This page covers 4 recalls and 22 owner complaints for the 2013 Chevrolet Express.
The 2013 Chevrolet Express draws roughly equal complaint volume around the engine, service brakes, and fuel/propulsion system. On the brake side, owners frequently report brakes locking up or failing to release after a stop, with some describing a hard pedal, wheel shimmy, and visible smoking from the brake components, several accounts point to the hydro-boost system allowing unintended brake pressure to build while driving. Engine complaints tend to involve stalling, no-start conditions, and sensor-related faults. A recurring separate thread involves the fuse/relay block failing to deliver proper voltage to various systems, causing intermittent electrical issues across the van; multiple owners report dealers replacing this block on similar vehicles. A smaller cluster of complaints describes tire tread separation, with one account noting multiple tires on the same vehicle delaminating over a single extended trip.
22
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Chevrolet Express has 4 recalls, the most serious affecting compressed natural gas models where the high-pressure fuel regulator can leak natural gas, creating a fire or explosion risk if an ignition source is nearby.
The ignition system also carries a concern: on certain vehicles built during a narrow window in late 2012, the key can be pulled from the ignition while the engine is still running or while the transmission is not in Park. If that happens, the vehicle can roll away without the driver in control and cause a crash. On the equipment side, some vehicles were fitted with fire extinguishers whose actuation mechanisms can fail when needed, leaving the extinguisher useless during an actual fire. Rounding out the list, certain compressed natural gas models have fuel system labels printed at the wrong size, which can interfere with proper tank inspection and safe refueling practices and raise the risk of fire.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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 CNG fuel-only label on affected vehicles is printed smaller than required by federal safety standards, making it less visible to owners.
What the fix does
GM will send owners a replacement label at no cost to install on their vehicle.
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 ignition key can be removed while the engine is running or the transmission is not in Park, allowing unintended vehicle movement or theft.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and both keys at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
