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2013 Chevrolet Express problems

The most common problem on the 2013 Chevrolet Express is engine and cooling, typically around 65,000 miles. It has 1.5 times the complaints of a typical Express model year.

Typical year1.5x the typical complaints
Year score
55/100
Owner complaints
22
Recalls
8
Service bulletins
1,840
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
12-13mpg

The worst 2013 Chevrolet Express problems

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Brakes
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    7
  • Brakes
    6
  • Electrical
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Airbags
    2
  • Driver assistance
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Seat belts
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Transmission
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls 8

EquipmentReported April 26, 2018 · 6,154 vehicles affected
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

Equipment: other: labelsReported October 30, 2015 · 1,808 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
Risk
Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. 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 13365.

Recall number 13V544000 · Recall details

Fuel system, otherReported August 13, 2014 · 3,345 vehicles affected
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: frontalReported March 17, 2014 · 303,013 vehicles affected
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, otherReported May 15, 2013 · 1,791 vehicles affected
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

Seats: front assembly: seat heater/coolerReported April 17, 2013 · 885 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.
Risk
If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.
Remedy
Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1‑800‑926‑7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

Recall number 13V147000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported January 14, 2013 · 980 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is running or the transmission is not in the Park position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk
If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013. For more information, GMC owners may call 1‑866‑996‑9463 and Chevrolet owners may call 1‑800‑630‑2438.

Recall number 13V010000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmissionReported January 2, 2013 · 54,686 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Risk
As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1‑800‑630‑2438. Cadillac owners may call 1‑866‑982‑2339. GMC owners may call 1‑866‑996‑9463.

Recall number 13V001000 · Recall details

See all 8 recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Express

Technical service bulletins for the 2013 Chevrolet Express 1,840

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

See all 1,840 bulletins for the 2013 Chevrolet Express

2013 Chevrolet Express fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.8L 8‑cylRWD111713
6.0L 8‑cylRWD10-1115-1612-13

What 2013 Chevrolet Express owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 25, 2021 · Brakes · MD

The Brakes will Lock up while driving Due to an issue with the Power Brake Hydro Boost System. The Hydro Boost Control Valve will allow Pressure to apply the Brake Master Cyl. with Engine speed increasing while the vehicle is traveling in a normal Fashion. Overheating the Brake calipers to the point of Protective boots burning up. Rotors and pads are damaged also. This a known problem Posted on repair search boards. I am a Certified ASE Master Mechanic with over 40 Years This a Very Dangerous Event and Part Failure

Filed Apr 9, 2020 · Brakes · 200,000 miles · NY

Brakes do not release after sudden stop, three times, on highway 95. Steering wheel started trembling slowly for 10 miles and then violently, then brake pedal gets hard. Passenger side started smoking, on 8 south in ct 4/9/2020. Managed to stop van on soft shoulder. This brake system is very dangerous for me.

Filed Jul 25, 2018 · Electrical · 9,100 miles · FL

Previous complaints 11102768 , 11111685 vehicle is a forest river sunseeker rv/ 2013 chevy express cutaway 4500 model g33803 159" 6.0 gvw 14,200. The fuse/relay block has been replaced. Part 22767373. The tech has made a comment on the invoice. The original fuse block had a lack of voltage to various components and may cause future electrical failures due to this.the vehicle has 9100 mi on it. This fuse block(underhood) has been a problem in many vehicles including ambulances. Not good, as it can cause the vehicle not to start or loose power. This is a serious problem and needs to be addressed.

Filed Jul 16, 2018 · Electrical, Fuel system · 9,500 miles · FL

Complaint 11102768 filed previously for crankshaft sensor and camshaft sensors. New complaint : vehicle would not start 7/11/2018. Called chevy dealer. Was told to remove and replace relay in fuse block. Vehicle started. Dealer informed us that they have had to replace faulty fuse block in many similar vehicles. Our vehicle is a 2013 chevy express cutaway 4500. Model g33803 159" 6.0 gvw 14,200. It is a forest river sunseeker rv. They have had to replace them in ambulances and other heavy trucks. The part number for the fuse/relay block is 22767373 this item is not on recall list. Please help. The vehicle has just over 9000 miles on it and these items are major, potentially dangerous problems. Thank you

Filed Jul 1, 2018 · Tires · 30,806 miles · TX

Driving along interstate 10 our motor home began to shake like tires being out of balance. I stopped at express tire in fredericksburg, tx. They found that the tread was separating on three of the six tires. Because we were traveling I only replaced the three problem tires. Continuing our trip we traveled another 1,000 miles and a fourth tire separated. At that time I was only 200 miles from returning home so had the spare put on and continued home with no further problems. I do intend on purchasing four more new tires before our next trip.

Filed Jun 20, 2018 · Electrical · 9,000 miles · FL

Vehicle would turn over but not start. Code for crankshaft postion sensor. Replaced. Started. 3 days later vehicle would not start. Code for camshaft postion sensor. On order. Vehicle was stationary both times.please note this vehicle is in pristine condition and only has 9000 miles on it.

Filed May 11, 2018 · Brakes · 19,662 miles · NC

2013 coachmen freelander -chevrolet express 4500 cutaway. Mileage -19,662; brake line rusted out and brake fluid leaked out. Brakes failed while on the road, warning message "service brakes'". Made it to a chevrolet dealership and brake line replaced. *dt updated 10/5/18*jb

Filed Dec 28, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · NY

The transmission is slipping and I only have 77,000 miles. Is this normal? The van is only a 2013 model.

Filed Sep 25, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 238,000 miles · CO

This vehicle will not turn off when the ignition key is removed. This poses a great risk to any passengers in the vehicle as it can be moved without the key in the ignition. The vehicle remains fully powered with the key removed.

Filed Aug 29, 2017 · Airbags · 63,000 miles · NJ

Air bag front crash sensor failure. Air bag light came on on start up.

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Questions about the 2013 Chevrolet Express

Is the 2013 Chevrolet Express reliable?

Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2013 Chevrolet Express, 1.5 times a typical Express model year.

What is the 2013 Chevrolet Express year score?

The 2013 Chevrolet Express scores 55 out of 100 (below 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 2013 Chevrolet Express?

Engine and cooling, with 7 complaints, typically around 65,000 miles. Next is brakes (6).

How many recalls does the 2013 Chevrolet Express have?

8 recalls, covering equipment, fuel system, other and air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2013 Chevrolet Express get?

Official estimates for the 2013 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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