Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2005 Chevrolet Express: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Express, most recently filed July 2009. Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 8campaigns 5 equipment · 1 seat belt · 1 lighting Source: NHTSA Complaints 59filed Owner reports, 2001–2010 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 14mpg combined $4,665/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 5.3 L 8-cyl· 4-speed automatic EPA-listed configuration Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (8)

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chevrolet Express. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V307000 Filed Jul 29, 2009

FMVSS 403/ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK/RICON

Equipment adaptive/mobility
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CUSTOMIZERS IS RECALLING 3 VANS 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 SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE 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.
Consequence
A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy
CUSTOMIZERS IS WORKING WITH RICON TO CORRECT THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS FREE OF CHARGE (PLEASE SEE 07E097). OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000.
Repair progress not yet reported3 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V307000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V270000 Filed Jul 6, 2009

WHEELCHAIR LIFT THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM

Equipment adaptive/mobility
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported185 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V270000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V272000 Filed Jul 6, 2009

WHEELCHAIR LIFT ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK

Equipment adaptive/mobility
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Consequence
THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy
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.
Repair progress not yet reported185 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V272000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V049000 Filed Feb 6, 2009

THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM/FMVSS 404/RICON

Equipment adaptive/mobility
Official NHTSA text
Summary
MOBILITY IS RECALLING 86 MY 2005-2006 FORD E-SERIES AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VAN 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 ON 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.
Consequence
THE USER OF THE LIFT COULD BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT MOVE UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy
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 MOBILITY AT 714-674-0480.
Repair progress not yet reported86 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V049000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V050000 Filed Feb 6, 2009

FMVSS 403/ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK/RICON

Equipment adaptive/mobility
Official NHTSA text
Summary
MOBILITY IS RECALLING 43 MY 2005-2006 FORD E-SERIES AND CHEVROLET EXPRESS VANS 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 SYSTEM ACCESSIBLE 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.
Consequence
A LIFT OCCUPANT CAN BE INJURED SHOULD THE LIFT BEGIN TO STOW UNINTENTIONALLY.
Remedy
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 MOBILITY AT 714-674-0480.
Repair progress not yet reported43 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V050000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V558000 Filed Dec 19, 2005

SEAT BELT BUCKLES

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLES AND, IF FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE, THE ENTIRE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED. FOR BUCKLES FOUND TO BE OPERATIVE, DEALER WILL REPLACE ONLY THE UPPER BUCKLE COVER. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
Repair progress not yet reported425,593 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V558000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V530000 Filed Nov 7, 2005

CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP/FMVSS 108

Exterior lighting
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON GMC/CHEVROLET CHASSIS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE HOUSING LENS OF THE CENTER HIGH MOUNTED STOP LAMP DOES NOT ALLOW ENOUGH LIGHT TO EMIT FROM THE LAMP.
Consequence
FOLLOWING VEHICLES MAY NOT BE FULLY INFORMED OF VEHICLE BRAKING. REAR-END COLLISIONS AND INJURY TO OCCUPANTS MAY OCCUR.
Remedy
SANTA FE IS WORKING WITH AUDIOVOX TO REPLACE THE CENTER HIGH-MOUNTED BRAKE LAMP ASSEMBLY. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SANTA FE AT 1-800-274-1886 OR ASA AT 1-574-266-3172.
Repair progress not yet reported3 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V530000
Listed for 2005 Chevrolet Express. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 05V043000 Filed Feb 8, 2005

HYDRO-BOOST/HYDRAULIC BRAKE/BOSCH

Service brakes, hydraulic
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.
Consequence
IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
Repair progress not yet reported77,411 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 05V043000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Express years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Chevrolet ExpressAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (59)

59 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.

5involved a crash
4involved a fire
5injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Chevrolet Express, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 59.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2005 compares with other Express years

Best and worst Express years →
63 69 101 57 59 45 40 41 26 30
2001200220032004200520062007200820092010
This year (2005)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 14 mpg combined

14
mpg combined
13
city
17
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$4,800
CO₂ tailpipe
635 g/mi
EPA class
Vans, Passenger Type

What it costs you to run

$4,665per year
$389per month
1,071gallons a year

Miles ÷ 14 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2005 Chevrolet Express configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive13 / 17 / 14$4,800635

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2005 Express for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Express years

Where to next

Which Express years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2006 Chevrolet Express report45 complaints · 17 campaigns →2004 Chevrolet Express report57 complaints · 7 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2005 Chevrolet Express FAQ

How many recalls does the 2005 Chevrolet Express have?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns: 09V307000 (equipment), 09V270000 (equipment), 09V272000 (equipment), 09V049000 (equipment), 09V050000 (equipment), 05V558000 (seat belt), 05V530000 (lighting), 05V043000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2005 Chevrolet Express problems?

Owners filed 59 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (13), Structure (12), Tires (7) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2005 Chevrolet Express get?

EPA rates the 5.3 L 8-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 13 city, 17 highway and 14 combined mpg.

How does the 2005 Express compare with other years?

Among the 2001–2010 Chevrolet Express model years at least five years old, the 2009 drew the fewest complaints (26) and the 2003 the most (101). The 2005 drew 59. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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