Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Chevrolet EXPRESS 3500: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

16 owner complaints analyzed

0 distinct recall campaigns

63,223 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 14 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering is the most frequently named component, appearing in 3 of 16 complaints (18.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior637.5%
Steering behavior531.3%
Transmission and shifting318.8%
Fuel system concerns318.8%

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.

Steering
3
Fuel System, Gasoline
2
Service Brakes
2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments
2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering3
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Service Brakes2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments2
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1
Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap1
Fuel/Propulsion System1

Steering: 3; Fuel System, Gasoline: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 2; Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments: 2; Electronic Stability Control (Esc): 1; Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
4
50,000 to 74,999
3
75,000 to 99,999
0
100,000 to 149,999
4
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9994
50,000 to 74,9993
75,000 to 99,9990
100,000 to 149,9994
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 4; 150,000 and above: 2

25,000 to 49,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 2 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
1
2007
3
2008
1
2009
2
2012
2
2013
3
2014
2
2015
1
2016
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20061
20073
20081
20092
20122
20133
20142
20151
20161

2006: 1; 2007: 3; 2008: 1; 2009: 2; 2012: 2; 2013: 3; 2014: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Steering leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 5 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 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 10164314 · 2006-08-03 (August 3, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT VARIOUS SPEEDS FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME WITH BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE STEERING WHEEL VIOLENTLY SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO TURNED THE BRAKE ROTORS. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO AS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 9,800 miles reported. Look up ODI 10164314 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10201318 · 2007-08-31 (August 31, 2007)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING IDLER ARM WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE REPAIR AS PART OF RECALL NUMBER 07103 BECAUSE THE CRACK ON THE IDLER ARM WAS NOT LOCATED IN THE CORRECT SPOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 10/09/07. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 39,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10201318 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10205561 · 2007-10-13 (October 13, 2007)

FAULTY HINGE PINS ON SIDE DOORS OF 2004 CHEVY 3500 EXPRESS VAN CAUSE SEVERE BINDING OF HINGES. THIS COULD CAUSE EXIT DIFFICULTY FOR CHILD OR ELDERLY TRYING TO EXIT IN CASE OF ACCIDENT OR EMERGENCY. IT IS A PROBLEM WITH MULTIPLE YEARS AND PINS HAVE BEEN REDESIGNED. CHEVY WILL ONLY REPAIR AT CUSTOMERS EXPENSE. THIS IS NOT FROM DAMAGE OR NEGLECT. I HAVE TRIED TO LUBRICATE WITH NO SUCCESS. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10205561 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10210496 · 2007-11-20 (November 20, 2007)

2004 CHEVY EXPRESS WITH BROKEN STEERING IDLER. CONSUMER IS PLEASED BECAUSE THE DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM. *KB **NAR**

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10210496 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10250646 · 2008-12-03 (December 3, 2008)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERS AND SHOPS, BUT THEY ALL CONFIRMED THAT THE HYDRO BOOST FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO RECALL COULD BE FOUND FOR THE CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 ON THE N…

Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10250646 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10275040 · 2009-06-26 (June 26, 2009)

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10281151 · 2009-08-20 (August 20, 2009)

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CARGO EXPRESS VAN 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE STOPPED BY MANUALLY DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COOLANT LINE RUBBED THROUGH TO THE BRAKE LINE. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE IN THE FRONT AXLE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66445.

Owner-reported narrative. 66,445 miles reported. Look up ODI 10281151 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10454780 · 2012-04-10 (April 10, 2012)

DANGEROUS AS GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH ON TOP AND LEFT SIDE AFTER ONLY ROUGLY 100,000 MILES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 104,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10454780 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

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

87.5%Usable mileage14 / 16 records
100.0%Valid incident date16 / 16 records
100.0%Valid filing date16 / 16 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates16 / 16 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.

Component complaint heatmap
Component2010201220132014201920212024
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
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
SteeringToo few reports for a range60,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10201318 · 39,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING 5-10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE AND THE STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE STEERING IDLER ARM WAS CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER DENIED THE REPAIR AS PART OF RECALL NUMBER 07103 BECAUSE THE CRACK ON THE IDLER ARM WAS NOT LOCATED IN THE CORRECT SPOT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 46,000. UPDATED 10/09/07. *JB

Look up ODI 10201318 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10250646 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERS AND SHOPS, BUT THEY ALL CONFIRMED THAT THE HYDRO BOOST FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO RECALL COULD BE FOUND FOR THE CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 ON THE N…

Look up ODI 10250646 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10524779 · 200,000 mi

ON JUNE 08, 2013 MY HUSBAND HAD PARKED THE VAN ALONG SIDE THE ROAD - HE WAS OUT OF IT WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING - WHEN A COWORKER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VAN. THE COWORKER RAN OVER TO THE VAN AND SEEN THAT THE FIRE WAS IN THE STEERING COLUMN. WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE VAN WAS ON FIRE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS VAN HAD BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH SOMETHING SECURITY. ALL OF THE GAUGES WOULD SHUT DOWN AND IT WOULD DISPLAY "SECURITY " ON THE DASH. I PERSONALLY HAD CONTACTED OUR LOCAL CHEVY DEALER TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND…

Look up ODI 10524779 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, GasolineToo few reports for a range71,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10454780 · 104,000 mi

DANGEROUS AS GAS TANK RUSTED THROUGH ON TOP AND LEFT SIDE AFTER ONLY ROUGLY 100,000 MILES. *TR

Look up ODI 10454780 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10510492 · 39,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK PIPE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED AND WAS LEAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10510492 at NHTSA ↗

Service BrakesToo few reports for a range85,999 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10593709 · 128,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ UPDATED 08/18/2014 *JS

Look up ODI 10593709 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10854900 · 43,997 mi

2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS COLLINS SCHOOL BUS WHILE DRIVING AT 15 MPH ON AN INCLINED RURAL COUNTRY ROAD ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE NOTICED PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND WAS STOPPED BY FURTHER DOWN SHIFTING AND APPLYING EMERGENCY BRAKE. INFORMED BY REPAIR SHOP THE RIGHT FRONT HYDRAULIC LINE RUBBED THROUGH THE METAL BRAKE LINE CAUSING THE FAILURE. FAILURE MILEAGE 43,997.

Look up ODI 10854900 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes, HydraulicToo few reports for a range58,223 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10275040 · 50,000 mi

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10281151 · 66,445 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CARGO EXPRESS VAN 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE STOPPED BY MANUALLY DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COOLANT LINE RUBBED THROUGH TO THE BRAKE LINE. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE IN THE FRONT AXLE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66445.

Look up ODI 10281151 at NHTSA ↗

Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And AttachmentsToo few reports for a range25,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10594475 · 25,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE DOOR HINGES WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

Look up ODI 10594475 at NHTSA ↗

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)Too few reports for a range50,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10275040 · 50,000 mi

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And CapToo few reports for a range170,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10463960 · 170,000 mi

GASOLINE AND GASOLINE VAPOR WAS ESCAPING FROM THE FUEL FILLER PIPE LEADING TO THE FUEL TANK ON A 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS VAN 3500 SERIES. THE FILER PIPE WAS RUSTED THROUGH. THERE WAS A SEAM ON THE PIPE WHERE THE RUST THROUGH OCCURRED. GASOLINE WAS DRIPPING FROM THIS HOLE DURING GASOLINE FILL UP AND VAPORS WERE ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. WE HAD IT REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WAS A POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE SITUATION, ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC. THIS WAS REPORTED TO GM. THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PART, SO GM REFUSED TO PAY…

Look up ODI 10463960 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion SystemToo few reports for a range130,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10553177 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL FILLER NECK TUBE WAS CORRODED, CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK WHEN REFUELING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 12V388000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Look up ODI 10553177 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-112026-10

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
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

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.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2019: 0 complaints · 2021: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2019000
2021000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2019200
2021100

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
ComponentSteeringFuel System, GasolineService BrakesService Brakes, HydraulicStructure:Body:Door:Hinge And AttachmentsElectronic Stability Control (Esc)Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And CapFuel/Propulsion System
Steering—0000000
Fuel System, Gasoline0—000000
Service Brakes00—00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic000—0
1
ODI 10275040 · 50,000 mi

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

00
Structure:Body:Door:Hinge And Attachments0000—000
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)000
1
ODI 10275040 · 50,000 mi

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

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Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap000000—0
Fuel/Propulsion System0000000—

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.

4 patterns with matching reports.

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 12.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 97,223 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10281151 · 66,445 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET CARGO EXPRESS VAN 3500. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH HE HAD ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE COULD ONLY BE STOPPED BY MANUALLY DOWN SHIFTING THE GEARS. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE COOLANT LINE RUBBED THROUGH TO THE BRAKE LINE. THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL PRIOR TO THE FAILURE IN THE FRONT AXLE AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 66445.

Look up ODI 10281151 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10593709 · 128,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MOUNTAIN ROAD APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY AND THE BRAKE DISCS OVERHEATED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR WAS THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 08/11/14*LJ UPDATED 08/18/2014 *JS

Look up ODI 10593709 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Stalling or loss of power

1 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10250646 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERS AND SHOPS, BUT THEY ALL CONFIRMED THAT THE HYDRO BOOST FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO RECALL COULD BE FOUND FOR THE CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 ON THE N…

Look up ODI 10250646 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

1 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 60,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10250646 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. SHE SHIFTED INTO A LOWER GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO TURN OFF AND RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NUMEROUS DEALERS AND SHOPS, BUT THEY ALL CONFIRMED THAT THE HYDRO BOOST FAILED. THERE WAS A RECALL, IN WHICH THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. NO RECALL COULD BE FOUND FOR THE CHEVROLET EXPRESS 3500 ON THE N…

Look up ODI 10250646 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

1 mentions · 6.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 50,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10275040 · 50,000 mi

THE BRAKES ON MY 2004 CHEVY EXPRESS 3500 ACTIVATE WITHOUT WARNING, STOPPING THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED A FAILURE OF THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. FAULT CODE C0196 WAS RECORDED. MY DEALER REPLACED THE ELECTRONIC BRAKE CONTROL MODULE, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO OCCUR. I WAS ALMOST REAR-ENDED WHEN THE VEHICLE STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Look up ODI 10275040 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b