This page covers 3 recalls and 11 owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Express.
Complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Express are spread thin across a small number of reports, but the powertrain and engine draw the most attention. Owners describe the transmission making hard, aggressive downshifts and unexpected upshifts, sometimes accompanied by the brake pedal moving on its own and the vehicle lurching forward. A separate pattern involves the engine losing power intermittently, owners report the stabilitrack and traction control warning lights illuminating, a reduced-power warning appearing, and the engine idling roughly until the vehicle is restarted. One report describes brake pedal vibration and a winding noise from the steering column during stops. There is also an isolated report of a cracked upper control arm in the coil spring area, noted on a vehicle with an ambulance package. The transmission behavior, rough shifts combined with unexpected vehicle movement during braking, is the most consistently described concern across multiple reports.
11
Total Complaints
By System
The 2011 Chevrolet Express has 3 recalls, all affecting CNG (compressed natural gas) models, with the most serious being a natural gas leak from the high-pressure regulator that can ignite and cause a fire or explosion.
A second fuel system recall affects a narrower group of CNG vehicles converted by Impco Automotive with a four-tank configuration: if the pressure relief device activates and the vent pipe was improperly assembled during the conversion, natural gas can be routed into the passenger compartment instead of safely venting outside, where any ignition source poses a serious risk. The third recall involves fire extinguishers installed on certain vehicles across a wide model range, including this one: the extinguisher may fail to discharge properly when needed, leaving occupants without a working tool to suppress a fire in an emergency.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to discharge, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may detach forcefully, potentially causing injury and making the extinguisher inoperable.
What the fix does
GM will provide a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service to arrange the replacement.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The compressed natural gas high-pressure regulator may develop a leak, allowing natural gas to escape from the fuel system.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the high-pressure regulator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The pressure relief vent pipe assembly in the CNG conversion may be built incorrectly, potentially affecting how pressure is safely vented from the four-tank system.
What the fix does
Impco Automotive and General Motors will inspect the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly and repair any issues found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
