Home › Chevrolet › Express Passenger › 2017
2017 Chevrolet Express Passenger: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Express Passenger, and brakes are the biggest group[1][2]. Six recalls are on file, and five of them describe a free fix or replacement[3][4][5][6][7]. The back-up camera monitor recall says a remedy will be offered later[8].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 21 owner complaints for this model year[1]. One mentions a crash. None report a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.
- Brakes: 13 complaints[2], with no crashes, fires or injuries. Median mileage at failure was 8,128[2].
- Forward collision avoidance: 6 complaints[11].
- Air bags: 3 complaints[12].
- Electrical system: 2 complaints, one of which mentions a crash[13].
- Steering, speed control, engine and exterior lighting: 1 complaint each[14][15][16][17].
In the brake complaints we read, owners describe ABS and stability warning lights that come on, followed by repairs to the ABS module or pump. Some say the failure came back, and some say replacement parts were hard to find[2]. One owner describes the brakes engaging while turning the steering wheel, and another describes a rear brake valve problem[2].
The forward collision avoidance group is small, and the complaints we read in it describe the same ABS module failures[11]. In the electrical complaints we read, owners describe lights or power cutting out, traced to a faulty fuse box[13]. In the air bag complaints we read, owners describe warning messages that came and went, and one describes a passenger struck by an air bag[12].
These themes come from a small sample of complaint texts. They do not tell you how common a problem is across all vans.
Recalls
Six recalls are on file for this model year. Several cover other model years or other vehicles too, so the unit counts below are not only for this van. Newest first:
- Back-up camera monitor (19V428). Unicell says certain monitors for the back-up camera can reset to factory settings, which may flip the camera image. The risk is turning the wrong way to avoid an object behind the van. Unicell says it will work with ASA Electronics to notify owners and offer a remedy, but the fact gives no specific repair yet. 325 units are potentially affected[8].
- Rear-quarter windows (19V387). One or both rear-quarter windows may be tempered glass instead of laminated glass, which fails a federal ejection standard. The risk is injury in a side impact or rollover. Dealers replace the glass as needed, free of charge, and 1,159 units are potentially affected[3].
- Rear climate control module (18V655). On vans with a single manual rear climate module, an electrical short can overheat the module. The risk is a fire in the headliner. Dealers remove insulation from a wiring connector, free of charge, and 30,448 units are potentially affected[4].
- Driver window switch (18V295). Liquid can leak into the driver's power window switch and corrode it. The risk is a fire. Dealers replace the switch, free of charge, and 207,483 units are potentially affected[5].
- Fire extinguishers (18V267). Some extinguishers may clog, and on some the nozzle may come off. The risk is injury in a fire if the extinguisher fails. GM tells owners to contact Kidde for a replacement, free of charge, and 6,154 units are potentially affected[6].
- Rearview mirror (16V700). Some vans were built without an inside mirror and with a right-hand convex outside mirror, which fails a federal mirror standard. The risk is a poor view to the rear. Dealers install a right-hand flat mirror, free of charge, and 40 units are potentially affected[7].
Check your own van's VIN to see which of these apply.
Fuel economy
EPA rates both versions with a 6.0L 8-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic, regular fuel and rear-wheel drive[10][18].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Express 2500 2WD Passenger[10] | 11 / 16 / 13 | $5,150 |
| Express 3500 2WD Passenger[18] | 11 / 16 / 12 | $5,600 |
EPA's annual cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the van was new.
Engine and size
Both EPA-rated versions use a 6.0L 8-cylinder engine[10][18]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans.
- 2500 short wheelbase: 224 in long, 80 in wide, 81 in tall, 135 in wheelbase, 5,873 lb curb weight[19].
- 3500 short wheelbase: 224 in long, 80 in wide, 81 in tall, 135 in wheelbase, 6,087 lb curb weight[20].
- 3500 long wheelbase: 244 in long, 80 in wide, 82 in tall, 155 in wheelbase, 6,407 lb curb weight[21].
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 19 | 2 |
| 1997 | 31 | 1 |
| 1998 | 29 | 1 |
| 1999 | 76 | 1 |
| 2000 | 96 | 1 |
| 2001 | 63 | 2 |
| 2002 | 70 | 0 |
| 2003 | 101 | 10 |
| 2004 | 57 | 7 |
| 2005 | 59 | 8 |
| 2006 | 45 | 17 |
| 2007 | 41 | 6 |
| 2008 | 41 | 11 |
| 2009 | 26 | 9 |
| 2010 | 30 | 6 |
| 2011 | 18 | 7 |
| 2012 | 20 | 6 |
| 2013 | 23 | 8 |
| 2014 | 25 | 8 |
| 2015 | 8 | 3 |
| 2016 | 15 | 6 |
| 2017 | 21 | 6 |
NHTSA lists 21 complaints and 6 recalls for 2017[9]. Among recent years, 2015 has 8 complaints, 2016 has 15, 2011 has 18 and 2012 has 20, all fewer than 2017[9]. The 2013 model year has 23 and 2014 has 25, both more[9].
On recalls, 2017 matches 2016 and 2012 at 6[9]. The 2013 and 2014 model years have 8 each, and 2015 has 3[9]. These counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold.
Should you buy a used 2017 Express Passenger?
NHTSA lists 21 complaints, and brakes are the largest group[1][2]., and brakes are the largest group[1][2]. Owners in the sample we read describe ABS module and pump failures and trouble finding parts[2]. Ask a seller for service records on the brakes and check the VIN for open recalls[8][3][4][5][6][7]. The EPA combined rating is 12 to 13 MPG, so factor fuel into running costs[10][18].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Express Passenger?
- Brakes have the most NHTSA complaints, 13 compared with 21 in total[1][2]. One complaint can name several components. In the sample we read, owners describe ABS warning lights and module or pump repairs[2].
- Does the 2017 Chevrolet Express Passenger have recalls?
- Yes. Six recalls are on file, covering a camera monitor, rear windows, a rear climate module, a window switch, fire extinguishers and a mirror[8][3][4][5][6][7].
- What gas mileage does the 2017 Express Passenger get?
- EPA rates the 2500 at 13 combined MPG and the 3500 at 12 combined[10][18].
- Is the 2017 Express Passenger better than other years?
- It has fewer complaints than 2013 and 2014, but more than 2015, 2016, 2011 and 2012[9].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 21 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Chevrolet Express Passenger (1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 8,128). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 19V387, filed May 23, 2019: Visibility › Glass, Side / Rear. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V655, filed September 21, 2018: Electrical System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V295, filed May 3, 2018: Visibility › Power Window Devices And Controls. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V267, filed April 26, 2018: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 16V700, filed September 29, 2016: Visibility › Rearview Mirrors / Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V428, filed June 11, 2019: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chevrolet Express Passenger model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Express 2500 2WD Passenger, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 16 highway / 13 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 6 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 3 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 2 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Express 3500 2WD Passenger, 6.0L 8-cyl, Automatic 6-spd, Regular, Rear-Wheel Drive: 11 city / 16 highway / 12 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 2500 EXPRESS PASSENGER VAN SWB: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 5,873 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3500 EXPRESS PASSENGER VAN SWB: length 224 in, width 80 in, height 81 in, wheelbase 135 in, curb weight 6,087 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3500 EXPRESS PASSENGER VAN LWB: length 244 in, width 80 in, height 82 in, wheelbase 155 in, curb weight 6,407 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov