2021 Chevrolet Express 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 2021 Chevrolet Express problems
Based on the search results, there are several common problems with the Chevrolet Express 2021, as reported by owners. These issues span across different model years, and some may still be relevant to the 2021 model.
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks: The intake manifold gasket in the Chevrolet Express may develop an external engine oil or coolant leak. In some cases, an internal coolant leak may occur, causing coolant to mix with engine oil. Running the engine with this internal leak can cause engine damage. Replacing the intake manifold gasket can cost around $500.
- Coolant Leaks and Engine Overheating: Another common issue is a coolant leak from the water pump, which can result in engine overheating. Replacing the water pump can cost between $300 and $550.
- Damaged Front Electrical Components: Excess water used on the rear cargo mat can damage various electrical components under the front carpet/rubber mat. This issue is more prevalent in cargo versions of the Chevrolet Express.
- Rear Lights Not Working: Normal wear and tear from using the cargo space of the van can cause damage to the tail light wiring, causing one or more rear lights to stop working. Replacing and protecting a new tailight harness should fix the problem, with the harness costing about $30 and an additional $3 for each bulb replaced.
While the search results do not specifically mention issues with the 2021 Chevrolet Express, these common problems across various model years could still be relevant. It is essential to stay informed about potential issues and consider extended warranties to cover repair costs, as modern vehicles have increasingly complex mechanical parts.
Is the 2021 Chevy Express reliable?
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2021 Express van. Models from 2013 have some known engine problems, while 2014–2022 are reliable. Performance 7/10 – The engine choices in the Chevy Express are all strong enough to tow and haul cargo, but none of them are high-performance choices.
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 long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
How many miles per gallon does a 2021 Chevy Express get?
Based on data from 8 vehicles, 272 fuel-ups and 91,397 miles of driving, the 2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.89 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error.
Is the 2021 Chevy Express reliable?
Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2021 Express van. Models from 2013 have some known engine problems, while 2014–2022 are reliable. Performance 7/10 – The engine choices in the Chevy Express are all strong enough to tow and haul cargo, but none of them are high-performance choices.
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 long do Chevy Express engines last?
If you have a 4.3 V6 250,000 miles would be good. If you have a 4.8L, 5.3L or 6.0L V8 all are LS based engines. Those engines if cared for properly 300,000 is not uncommon. If you drive it like you stole it all the time you will be lucky to make 150,000 miles.
What is the gas mileage for a 2021 Chevy Express?
Based on data from 8 vehicles, 272 fuel-ups and 91,397 miles of driving, the 2021 Chevrolet Express 2500 gets a combined Avg MPG of 14.89 with a 0.21 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 60 outliers (18.07%) removed.
2021 Chevrolet Express complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Chevrolet Express.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2021 Chevrolet Express recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2021 Chevrolet Express.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES
- Summary: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with 6.6L gasoline engines. The positive battery cable terminals may contact a fuse block assembly attachment post and cause an electrical short circuit.
- Consequence: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N202325160.
- Manufacturer: General Motors, LLC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, 2018-2021 Chevrolet Express, GMC Savana, 2019-2020 Chevrolet Blazer, Silverado 1500, GMC Acadia, Sierra 1500, and certain Continental tires sold to the aftermarket for various model year 2018-2021 vehicles. The affected tires were cured for too long during production.
- Consequence: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.
Negative 2021 Chevrolet Express car reviews
Positive 2021 Chevrolet Express car reviews
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This is a great vehicle! It's huge in size and has great visibility. The Vortec V8 is incredibly powerful and dependable. I previously owned a Chevy Astro with the Vortec V6 and it was also very reliable. Even though I bought the base model, it still had power windows and locks, cruise control, and a CD player. I bought it on Ebay from an owner in Las Vegas and flew from Atlanta to pick it up. I then drove it home for 2,150 miles! It drove like a Cadillac. Although it's not the most economical vehicle, I still managed to get about 15.5 mpg and averaged 75 mph for 80% of the trip. I get lots of compliments on this van and the cargo space is enormous, especially when you remove the 2 bench seats. I am extremely pleased with this truck (van). Chevrolet really got this one right!
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The Express 3500 is a great choice for large families or anyone who wants to travel comfortably with a lot of gear. We really appreciate the extra roominess of the extended 3500 and have found that it handles very nicely and gets great mileage for a vehicle of this size. However, we have had some trouble parking in narrow parking lots due to its length of about 20 feet. That being said, it can comfortably seat 15 adults. Thank you for considering the Express 3500!
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It's great to hear that you find the vehicle comfortable to drive with excellent handling. The engine and transmission are very smooth and powerful, and it's impressive that it's so efficient with up to 19 mpg on the highway and averaging over 16 mpg for all driving combined. The cruise control is also very efficient. It's good to know that this vehicle is much more comfortable to drive and handle than the Honda Pilot that it replaced.
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This is actually my second Express van and I must say, I'm really happy with it. I have the 12 passenger van, which is just the right size for me. The 08 model has been given many upgrades over older models, which is great. The seats can easily be removed, and you can almost put your whole house in there! My previous Express van was trouble free, and I'm happy to say that my 08 came with no defects, so it's off to a good start.
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We chose the Chevy van because it can comfortably seat 11-12 people and has great towing power, all at a reasonable price. After renting and comparing several vans for long distance trips, we found that the Dodge Sprinter was twice as expensive and didn't meet our needs. While we are happy with our Ford vehicles, the Ford Van didn't handle as well or feel as safe as the Chevy. The Chevy has a much more stable ride and spacious interior. Overall, we preferred the Chevy and decided to purchase one. Additionally, the Chevy has ample space behind the rear bench for luggage. We are averaging 12.3 MPG with the 6.0 ltr engine and can tow anything we need to.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Chevrolet Express problems:
Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems and Complaints - 22 Issues
Top Chevrolet Express 3500 Problems · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Replace Fuel Filter Every 30,000 to Prevent Fuel ...
2021 Chevrolet Express Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Dec 15, 2023 ... 2021 Chevrolet Express Review: Reliable Full Size Cargo Van With Average Running Costs As It Ages · The 2021 Chevrolet Express lasts around ...
Chevrolet Express 2500 Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Top Chevrolet Express 2500 Problems · Fuel Level Sensor Failure · Tail Light Wiring in Cargo Area May be Damaged · Electrical components under front carpet may be ...
low voltage problem but good alternator and battery? | Chevy ...
Aug 9, 2021 ... Battery cables are not a common problem on the NNBS. ... 2021 GMC Sierra Denali 6.2L Ultimate 4wd ... A forum community dedicated to Chevrolet ...
Consumer Alert: Important 2021 GMC Savana and Chevrolet ...
Mar 31, 2021 ... GM issued a safety recall (NHTSA ID 21V-189) today for certain Model Year 2021 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles with 6.6L gas engines.
Other years of Chevrolet Express
Are you having problems with your 2021 Chevrolet Express?
Ewell Jacobson 2025-08-12
I really like my 15 passenger van for what it is, but there are definitely some areas that could be improved. If you're looking for a reliable van built on proven technology with truck-like towing and strength, there is no competition except for its GMC twin. This is the only truck-based van on the market today built on the strength of a full frame, with fully boxed frame and underpinnings that are truly heavy-duty. All other vans on the market are unibody. The fact that it's the only van still available with a V8 engine makes it stand out without equal. The 6.0 and 6L90 transmission are durable and reliable, making it one of the last iron block V8 engines out there. While this van receives bad reviews for its dated technology and style, I personally like the looks of the traditional North American truck-based van and the peace of mind of known technology. However, a serious update to the interior and options would be ideal. Handling and driving a vehicle this large is what it is, but with the two wheelbase lengths and standard stabilitrak, it edged out its previous competition in the E series and Dodge in rollover resistance, which is a low bar. You must be prepared to drive this van within its limits. It isn't a car or even a light truck and shouldn't be compared as such. The airbags include front and side curtain, and there is special glass in the rear sides that add safety and strength. However, it's disappointing that there are no headrests after the first row. It should have had headrests in all rows. The build quality is poor, with misaligned panels inside and out. Also, the interior is made mostly of hard plastics, which are cheap but durable. Options are slim, but you get the basics you need. Better backup camera and phone connectivity should be improved and made standard. The mirrors are big and very useful, and a nicer sound system option would be a welcome improvement too. Fuel economy is low, but it's within what you would expect for a vehicle of this size and weight.I've been getting about 14mpg in mixed driving, mostly in town, with the 6.0. On the interstate, driving at the pace of traffic (not in the fast lane), I've hit 21mpg. The built-in Wi-Fi works well and can consistently stream video to at least five tablets (it may be able to do more, but we haven't tested it). While there is a lack of cup holders and charging ports in the rear, the 110v outlet with extension cord substitutes for the latter. I purchased my van for just under 30k with 2k miles on it, as a program vehicle. That is a great value for passenger capacity, truck capability, and reliability. I've had my van for a couple of years now without any repairs needed. While there is much that could be improved and updated, if you need large passenger capacity and truck strength, there is no equal. People I know with more modern vans, like the Transit, are not reporting much (if any) better fuel economy, even with much smaller engines, and they have had reliability issues that I have not. The small engines the competition use just have to work harder and will wear out faster while limiting towing capacity severely. The lack of a high roof has some advantages when it comes to parking garages, drive-throughs, and crosswinds that affect all vans. Please note that the drop-down menu did not have the correct trim level for the van I am reviewing here. To clarify, I have a 2019 LT 3500 extended van with the 6.0 V8 and 15 passenger capacity.
Ross Stoltenberg 2025-05-06
As a father of four, my family and I love to travel, sometimes on really long trips. Most of the time, we travel in our Dodge Ram 3500 while towing a toy hauler. However, when we're not towing our trailer, we drive our Town and Country, which is by far the roomiest and most comfortable minivan that I know of. Last weekend, I had the opportunity to drive an Express van when we had 11 soldiers going up for training. At first, I was very impressed with the interior and the location of the switches, etc. However, as soon as I tried to speed up to enter the freeway, I realized how underpowered it was. It reminded me of my old Tahoe, mostly engine noise but no speed or power. The wind noise was pretty bad, and I couldn't concentrate as the noise was so loud it was hurting my ears. Some of the buttons, especially the ones on the left side of the dash, are just not ergonomic. The steering was hard after a four-hour drive, but the turning radius is okay, so I have no complaints there. On the way back, I was too tired to drive, so I ended up switching seats with someone else. I ended up sitting in the second-row seats, which was a big mistake. I should have just sucked it up and continued driving. The back seats are just so uncomfortable that I wanted to open the doors and jump out.
Leopold Balistreri 2025-04-15
I bought the van slightly used instead of a 2008 Dodge Sprinter. I saved over $25000, which can pay for years of fuel, and I am happy to support an American-made product. My family and I are thrilled with the van! The fuel economy is better than expected (approximately 16.5 MPG on the highway). The only downside is the quality and fit of the plastic trim inside the vehicle.
Jefferey Brekke 2025-03-27
I love my 2006 Chevy Express! My only issue is that it's quite challenging to find a parking spot for it. It's longer and wider than any of my other cars, including the Suburbans.
Mustafa Yost 2025-01-20
I have experience driving several different vans of this model, ranging from '06 to '09. The engine provides excellent power, and the AWD system really helps with road grip. However, the gas mileage could be improved, as the best I've ever gotten is 17mpg (on 87 octane gas). I did find the traction control system to be a bit unnerving, as it shuts off all power for several seconds if you lose traction, which can be concerning when pulling out onto a busy intersection. On the other hand, I appreciate some of the features, such as the on-board tire pressure monitors and the oil life percentage. Overall, I think it's a good van. The only issue I've had was an oil filter gasket leak, which was likely due to an installation fault by the garage.