2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 models.

Class
Vans, Passenger Type
Engines
5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
FFV
MPG (best)
14 combined · 13 city / 17 hwy
Length
–
Curb weight
–
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger is a van offered with 3 engines (5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), 7% better than the 2011 van average of 13.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2011

  • Engines added: 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl

Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 Express Passenger →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Express 1500 2WD Passenger FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14+7%$4,800635
Express 1500 AWD Passenger FFV5.3L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdAll-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14+7%$4,800635
Express 2500 2WD Passenger FFV4.8L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 17 / 13-1%$5,150684
Express 2500 2WD Passenger FFV6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 16 / 13-1%$5,150684
Express 3500 2WD Passenger FFV6.0L 8-cylAutomatic 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive11 / 16 / 12-8%$5,600741
Spend $12,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
13.1 MPG2011 Vans, Passenger Type average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger.

Similar 2011 vans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger (this car)14 MPGNot rated5
2011 Ford E350 Wagon13 MPGNot rated18
2011 GMC Savana Passenger14 MPGNot rated5
2011 GMC Savana Cargo17 MPGNot rated0
2011 Chevrolet Express Cargo17 MPGNot rated0
2011 Ford E350 Van13 MPGNot rated0
2011 Ford E250 Van15 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (5)

Equipment · Apr 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles

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, Other · Aug 13, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V500000 · 3,345 vehicles

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 › Frontal · Mar 17, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V117000 · 303,013 vehicles

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, Other · May 15, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V225000 · 1,791 vehicles

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.
Fuel System, Other › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings · Mar 8, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V080000 · 48 vehicles

Problem
General Motors is recalling certain model year 2011 Chevrolet Express vehicles converted by Impco Automotive to run compressed natural gas (CNG), manufactured between November 23, 2010 and December 23, 2010 and equipped with a four tank configuration using a pressure relief device (PRD) and pressure relief vent pipe assembly. In the affected vehicles, the pressure relief vent pipe assembly may have been built incorrectly.
Risk
If a pressure relief device activates with an improperly assembled vent pipe, compressed natural gas may be vented into the passenger compartment. If an ignition source is present, an explosion or fire may result.
Fix
Impco Automotive, in cooperation with General Motors will inspect and make any necessary repairs on the pressure relief device and vent pipe assembly. The safety recall began on March 28, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

8Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
0Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
109,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine2
Power Train2
Service Brakes2
Fuel/Propulsion System2
Structure › Body1
Suspension1
Steering1
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/02: 116/01: 117/02: 118/04: 118/05: 119/12: 126/03: 126/08: 115/0216/0117/0218/0418/0519/1226/0326/08max 1

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 2 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Power Train — 2 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  4. Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 109,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2011 Chevrolet Express Passenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Express Passenger years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Express Passenger13–Not rated621
2016 Express Passenger13–Not rated615
2015 Express Passenger13–Not rated38
2014 Express Passenger14–Not rated712
2013 Express Passenger14–Not rated818
2012 Express Passenger14–Not rated610
2010 Express Passenger14–Not rated56
2009 Express Passenger14–Not rated54
2008 Express Passenger14–Not rated25
2007 Express Passenger15–Not rated011
2006 Express Passenger15–Not rated04
2005 Express Passenger15–Not rated09

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →