My air bag warning light came on and when I investigated I found it was probably related to the front air bag sensors. When I examined the sensors I found that the aluminum alloy body and the plastic shield surrounding it had split wide apart where the steel mounting screw passed through the sensor housing. Both sensors have failed in exactly the same manor. The vehicle has 83,000 miles on it and does not have any other of advanced corrosion anywhere else. I contacted gm and they seemed to have no interest and advised me to take it to a dealer and have it repaired at my own expense.
The worst 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Lights1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags1
- Brakes1
- Lights1
Recalls 2
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car brake systems." some of these vehicles may have been built with a clearance condition in which the right rear brake hose may contact the tire or wheel rim. If the brake hose repeatedly contacts the tire or wheel rim, a hole could be worn in the brake hose.
- Risk
- A damaged brake hose may reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes and increase the distance required to stop the vehicle. An increased braking distance may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on may 13, 2011. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 11V275000 · Recall details
Suspension: rear: axle: spindle
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2011 cadillac escalade, escalade esv, escalade ext; chevrolet avalanche, colorado, express, silverado, suburban, tahoe; and gmc canyon, sierra, savana, yukon and yukon xl vehicles. The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.
- Risk
- The driver may not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on january 11, 2011. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 11V007000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 325
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
- This service bulletin provides information on replacing the intake manifold when the engine is replaced...
- Unknown or other
2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 17-18 | 14-15 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | AWD | 13 | 17 | 14 |
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 17 | 13 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 10-11 | 16 | 12-13 |
What 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
We developed a significant leak in a rear brake line of our van. The leak did not lead to a loss of control, but the brake reservoir was nearly empty when I discovered the issue. The leak was discovered based on a large spot left on our driveway under the van. The vehicle was probably driven about 50-100 miles (one to two days) after the leak developed but before the issue was discovered and addressed. While fixing the problem, I found that the leak was due to an assembly error. The van's fuel filler down-pipe has a worm-gear clamp that was not properly clocked. This caused the clamp to rub one of the rear brake lines and wear a hole in it. I sent two pictures showing the clamp and brake line as I discovered them. I also sent a picture of the damaged line after being removed from the vehicle. The van had about 87,000 miles when the leak developed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet express 1500 cargo van. The contact stated that the low beam head lamps had failed on five separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the head lamps each time. The cause of the failures were not determined. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failures but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 12,000. *bf consumer stated sealed beam lamps on both sides were replaced mulitple times. Vin is invalid.
Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500
Other model years
1996199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122014
Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500, fewer than a typical Express 1500 model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500?
Airbags, with 1 complaint. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 have?
2 recalls, covering service brakes, hydraulic and suspension.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 range from 12 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history