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2008 Chevrolet Express problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Chevrolet Express is brakes. Its complaint count is close to a typical Express model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
70/100
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
10
Service bulletins
1,070
Worst area
Brakes

The worst 2008 Chevrolet Express problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Electrical
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Body
    1
  • Lights
    1

Recalls 10

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported April 17, 2012 · 34 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Main mobility is recalling certain conversion vans built on model year 2008-2010 chevrolet express, 2009 gmc savana, and 2010 ford transit connect chassis, and fitted with certain braun wheelchair lifts. Over time and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the wheelchair lift’s outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.
Risk
A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchair’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.
Remedy
Main mobility is working with braun to notify owners, and braun dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Main mobility has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.

Recall number 12V169000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported May 13, 2010 · 133 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Main mobility is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on chevrolet express and gmc savana chassis from october 2007 through may 2010 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point.
Risk
When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.
Remedy
Main mobility will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.

Recall number 10V205000 · Recall details

Equipment: appliance: air conditionerReported November 19, 2009 · 269 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Cues, inc. Is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 service vehicles built on various chassis equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies may be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks.
Risk
This defect could result in a fire.
Remedy
Cues is working with carrier to remedy the affected vehicles. Repairs will be made by carrier free of charge. Please see carrier's defect report 09e-053. The safety recall began on january 5, 2010. Owners may contact carrier at 1‑877‑584‑7059 or cues at 1‑407‑849‑0190.

Recall number 09V456000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported July 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.

Recall number 09V270000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported July 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.

Recall number 09V272000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported October 24, 2008 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installation in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Remedy
Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or cummings at 1‑763‑498‑7887.

Recall number 08V568000 · Recall details

Equipment adaptive/mobilityReported October 24, 2008 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Cummings is recalling 42 my 2006-2008 ford e150, e350, chevrolet express, my 2006 ford e250, gmc savanna, dodge sprinter conversion vans, and my 2007 newmar dutchstar motor homes equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Remedy
Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or cummings at 1‑763‑498‑7887.

Recall number 08V569000 · Recall details

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)Reported July 28, 2008 · 151 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 151 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (awd). Some of these vehicles have transfer cases that were manufactured with an incorrect part that can cause early failure of a drive chain. If the chain breaks, shifting the transmission to park may not keep the vehicle stationary.
Risk
If the vehicle is parked on an incline or bumped, it may roll and strike a person, object, or another vehicle without warning, and cause personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall began on august 15, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V340000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storageReported July 14, 2008 · 567 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 567 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana cutaway vehicles with a 139" wheel base. The frame rail on the driver's side may be wider than specification.
Risk
If the frame rail is wider than specification, over time it may contact the fuel tank housing, resulting in a possible fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing and will rework the frame rail if necessary free of charge. The recall began on july 30, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑966‑9463, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V315000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported July 11, 2008 · 6,390 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Gm is recalling 2,481 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana g-cutaway fleet van equipped with a 6.0l (rpo ly6) v8 engine, 4l80e (rpo mt1) transmission, 4.10 (rpo gt5) axle and 75 MPH governor (rpo 9d7). These vehicles have a condition in which the transmission may be damaged due to first gear engagement at highway speeds and then does not transmit power with d4 or r selected. This may be preceded by engine shutdown if the vehicle exceeds 81 miles per hour in certain conditions.
Risk
The vehicle may be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules free of charge. The recall began on or about july 30, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .

Recall number 08V313000 · Recall details

See all 10 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Express

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Express 1,070

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 1,070 bulletins for the 2008 Chevrolet Express

What 2008 Chevrolet Express owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 19, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · MN

2008 Chevrolet Express van stalled while driving. I was able to coast over to the highway's shoulder. Van restarted after a few attempts and I resumed driving towards a small town ahead. Van re-stalled in the town. Attendant at small garage said the van had diagnostic codes for the fuel system. I was able to idle the van to a Chevrolet dealership for servicing. The dealership diagnosed and replaced the Fuel Pump Driver Module (part 20759945) (aka: Chassis Electronic Control Module) 17-days later, for about $650. Why wasn't I given notice and serviced under GM Recall Bulletin 14515 or 14515B, which specifies my van and that exact part? The dealership said my van is not part of that recall. the federal safety agency site says my van has no pending recalls. The problem is serious enough that the Recall Bulletin applies regardless of years or miles. Even if an affected vehicle came in for an oil change, it can't be released until 20759945 is replaced. Van now suffering from code for upset oxygen sensor. VAN IS SPECIFIED IN THE RECALL BULLETIN BUT WAS NOT ADDED TO THE DATABASE OF VEHICLES TO BE SERVICED! The contact stated that the dealership told them that the module failure "probably" did not ruin the catalytic converters. The contact said they would look into the issue within their home garage.

Filed Sep 9, 2019 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · IL

Total brake failure. Brake line completely rusted through went through a intersection at 50 MPH no brakes

Filed Mar 28, 2017 · Airbags · IN

Passenger seat air bag sensor has failed.

Filed Sep 7, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet express. While driving, the transmission disengaged. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine control module and transmission control module needed to be reprogrammed. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v313000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 10/28/16*lj the consumer stated the local dealer reprogrammed the ECM and TCM. Updated 11/02/16.

Filed Apr 23, 2015 · Brakes · 103,880 miles · NJ

When I was driving in my local area,my brakes started to give out.in order to stop I needed to press very hard on the brakes to stop. Not easy to do.the warning brake indicator light came on.I took it to a local auto repair shop.they said they could not fix it.the brake line was the issue.they filled it with brake fluid then I was able too drive it to the dealer who then repaired the line ,for 600 dollars. My question is were there other complaints about this issue.?if my kids were driving this it might have been a different story.thank goodness no one was hurt. There was no other indicators of this issue.

Filed Nov 4, 2014 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · CA

Mechanic tested from canister to fuel tank has small leak, which may result to engine light on. I went to local auto mechanic shop san jose ca and there are two chevy express of the same failure before me.

Filed Apr 9, 2014 · Body · 199 miles · IL

The side doors on both sides very hard to open because you cannot grease them, the sunroof leaks ,back rear doors handles stop working, took these problems several times to be address and paid for some of the work to be done to no avail still have the problems, I have a son that's disable and its very dangerous if something happens and we cannot get him out the doors, plus the sunroof leaks so bad that anyone in the rear will get soak again paid to have it done but to no avail. Call gm but again no help just was told they knew about the problem and that's why they change the hinges this year, granted I had this problem with the hinges on a 2001 chevy 1500 express both van I purchased new to say I had these problems within a few weeks or months after purchase and no recall and to say they knew about the problem.

Filed Apr 3, 2014 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 73,000 miles · PA

While driving down the road at approximately 50 MPH all warning lights on the dash lit up, the speedometer ceased to function, the radio cut out, the airbags were reporting as nonfunctional, the ABS system was reporting nonfunctional. Took vehicle to local mechanic who said the problem appeared to be caused by corrosion on the ABS sensor as well as corrosion on the power distribution cables into the fuse box. According to the mechanic gm was aware of the problem, as technical bulletins dating back to around 2005 were issued. He also stated should it happen at the time of an accident the air bags would likely fail to deploy, and the problem in general could lead to the possibility of a vehicle fire. According to him the entire problem could have been avoided by the manufacturer if they had made sure the cables were wrapped in shrink tube-thus eliminating the introduction of moisture to the electrical wires.

Filed Jul 25, 2012 · Electrical · 12,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 chevrolet express. The contact was driving 45 MPH when the exterior and interior lights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer seven times. The dealer stated that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 12,000 and the current mileage was 47,115.

Filed May 27, 2012 · Transmission · 35,000 miles · WI

While merging on the expressway the transmission failed to shift out of first or second gear causing high engine RPM's . I had to shift into neutral and back into drive several times but it still failed to shift into any gear. I had to put on flashers ( heavy traffic ) and make my way to the emergency lane. When I came to a complete stop and shifted back into drive it shifted correctly. I have had this problem for several months to present date. I took the van to the dealership who said they could not replicate the problem and their were no code reports so they could not fix the issue. This is still a very real danger for my family ( seven children ) because this malfunction occurs while at high speeds usually while entering the expressway.

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Questions about the 2008 Chevrolet Express

Is the 2008 Chevrolet Express reliable?

Owners have filed 14 complaints about the 2008 Chevrolet Express, close to a typical Express model year.

What is the 2008 Chevrolet Express year score?

The 2008 Chevrolet Express scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Chevrolet Express: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Chevrolet Express?

Brakes, with 3 complaints. Next is transmission (3).

How many recalls does the 2008 Chevrolet Express have?

10 recalls, covering equipment adaptive/mobility, equipment and power train.

What year does the Chevrolet Express have bad brakes?

The Chevrolet Express model years with the most brakes complaints are 2000 (18 complaints), 2017 (13 complaints) and 1999 (12 complaints).

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