMILAR TO IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM IN OTHER VEHICLES. GM LIKES TO GET 1,400 TO FIX, AFTER THE TOW. THANKS [XXX] A BETTER FIX NEEDS TO BE MADE HERE RATHER THAN INSTALLING ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART. THIS PROBLEM HAPPENS IN ALL THE 6.5 DIESEL MOTORS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-11
- VIN: 1GCHG35F411
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: THE REAR MAIN SEAL, FRONT HARMONIC SEAL AND POWER STEERING PUMP SHAFT SEAL ARE LEAKING. THE VEHICLE HAS 96,000 MILES ON IT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP LAST WEEK TO HAVE PROBLEM FIXED. NEED HELP VERY EXPENSIVE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-01-05
- VIN: 1GCHG39F711
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE LINES SEVERELY CORRODED AND RUSTED AT MULTIPLE LOCATIONS. COMPLETE REPLACEMENT IS REQUIRED TO RENEW SAFETY INSPECTION CERTIFICATION.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCGG25R511
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 VAN. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN HE APPLIED THE BRAKES. THE BRAKES ENGAGED MOMENTARILY AND THEN INDEPENDENTLY RELEASED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PRIOR TO THE CRASH. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE BRAKE CYLINDER SENSOR MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE AND WERE KEEPING THE BRAKE LINES CLOSED WITHOUT ALLOWING PRESSURE TO RELEASE AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 12,419. UPDATED 10/26/10. *LJ UPDATED 10/26/10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-26
- VIN: 1GAHG39G611
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 VAN. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS THE CONTACT WAS COASTING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY RESTARTED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 90,000.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-16
- VIN: 1GAHG39R211
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM TIRE CARCASS. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-14
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1GCHG39R811
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON 12/14/06 AT 7:30 PM ON A CLEAR EVENING A SECOND VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AT 55 MPH WITH THE 2001 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT A DITCH HEAD ON AT 50 MPH. THE POLICE WERE CALLED, HE DIDN'T SPEAK WITH AN OFFICER BECAUSE THE CONTACT WAS FLOWN BY HELICOPTER TO THE HOSPITAL. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BROKEN RIBS, A BROKEN PELVIS, AND OTHER INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BELT HARNESS DID RESTRAIN HIM, BUT THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. THE NATURE OF THIS COMPLAINT IS THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK UPDATED 2/22/2007 - *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-28
- VIN: 1GBJG31G011
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, THE ENGINE STALLED AND OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE REDUCED ENGINE POWER LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT AND TURNED THE IGNITION OFF. AFTER A PERIOD OF 15 MINUTES, THE ENGINE EASILY RESTARTED WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT ALTHOUGH AFTER RESTARTING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE ACCELERATOR MODULE OF THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE STALLING AND REDUCED POWER PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. NUMEROUS PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED IN THE VEHICLE SUCH AS A SENSOR, CRANKSHAFT, THROTTLE BODY UNIT, AND A WIRING CONNECTOR. UPDATED 11/03/06. *JB
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-18
- VIN: 1GAHG39R511
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE DURING DRY ROAD CONDITIONS, THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE DRIVER'S REAR TIRE. THE CONTACT HEARD A VIBRATION IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE TIRE WAS A FIRESTONE STEEL TX RADIAL R4S. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-15
- VIN: 1GCHG39R811
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE REINFORCEMENT TO THE FRONT BUMPER WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE SERVICE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. UPDATED 9/13/2006 - THE SERVICE DEALER REPLACED THE REINFORCEMENT BAR WHICH WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVES IT SHOULD BE REDESIGNED SO THAT IT WILL NOT DETERIORATE IN A SHORT TIME. *NM
2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 problems:
Q&A: Common Problems with 2002 Chevy Express 3500 (5.7 Engine)
Mar 5, 2015 ... I have a chevy express 3500 2002 5.7 with a # 7 misfire. changed wires plugs, distributor but continues to misfire - Answered by a verified ...
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Q&A: Common Problems with 2003 Chevy Express 3500 Van
Oct 21, 2008 ... 2003 Chevy Express 3500 has problems starting it and keeping running - Answered by a verified Chevy Mechanic.
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Apr 3, 2019 ... Express & G-Series Vans - Express 3500 nightmare - Hello, my name is John and I have been reading about the common problems with these Chevy ...
2001 Chevrolet Express 3500 - brake light/tail light problems
Dec 8, 2010 ... Hi. I was having brake light issues.In the daytime they worked fine but with the headlights or parking lights on the passenger side brake ...
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