2008 Chevrolet Express recalls and problems

The 2008 Chevrolet Express has 10 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
10
Complaints
14
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Chevrolet Express vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Chevrolet Express recalls

Recall 12V-169: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Apr 17, 2012 · 34 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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 liftâ’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 wheelchairâ’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.

Fix: 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 10V-205: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported May 13, 2010 · 133 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-456: Equipment

Reported Nov 19, 2009 · 269 vehicles affected · CUES, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-272: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-270: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 08V-568: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Oct 24, 2008 · 42 vehicles affected · CUMMINGS MOBILITY CONVERSION & SUPPLY, I

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 08V-569: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Oct 24, 2008 · 42 vehicles affected · CUMMINGS MOBILITY CONVERSION & SUPPLY, I

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 08V-340: Power Train

Reported Jul 28, 2008 · 151 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

Recall 08V-315: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 14, 2008 · 567 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

Recall 08V-313: Power Train

Reported Jul 11, 2008 · 6,390 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

2008 Chevrolet Express problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Power Train3
Electrical System2
Air Bags2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Service Brakes2
Engine2
Traction Control System1
Vehicle Speed Control1
Exterior Lighting1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic1
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)1
Structure1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,950 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Chevrolet Express complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 19, 2023
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…
Power Train · at 55,000 miles · reported Sep 7, 2016
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 NHTSA campaign number: 08v313000 (Power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 10/28/16 the consumer stated the local dealer reprogrammed the ECM and TCM. Updated 11/02/16.
Service Brakes · at 103,880 miles · reported Apr 23, 2015
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…
Fuel/Propulsion System · at 123,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2014
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.
Structure · at 199 miles · reported Apr 9, 2014
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…

Other Chevrolet Express years

Compare all Chevrolet Express years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Express: 12V-169 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 10V-205 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-456 (equipment), 09V-272 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-270 (equipment adaptive/mobility) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report power train problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,950 miles.

Are Chevrolet recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Chevrolet dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.