2012 Chevrolet Express
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2012 Chevrolet Express. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2012 Chevrolet Express. Newest first.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an…
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.
General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.
General motors (gm) IS recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet express and suburban vehicles, and GMC savana and yukon XL heavy duty vehicles. the steering gear pitman shaft may not have been adequately hardened and could fracture.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. this service will be performed free of charge. the safety recall IS expected to begin on april 4, 2012.
Gm IS recalling certain model year 2012 chevrolet express and GMC savana vehicles manufactured from june 2, 2011, through october 17, 2011. the second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not inflate in a severe frontal impact. accordingly, the air bags fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety no. 208, "occupant crash…
Risk and remedy
Risk
An improperly deployed air bag will increase the risk of injury to the occupant.
Remedy
Gm will notify owners, and dealers will install a new front passenger air bag free of charge. the safety recall began on november 29, 2011. owners may contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782 or chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020.
Owner complaints
13 complaints2 involved a crash2 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Service brakes
ABS Valve Body / Pump Harness chafed through brake hydraulic line near transmission crossmember. This resulted in a hydraulic leak and loss of brake pedal feel / partial loss of brakes. Fortunately failure occurred in the driveway--I had 4500 Lbs of sailboat trailer hitched to the van and was…
ABS Valve Body / Pump Harness chafed through brake hydraulic line near transmission crossmember. This resulted in a hydraulic leak and loss of brake pedal feel / partial loss of brakes. Fortunately failure occurred in the driveway--I had 4500 Lbs of sailboat trailer hitched to the van and was about to go on a long trip. Design issue. Wiring harness should not be located so as to chafe on hydraulic lines. This is not the first chafe related failure on this vehicle.
- Air bags
About 6:45 in the morning on November 10th, the vehicle was in a high-speed. Front end collision with adult cow elk at 70 miles an hour on the freeway, and the airbags failed to deploy in the Van on both front seats and the vehicle was severely damaged. Injuries were sustained.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged…
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a re hazard. This is even more critical as these vehicles are carrying students as a school bus. We perform visual inspections of the straps at 6 month intervals (per Pennsylvania these vehicles are subject to Semi-Annual State Inspection). There were no symptoms of the problem before this failure. There are never symptoms of the problem.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged…
Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a fire hazard. This is even more critical as these vehicles are carrying students as a school bus. We perform visual inspections of the straps at 6 month intervals (per Pennsylvania these vehicles are subject to Semi-Annual State Inspection). There were no symptoms of the problem before this failure. There are never symptoms of the problem before any failure. Failed fuel tank straps on this were repaired by GM Dealer (Faulkner GMC, 705 Auto Park Blvd, West Chester, PA 19382) (Invoice #677658 - Invoice Date Feb 25 2025).
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking · Steering · Unknown or other
UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.
- Unknown or other
Vehicle rolls while in park
- Service brakes
I manage a fleet of 53 school buses, model years ranging from 2008 to 2015. I have noticed a trend with the hydro boosters and master cylinders, they tend to leak internally on these gm vehicles some have begun to leak as early as 30,000 miles. I expect to have to replace all of these components…
I manage a fleet of 53 school buses, model years ranging from 2008 to 2015. I have noticed a trend with the hydro boosters and master cylinders, they tend to leak internally on these gm vehicles some have begun to leak as early as 30,000 miles. I expect to have to replace all of these components, on every bus in the near future. As the fleet ages the trend IS getting increasingly worse. I believe this IS a dangerous situation because I am vigilant with keeping up on this issue, however I am not sure that the general public will have the same understanding about the danger of this design flaw. I have had buses come in bleeding brake fluid or hydraulic fluid.
- Engine · Power train
The engine will go to low power and not go more than 30 mph without warning. This IS an ambulance chassis and IS a know problem gm has not addressed yet in the 2012 and 2013 chassis. It can do this on hwys with speed limits of 55, 65, 70 mph suddenly which could cause an accident as no stop lights…
The engine will go to low power and not go more than 30 mph without warning. This IS an ambulance chassis and IS a know problem gm has not addressed yet in the 2012 and 2013 chassis. It can do this on hwys with speed limits of 55, 65, 70 mph suddenly which could cause an accident as no stop lights give any warning and you can't speed up anytime in poor visibility or at anytime. Not only IS it bad for the injured or ill patient it could cause an accident and injury others. Gm has fixed this on the 2014 and newer models but not 12 &13. This IS not just our one unit this IS 2012 and 2013 chevy diesels ambulance all over the us. We have four units that it can happen to and two that IS has with patients. I have contacted the epa, gm, and our indiana state senators trying to get this dangerous situation taken care of in the last few days. I am asking anyone who will listen to help push gm for a fix.
- Electrical system
Engine was at idle had pulled into gas station . Alarms went off check engine light came on, stable track error, multiple tones. After 20 seconds engine stalled. Would not crank. After talking to people and couple tries fix took to dealership as it was diagnosed to be the engine control module…
Engine was at idle had pulled into gas station . Alarms went off check engine light came on, stable track error, multiple tones. After 20 seconds engine stalled. Would not crank. After talking to people and couple tries fix took to dealership as it was diagnosed to be the engine control module shorted. I had gone thru rain earlier and a couple storms passed thru while at station and eating. dealer replaced engine control module and programmed it. this could of happened while driving and would of lost engine power and power steering. Since just module replaced and ben told it IS know to short out when wet it could happen again.
- Electrical system · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2012 chevrolet express. When the brakes were depressed and released, the vehicle began to shake violently. The contact mentioned that the stabilitrak activated independently after being turned off without warning. The vehicle was taken to dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 47,000.
- Seat belts
Driver's seat belt reel seized while the vehicle was parked so the belt could not be extended and buckled. The operator was not able to wear the seat belt as required by law. Vehicle was brought to the chevrolet dealer and repaired under tsb 05-09-40-002g today, a second vehicle of the same make/model 2014 model year experienced the same problem.
- Service brakes · Structure › Body · Suspension
Parking brake cable found rubbing on the hydraulic service brake line, forward of the rear axle on drivers side of chassis. wear IS evident on hydraulic service brake line and parking cable, along with component parking brake assembly was stuck under. *tr
- Service brakes
Violent shaking while applying brakes. *tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11011805This Preliminary information communicates a GM part number forreflective high temperature heat or insulating tape when repairing wiring harnesses.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 11011709This bulletin advises the dealers to maintain the vehicle stock on hand by doing a full inspection on the vehicles before being sold (prepping) to the customer.
- 11011444This Preliminary information communicates to the dealer a process for accessing the procedure to add attachments to a GM technical assistance case using the dealer case management tool.
- 11011408This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
- 11011205This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
- 11010566This service bulletin provides frame coating repair information to correct a customer concern of wax coating on frame peeling, metal shows corrosion/rusting (U.S. and Canada Only).
- 11010545This service bulletin provides information on key code security rules and information on GM keycode look-up applications (U.S).
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11010491This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information for GM courtesy transportation and roadside assistance programs.
- 11010490This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11010421This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information on the requirements for 12V battery testing and warranty replacements.
- 11009764This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 11009756This bulletin provides information on Policies Applicable to All U.S. Dealers for Engine and Transmission Assembly Replacement Under Warranty, Policy or Customer Enthusiasm and information on Submission of Warranty Transaction in Global Warranty Management.
- 11009532This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009531This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11009088This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or rearward while in Park at start up after cold soak. This condition may be accompanied by a clunk noise. This is a slight movement that is more often seen visually, rather than felt, when viewed from the outside and using the auto-start feature, if equipped.
- 11009039This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information, proper labor operation selection and causal part identification for warranty transactions (U.S. Only).
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11008906This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 11008898The bulletin provides direction on how to locate the Temporary Service Part (TSP) form in GlobalConnect.
- 11007936This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007935This service bulletin provides information to dealership personnel on diagnosis and replacement of shock absorber and strut due to fluid leak.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007718This service bulletin explains how to identify possible DEF system contamination.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007196This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
- 11007154This service bulletin provides a diagnostic aid procedure on how to perform a quick test to check if the DPF is the cause of excessive soot from the tailpipe.
- 11007123This informational bulletin provides information on Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and the proper use of the DEF system.
- 11007121This bulletin provides information on Engine Concerns that could result from lack of scheduled maintenance, improper service or aftermarket calibrations.
- 11007116This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
- 11007115This service bulletin provides information on Internal Engine Noise or Damage After Oil Filter Replacement.
- 11007095This bulletin provides information on the TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline Licensed Brands and the TOP TIER Diesel Fuel Licensed Brands that are recommended for use in all GM vehicles and the TOP TIER FUELS website URL.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006682This service bulletin provides information on a guide to help reduce repeat visits for the same customer concern.
- 11006670This service bulletin advises about the possible issues that may occur when using a scotch brite pad or highly abrasive disk on gasket sealing surfaces or reused parts.
- 11006644This Warranty Administration service bulletin provides information for dealers/Service advisors on when and how to submit a Pre-Repair Authorization (PRA).
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
Every Chevrolet Express model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.