NHTSA & EPA data · updated October 21, 2026

2012 Chevrolet Express recalls, problems & safety ratings

Quick answer

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Express and 17 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are service brakes (6), fuel/propulsion system (4), electrical system (4). EPA-rated fuel economy is 14–17 mpg combined, depending on engine.

The 2012 ranks #8 of 13 Express model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (14). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.

Free. Shows whether a recall applies, plus specs, problems and ratings for your exact vehicle.

Recalls 6

Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Chevrolet Express. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

EquipmentNHTSA #18V267000 · 04/26/2018

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.

Fuel system, otherNHTSA #14V500000 · 08/13/2014

Problem: 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. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

Risk: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

Fix: 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. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

Air bags · frontalNHTSA #14V117000 · 03/17/2014

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.

Fuel system, otherNHTSA #13V225000 · 05/15/2013

Problem: 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 compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.

Risk: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

Fix: 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 August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

Steering · gear box · shaft pitmanNHTSA #12V112000 · 03/22/2012

Problem: 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 adequately hardened and could fracture.

Risk: If this condition occurs, a loss of steering could result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 expected to begin on april 4, 2012.

Air bagsNHTSA #11V543000 · 11/08/2011

Problem: 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 inflate in a severe frontal impact. Accordingly, the air bags fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety no. 208, "occupant crash protection."

Risk: An improperly deployed air bag will increase the risk of injury to the occupant.

Fix: 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 1-800-222-1020.

Common problems

From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.

Most-reported problem areas

Service brakes6
Fuel/propulsion system4
Electrical system4
Steering3
Power train2
Unknown or other2
Air bags1
Forward collision avoidance1

By the numbers

17owner complaints filed
2involved a crash
1involved a fire
2injuries reported

Recent owner reports

08/06/2026 · Electrical system,service brakes

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. Fortunately failure occurred in the driveway--I had 4500 Lbs of sailboat trailer hitched to the van and was about to go on a long trip. Design issue. Wiring harness should not be located so as…

12/14/2025 · Air bags

About 6:45 in the morning on November 10th, the vehicle was in a high-speed. Front end collision with adult cow elk at 70 miles an hour on the freeway, and the airbags failed to deploy in the Van on both front seats and the vehicle was severely damaged. Injuries were sustained.

04/23/2025 · Fuel/propulsion system

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. If the 2nd strap would also fail the gasoline tank would become dislodged and present a re hazard. This is even more critical as these vehicles are carryin…

Safety ratings

2012 Chevrolet Express Cargo G13405 VAN RWD

OverallNot rated
Frontal crashNot rated
Side crashNot rated
RolloverNot rated

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Chevrolet Express.

Express 1500 2WD Cargo

Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L

13city
18hwy
15combined

Gasoline or E85

Express 1500 2WD Cargo

Auto 4-spd · 6 cyl · 4.3 L

15city
20hwy
17combined

Regular

Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo

Auto 4-spd · 8 cyl · 5.3 L

13city
17hwy
14combined

Gasoline or E85

Other model years

Compare every Chevrolet Express year

Questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Chevrolet Express have?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Express, most recently for equipment (04/26/2018). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.

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

Based on 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are service brakes (6), fuel/propulsion system (4), electrical system (4).

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Express safe?

NHTSA hasn't published an overall 5-star rating for the 2012 Chevrolet Express.

Is the 2012 a good year for the Chevrolet Express?

The 2012 ranks #8 of 13 Express model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (14). It has 6 recalls vs. an average of 4.6 per model year.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Chevrolet Express get?

EPA ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Express range from 14 to 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Own a 2012 Chevrolet Express in South Carolina?

Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.

Related vehicles

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: EXPRESS 4500, EXPRESS CARGO G13405, EXPRESS CARGO G23405, Express.

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