2009 Chevrolet Express recalls and problems

The 2009 Chevrolet Express has 7 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Chevrolet dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
10
Crashes / fires
1 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 Chevrolet Express vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 Chevrolet Express recalls

Recall 18V-267: Equipment

Reported Apr 26, 2018 · 6,154 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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 14V-117: Air Bags

Reported Mar 17, 2014 · 303,013 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 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 10V-096: Visibility

Reported Mar 12, 2010 · 9,137 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield wiping and washing systems." these vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (Hvac) control knobs that may fracture and spin on the control shaft. The driver may no longer be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.

Risk: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace all HVAC control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on march 11, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

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.

2009 Chevrolet Express problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags3
Tires2
Power Train2
Wheels1
Structure1
Electrical System1
Vehicle Speed Control1

Most reported parts

  • Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
  • Tires › Valve — 1
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 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 2009 Chevrolet Express complaints

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

Power Train · at 30,000 miles · reported Feb 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Express. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced, and the contact continued to drive the vehicle normally. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to vibrate abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road…
Vehicle Speed Control · at 61,000 miles · reported Oct 13, 2020
The contact owns a 2009 chevrolet express. The contact stated the vehicle accelerated independently without warning while stopped at a traffic light. The contact turned the vehicle off for several seconds and then restarted the vehicle and drove to his residence. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 61,000. Consumer stated same thng happened the second time 7 months later.
Structure · reported Feb 20, 2016
White 2009 chevrolet equinox paint is peeling off of car. It started on the driver's side above the windows first and within a few days, the passenger side is doing the exact same thing. We noticed some "dimpling" in the paint on the lift gate as well. We have contacted GM (Chevrolet) and have been told to take it to a local dealer for a "diagnostic" evaluation. My car has only been exposed to natural elements and this should not be occurring in only 6 years.
Air Bags · at 229,000 miles · reported Nov 13, 2014
The contact owned a 2009 chevrolet express. While driving approximately 62 MPH, the contact's vehicle crashed into the driver side door of another vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a few cuts on the knee that did not require medical attention. The passenger from the other vehicle sustained a broken collar bone and a head injury, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 229,000.
Air Bags · at 51,000 miles · reported Aug 11, 2014
The contact owns a 2009 chevrolet express. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bags deployed without warning. The dealer could not diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000.

Other Chevrolet Express years

Compare all Chevrolet Express years · All Chevrolet models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2009 Chevrolet Express: 18V-267 (equipment), 14V-117 (air bags), 12V-169 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 10V-205 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 10V-096 (visibility) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 Chevrolet Express?

Owners report air bags problems most often (3 reports), followed by tires (2). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 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.