Is the 2012 Chevrolet Express reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Express?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Express have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Chevrolet Express

○ Not enough data

2012 Chevrolet Express
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:38:49.013Z

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 13
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 13 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	1
1996	15
1997	29
1998	23
1999	68
2000	84
2001	45
2002	55
2003	58
2004	21
2005	23
2006	12
2007	18
2008	14
2009	10
2010	15
2011	12
2012	13
2013	22
2014	14
2015	8
2016	15
2017	21
2018	11
2019	8
2020	17
2021	13
2022	4
2023	2
2024	1
2025	0
2026	0

Known problem areas

Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Service brakes

4 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes.

Show complaint excerpts

ABS Valve Body / Pump Harness chafed through brake hydraulic line near transmission crossmember. This resulted in a hydraulic leak and loss of brake pedal feel / partial loss of brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-06

Also filed under Electrical system

Parking brake cable found rubbing on the hydraulic service brake line, forward of the rear axle on drivers side of chassis.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-22

Also filed under Structure

Violent shaking while applying brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-01-12

Electrical system

3 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.

Steering

2 of 13 total reports mention: steering.

CRASHDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

UNKNOWN...THE VEHICLE VEARED OFF ROAD AN INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. Did not seam like steering was working properly. The final out come there were 2 deceased operators. In 2 different vehicles. I'm not sure if the recalls were ever repaired.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-08-13

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance

Fuel/propulsion system

2 of 13 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle is upfitted as a school bus. Forward fuel tank strap failed in operation. Our company operates more than 100 of these vehicles and we experience a failure of fuel tank straps at a rate of about one vehicle per month.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-04-23

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-03-21

Suspension

1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2011-11-29Air bags11V543000 GM is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC savana vehicles manufactured from June 2, 2011, through October 17, 2011. The second stage of the dual-stage air bag will not…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new front passenger air bag free of charge. The safety recall began on November 29, 2011. Owners may contact GMC at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet at…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2012-04-04Steering12V112000 General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2012 Chevrolet Express and suburban vehicles, and GMC savana and yukon xl heavy duty vehicles. The steering gear pitman shaft may not have been…

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering gear and, if necessary, replace the steering gear pitman shaft. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2013-08-05Fuel system, other13V225000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
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2014-05-19Air bags14V117000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-02-13Fuel system, other14V500000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
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2018-06-11Equipment18V267000 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...

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Chevrolet Express — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 11V543000 · Air bags
Recall 12V112000 · Steering
Recall 13V225000 · Fuel system, other
Recall 14V117000 · Air bags
Recall 14V500000 · Fuel system, other
Recall 18V267000 · Equipment

FAQ

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Express reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Chevrolet Express?: The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Express have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.