2008 Chevrolet Express recalls and problems

10 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chevrolet Express.

10
recalls
14
owner complaints
0
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2008 Chevrolet Express recalls

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 12V169000 · reported April 17, 2012 · MAIN MOBILITY, INC. · 34 vehicles potentially affected

The 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 lift’s outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.
The 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 wheelchair’s occupant could fall and sustain injury.
The 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 10V205000 · reported May 13, 2010 · MAIN MOBILITY, INC. · 133 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Equipment: appliance, air conditioner

NHTSA campaign 09V456000 · reported November 19, 2009 · CUES, INC. · 269 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
This defect could result in a fire.
The 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V270000 · reported July 6, 2009 · MAIN MOBILITY, INC. · 185 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 09V272000 · reported July 6, 2009 · MAIN MOBILITY, INC. · 185 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 08V568000 · reported October 24, 2008 · CUMMINGS MOBILITY CONVERSION & SUPPLY, I · 42 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The 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.

Equipment adaptive/mobility

NHTSA campaign 08V569000 · reported October 24, 2008 · CUMMINGS MOBILITY CONVERSION & SUPPLY, I · 42 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The 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.

Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)

NHTSA campaign 08V340000 · reported July 28, 2008 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 151 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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> .

Fuel system, gasoline: storage

NHTSA campaign 08V315000 · reported July 14, 2008 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 567 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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> .

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 08V313000 · reported July 11, 2008 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP. · 6,390 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
The vehicle may be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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> .

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

May 19, 2023 · Fuel/propulsion system

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…

Sep 9, 2019 · Service brakes · 60,000 miles

TOTAL BRAKE FAILURE. BRAKE LINE COMPLETELY RUSTED THROUGH WENT THROUGH A INTERSECTION AT 50 MPH NO BRAKES

Mar 28, 2017 · Air bags

PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR HAS FAILED.

Sep 7, 2016 · Power train · 55,000 miles

TL* 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…

Apr 23, 2015 · Service brakes · 103,880 miles

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…

Express model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2005 82301
2006 161220
2007 41811
2008 101400
2009 71010
2010 51511
2011 51200

Across all years, the 2000 Express has the most complaints (84). All Chevrolet Express years →

Questions

Does the 2008 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Express, the most recent reported on April 17, 2012 (Equipment adaptive/mobility). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Chevrolet Express?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (3 complaints), followed by air bags (2).
How many 2008 Chevrolet Express complaints mention a crash or fire?
0 of 14 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received May 19, 2023.