U.S. public vehicle records

2002 Chevrolet EXPRESS 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

3 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

88,598 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2002 model year. Data updated: 2026-10-01 (October 1, 2026). 2 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

This selection has limited data. It remains available for lookup but is excluded from search indexing.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 1 of 3 complaints (33.3%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
Topic	Matching reports	Share of complaints
Engine operation	2	66.7%
Braking behavior	1	33.3%
Steering behavior	1	33.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel

Suspension

Engine: 1; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel: 1; Suspension: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000

25,000 to 49,999

50,000 to 74,999

75,000 to 99,999

100,000 to 149,999

150,000 and above

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 1 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2006

2012

2021

2006: 1; 2012: 1; 2021: 1

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 2 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10172769 · 2006-11-06 (November 6, 2006)

2002 EXPRESS 3500 6.5 DIESEL VAN HAS STARTED INTERMITTENT STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 60 MPH MID 09/2006. NO TROUBLE CODES LOCKED IN MEMORY. TWO CHEVY DLRS AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE MADE AWARE OF PMD HEAT PROBLEM, BUT ALL THREE SOURCES CLAIM CAN'T REPAIR UNTIL MAJOR FAILURE. WHEN ENGINE STALLS AT SPEED, YOU LOOSE ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 108,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10172769 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10472398 · 2012-08-24 (August 24, 2012)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CUTAWAY G3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,196 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 69,196 miles reported. Look up ODI 10472398 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 11396294 · 2021-02-11 (February 11, 2021)

2002 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BROKEN DRIVERS SIDE SPRING LEAF. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER A POTHOLE BROKE THE SPRING LEAVE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT SPRING LEAF WAS INCORRECTLY INSTALLED BY THE FACTORY. *JS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11396294 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

0 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

No recall campaigns are recorded in this snapshot.

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

3 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

66.7%Usable mileage2 / 3 records

100.0%Valid incident date3 / 3 records

100.0%Valid filing date3 / 3 records

100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates3 / 3 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

From model yearThrough model year

Component complaint heatmap
Component	2010	2012	2013	2014	2019	2021	2024
Electrical System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 11724714 · 20,300 mi The contact owns a 2021 Chevrolet Express 3500. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle was pulled over into the right lane. Upon exiting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front wheels were smoking. Additionally, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The contact stated that the brake fluid seemed to be boiling. The contact was on a trip, and the vehicle was driven to a campground. The vehicle was later driven to a dealer. The contact reference… Look up ODI 11724714 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel/Propulsion System	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	360.0% ODI 11064792 · 150,000 mi HAVE 2 2012 CHEVY CUT AWAY VAN SCHOOL BUSES WITH THE FUEL PUMP MODULE START LEAKING. 1 LEAKED ON THE PRESSURE LINE,THE OTHER ON THE VENT LINE. BOTH BUSES HAVE LESS THAN 150000 MILES. Look up ODI 11064792 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	1100.0% ODI 10970168 · 22,000 mi ON DELIVERY GASOLINE LEAKED FROM FILLER TUBE.DEALER FINALLY REPAIRED FILLER TUBE AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. LEAK HAS RECURRED AND GASOLINE LEAKS ONTO VEHICLE AND GROUND DURING REFUELING. Look up ODI 10970168 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	125.0% ODI 10410077 · 30,000 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CUTAWAY G3500. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FRONT END WAS SHAKING EXCESSIVELY WHILE APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES, CAUSING HIM TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS;HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY AT ANY SPEED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS ENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 53,300. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. Look up ODI 10410077 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Steering	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11697388 Fluid leaking from hydraulic power brake booster causing longer braking distance & stiffer steering. Look up ODI 11697388 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	150.0% ODI 11640062 The vehicle shakes at speeds starting at 68 mph and is extreme at 73 mph. I have taken it in for repairs at the Chevrolet dealership twice and to a tire shop. I fear this could be the start of the term known as the "Death Wobble". Chevrolet is aware of this issue and have issued Technical Service Bulletins relating to shake and vibration complaints. This is a brand new 2025 vehicle. Because this vibration/shake occurs it highway speeds a mechanical failure could cause serious injury or death. I have contacted the manufacturer and they do not wi… Look up ODI 11640062 at NHTSA ↗
Service Brakes	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	2100.0% ODI 11639642 Unable to get a recall remedy vehicle has been undrivable since November . With no ETA on when part will be available. Look up ODI 11639642 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Tires	125.0% ODI 10489377 AUGUST 2011 OUR AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT PURCHASED 6 NEW TIRES FOR OUR CHEVY AMBULANCE. JANUARY 2012 WE HAD A BELT SEPARATION ON A FRONT DRIVER TIRE. APRIL 2012 WE HAD ANOTHER TIRE HAVE A BELT SEPARATION ON THE PASSENGER TIRE. THEN DECEMBER 2012 WE HAD A BACK INSIDE DUAL TIRE HAVE BELT SEPARATION. I HAVE NOW REPLACED ALL THE TIRES WITH A PRODUCTION DATE OF 2311. THESE TIRES ARE THE LT22575R16. *TR Look up ODI 10489377 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Fuel System, Gasoline	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.
Engine	125.0% ODI 10704835 · 19,700 mi SOMETIMES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE, IT WILL TURN OVER BUT NOT START. THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT COMES ON AND A ENGINE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE WILL ILLUMINATE. IF THE ENGINE STARTS, IT WILL RUN ROUGH, THE LIGHT WILL BE ON AND STAY ON, AND THE ENGINE REDUCED POWER MESSAGE WILL APPEAR. I HAD A MECHANIC CHECK FOR ANY CODES AND HE CAME UP WITH P1682, WHICH INDICATES AN IGNITION SWITCH PROBLEM. GM HAS A RECALL OUT FOR THIS CONDITION (11273), WHICH REFERS TO THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR CAUSING THIS PROBLEM. HOWEVER A FAULTY IGNITION SWI… Look up ODI 10704835 at NHTSA ↗	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.	00.0% No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
Component	Mileage range (25th–75th percentile)	Median	Usable records	Examples
Engine	Too few reports for a range	69,196 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10472398 · 69,196 mi TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 CHEVROLET EXPRESS CUTAWAY G3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST ONTO THE SHOULDER AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE LOCAL MECHANIC REPLACED THE CRANK SHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,196 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 71,000. Look up ODI 10472398 at NHTSA ↗
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	Too few reports for a range	108,000 mi	1 (sparse)	ODI 10172769 · 108,000 mi 2002 EXPRESS 3500 6.5 DIESEL VAN HAS STARTED INTERMITTENT STALLING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS 60 MPH MID 09/2006. NO TROUBLE CODES LOCKED IN MEMORY. TWO CHEVY DLRS AND GM CUSTOMER SERVICE MADE AWARE OF PMD HEAT PROBLEM, BUT ALL THREE SOURCES CLAIM CAN'T REPAIR UNTIL MAJOR FAILURE. WHEN ENGINE STALLS AT SPEED, YOU LOOSE ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKES. *NM Look up ODI 10172769 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

ComponentPeriod

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples

Monthly complaint and recall timeline
Month	Campaigns announced	Examples
2024-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2024-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-10	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-11	None	No examples available for this selection.
2025-12	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-01	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-02	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-03	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-04	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-05	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-06	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-07	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-08	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-09	None	No examples available for this selection.
2026-10 (partial)	None	No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Observation windowFirst model yearSecond model year

2019: 0 complaints · 2021: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model year	Through age 0	Through age 1	Through age 2
2019	0	0	0
2021	0	0	0

Date coverage across each selected cohort

Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
Year	Incident dates used	Filing date fallbacks	Excluded dates
2019	2	0	0
2021	1	0	0

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
Component	Engine	Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	Suspension
Engine	—	0	0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Diesel	0	—	0
Suspension	0	0	—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

Search patterns

2 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

2 mentions · 66.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 88,598 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10172769 · 108,000 mi

Look up ODI 10172769 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10472398 · 69,196 mi

Look up ODI 10472398 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 33.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 108,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10172769 · 108,000 mi

Look up ODI 10172769 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule

\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b