Chevrolet

Express 1500

Vans, Cargo Type · model years 2003 to 2014

Includes Express 1500 2WD Cargo, Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo, Express 1500 2WD Passenger and 4 more as listed by the EPA.

See all 45 Express 1500 trims All Chevrolet cars

The verdict

Best year: 2013. complaints: 0, below this model's typical 18; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Worst year: 2003. complaints: 18, about 6x this model's typical 3; recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file.

Year by year

Year by year summary for the Chevrolet Express 1500
Year	Trims	MPG	Fuel cost	Recalls	Complaints	TSBs	Top complaints
2003	1Gas	13	$4,800	0	18	no data	FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 26%, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 21%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%
complaints: 18, about 6x this model's typical 3 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 complaints reporting a fire: 2 Score: 34 of 100, where higher is better.
2004	1Gas	14	$4,450	0	12	no data	FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 20%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 20%, AIR BAGS 13%
complaints: 12, about 4x this model's typical 3 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 34 of 100, where higher is better.
2005	1Gas	14	$4,450	0	10	no data	SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 30%, AIR BAGS 10%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%
complaints: 10, about 3.3x this model's typical 3 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 Score: 39 of 100, where higher is better.
2006	1Gas	14	$4,450	0	5	no data	UNKNOWN OR OTHER 33%, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 17%, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER 17%
complaints: 5, about 1.7x this model's typical 3 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 60 of 100, where higher is better.
2007	2Gas	14	$4,450	1	5	no data	AIR BAGS 33%, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 17%, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 17%
complaints: 5, in line with this model's typical 5 recalls: 1, this model typically has none on file deaths reported in NHTSA complaints: 1 injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 10 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 40 of 100, where higher is better.
2008	2Gas	14	$4,450	0	9	no data	SERVICE BRAKES 20%, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 20%, STRUCTURE 20%
complaints: 9, about 1.8x this model's typical 5 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 56 of 100, where higher is better.
2009	2Gas	14	$4,450	0	5	no data	AIR BAGS 33%, SEAT BELTS 17%, STEERING 17%
complaints: 5, in line with this model's typical 5 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 80 of 100, where higher is better.
2010	7Gas	14	$4,450	0	4	244	AIR BAGS 50%, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 50%
complaints: 4, below this model's typical 18 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 92 of 100, where higher is better.
2011	7Gas	14	$4,450	2	3	257	AIR BAGS 33%, EXTERIOR LIGHTING 33%, SERVICE BRAKES 33%
complaints: 3, below this model's typical 18 recalls: 2, this model typically has none on file Score: 62 of 100, where higher is better.
2012	7Gas	14	$4,450	0	2	297	SERVICE BRAKES 33%, UNKNOWN OR OTHER 33%, WHEELS 33%
complaints: 2, below this model's typical 18 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 93 of 100, where higher is better.
2013	7Gas	14	$4,450	0	0	50	no data
complaints: 0, below this model's typical 18 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file Score: 95 of 100, where higher is better.
2014	7Gas	14	$4,450	0	10	322	AIR BAGS 27%, TIRES 13%, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 7%
complaints: 10, below this model's typical 18 recalls: 0, this model typically has none on file injuries reported in NHTSA complaints: 5 complaints reporting a fire: 1 Score: 77 of 100, where higher is better.

How the numbers moved

Combined MPG, median2003: 13 to 2014: 14

Owner complaints2003: 18 to 2014: 10

How we score each year

We compare each year of the Chevrolet Express 1500 to the model's own typical numbers, not to other cars. A year reads solid when its recalls, owner complaints, and federal investigations sit at or below what is typical for this model, mixed when some of those numbers run above typical, and avoid when they run far above it. Deaths, reported fires, and an NHTSA advisory to park outside count against a year no matter what this model's baseline looks like.

A year is scored only when NHTSA has both complaint and recall counts for it. Complaint data often lags for the newest years, so a recent year can read not enough data even while its recall count already shows in the table. When the history is too thin, we say not enough data instead of guessing. Service bulletins are routine maintenance guidance from the manufacturer and do not lower a year's score.

Scores run 0 to 100, higher is better. Recall, complaint, and investigation figures come from NHTSA records. Fuel economy, fuel cost, and horsepower figures come from the EPA, shown as the median across the year's trims.

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.