Vehicle broke down with a crank no start condition. Verified no fuel pressure. Diagnostics revealed no continuity between tank fuel pump positive lead at fuel pump relay, and ground. Removed fuel tank, disconnected fuel pump wiring harness, and found burned pin at positive terminal of fuel pump and mating harness connector. Harness displayed significant distortion and charring consistent with a poor connection.
The worst 2011 Chevrolet Express problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine4
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
- Transmission3
- Body1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine4
- Brakes3
- Fuel system3
- Transmission3
- Body1
- Electrical1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Recalls 5
Equipment
- What is wrong
- 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 become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:
- 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.
Recall number 18V267000 · Recall details
Fuel system, other
- What is wrong
- 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
- 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.
Recall number 14V500000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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 unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
- 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.
Recall number 14V117000 · Recall details
Fuel system, other
- What is wrong
- 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 fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
- 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.
Recall number 13V225000 · Recall details
Fuel system, other: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- What is wrong
- General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.
- Risk
- If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.
- Remedy
- Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑521‑7300.
Recall number 13V080000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1,696
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
- This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police...
- This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size...
- This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a...
- This PI Communications information on an alternative product dealers can use to perform 19-NA-255: Wax...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This preliminary information states to reuse a fastener during a front sensor replacement due to a supply...
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This service bulletin provides information on Tire Sidewall Irregularities.
2011 Chevrolet Express 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.8L 8‑cyl | RWD | 11 | 17 | 13 |
| 6.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 10-11 | 16 | 12-13 |
What 2011 Chevrolet Express owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2011 Chevrolet Express. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 93,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 143,000 in 2024.
When applying brakes to stop the brake peddle vibrates and the car shifts forward a little and the steering column makes a winding noise.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet express. While driving and slowing down, the vehicle aggressively downshifted, the brake pedal independently depressed, and the vehicle lunged forward. The contact was concerned about the hard upshifts and downshifts of the transmission. When the engine was turned off and restarted after approximately 15 minutes, the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to vera motors (300 s university dr., pembroke pines, fl 33025, (954) 362-9458) where it was diagnosed that the fuel control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Upon inspection of the coil spring cradles ,it was found that the upper control arm on the right side was cracked where the top of the coil spring seats. This is the second crack in the coil spring area that was found on an ambulance package vehicle.this unit has been taken out of service as well due to safety concerns.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 chevrolet express. While driving various speeds, the stabilitrack and traction control service warning indicators illuminated along with a beeping sound. In addition, the power reduce warning indicator illuminated and the engine power reduced. The vehicle idled very erratically. The contact had to restart the vehicle in order for it to operate normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 109,000.
2011 chevy express cutaway with thomas bus body had excessive rust damage to structural floor support beam immediately in front of rear wheels. Entire beam had to be replaced.
I was pulling back into my driveway my van started idling very rough and erratic. The vehicle display read "engine power reduced. Service traction. Esc off." I didn't know what to think so I immediately shut the car off. I started my car up again after letting it sit for about 10 minutes and it ran fine again but the "check engine light" was still on. The next day I was headed to work and it happened again while driving on the interstate. The same message popped up on the display and the van lost power. I had to pull over so not to be a nuisance for other drivers. After a few minutes I started the van up and I was able to make it to a nearby dealership. When I got the dealership the car was running fine of course. I left it running as I ran inside to get a tech. He came outside and seen the "check engine light" on. He brought out the scanner and said that it was something with the throttle body. My previous vehicle was also a gm product, 2001 gmc savanna 2500. I've had exactly the same problems with it. Seems like 10 years later you guys should improve these cars.
Vehicle was noted to be leaking fluid while parked in driveway. Further investigation revealed that the back driver's side brake line was leaking brake fluid. Brake fluid level noted to be very low (just above the minimum line). Noted that when brakes are applied brake fluid leaks at a steady and significant pace.
While transporting a patient in this ambulance the dash warning notice came on warning the def tank level was low and the vehicle would soon go into limp mode. The def tank had just been filled to full. Strange readings continued to appear warning of either just a few miles or over 2000 miles.I was afraid of having a patient die in our ambulance if the ambulance went into limp mode on a long transport to phoenix so I took the ambulance to the dealer who replaced the def tank for $1547.33. I was told by rose at the gm customer complaint line that emissions problems should have been covered by warantee but I cannot get my money back. Gm states they have no reports of this problem occurring but the internet is full of similar complaints.
Compare the 2011 Chevrolet Express
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Questions about the 2011 Chevrolet Express
Is the 2011 Chevrolet Express reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2011 Chevrolet Express, fewer than a typical Express model year.
What is the 2011 Chevrolet Express year score?
The 2011 Chevrolet Express scores 76 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 2011 Chevrolet Express?
Engine and cooling, with 4 complaints. Next is brakes (3).
How many recalls does the 2011 Chevrolet Express have?
5 recalls, covering equipment, fuel system, other and air bags.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Express get?
Official estimates for the 2011 Chevrolet Express range from 12 to 13 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.8L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 11 city and 17 highway.
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