MotorDeets

2011 Chevrolet Express 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500: 2 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 17 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
17best combined mpg
2011 Chevrolet Express 1500
Photo: Navigator84 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Suspension Vehicle recall #11V007000 · 2011 · 30,566 vehicles

What's wrong: The rear axle cross pins were not properly heat treated and could fracture and become displaced within the rear axle. Should the pin shift out of position, it could create an interference condition and cause the rear axle to lock.

Why it matters: The driver May not be able to maintain directional control of the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.

The fix: Dealers will install a new rear axle cross pin free of charge. The safety recall began on January 11, 2011.

Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #11V275000 · 2011 · 7,593 vehicles

What's wrong: 135, "passenger car brake systems." some of these vehicles May have been built with a clearance condition in which the right rear brake hose May contact the tire or wheel rim. If the brake hose repeatedly contacts the tire or wheel rim, a hole could be worn in the brake hose.

Why it matters: A damaged brake hose May reduce the effectiveness of the rear brakes and increase the distance required to stop the vehicle. An increased braking distance May increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will secure the right rear brake hose to ensure sufficient clearance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 13, 2011.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Exterior lights1
Brakes1
Airbags1

What owners describe

The 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 has 3 owner complaints, ranking #15 of 16 Express 1500 model years for complaints (well below the 7 average). Neighboring years: 2010 (4 complaints, 0 recalls), 2012 (2 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
4.3 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive152017Regular
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131815Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive131714Gasoline or E85
5.3 L 8-cylAutomatic 4-spdAll-Wheel Drive131714Gasoline or E85

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are exterior lights (1), brakes (1), airbags (1).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 get?

EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Express 1500 years

1996199920002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122014