2008 Chevrolet Express: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 Chevrolet Express: 10 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
10 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V313000 · 2008 · 6,390 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l (rpo ly6) v8 engine, 4l80e (rpo mt1) transmission, 4.10 (rpo gt5) axle and 75 mph governor (rpo 9d7). These vehicles have a condition in which the transmission May be damaged due to first gear engagement at highway speeds and then does not transmit power with d4 or r selected. This May be preceded by engine shutdown if the vehicle exceeds 81 miles per hour in certain conditions.
Why it matters: The vehicle May be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules free of charge. The recall began on or about July 30, 2008.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #08V315000 · 2008 · 567 vehicles
What's wrong: The frame rail on the driver's side May be wider than specification.
Why it matters: If the frame rail is wider than specification, over time it May contact the fuel tank housing, resulting in a possible fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing and will rework the frame rail if necessary free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2008.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V340000 · 2008 · 151 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have transfer cases that were manufactured with an incorrect part that can cause early failure of a drive chain. If the chain breaks, shifting the transmission to park May not keep the vehicle stationary.
Why it matters: If the vehicle is parked on an incline or bumped, it May roll and strike a person, object, or another vehicle without warning, and cause personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall began on August 15, 2008.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #08V569000 · 2008 · 42 vehicles
What's wrong: These lifts fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 403, "platform lift systems 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…
Why it matters: A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
The fix: Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #08V568000 · 2008 · 42 vehicles
What's wrong: These buses fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 404, "platform lift installation 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.
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Cummings is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V272000 · 2009 · 185 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V270000 · 2009 · 185 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095).
Equipment Vehicle recall #09V456000 · 2009 · 269 vehicles
What's wrong: Cues, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 service vehicles built on various chassis equipped with carrier airv ceiling units, model nos. 68rv0010ba, 68rv0012ca, and 68rv0010ea. The heater element in these assemblies May be defective which could cause the unit to create smoke or sparks.
Why it matters: This defect could result in a fire.
The fix: Cues is working with carrier to remedy the affected vehicles. Repairs will be made by carrier free of charge. Please see carrier's defect report 09e-053. The safety recall began on January 5, 2010.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #10V205000 · 2010 · 133 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift May continue its upward travel and May overrun the floor level cut off point.
Why it matters: When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.
The fix: Main mobility will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift…
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #12V169000 · 2012 · 34 vehicles
What's wrong: Over time and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the wheelchair liftâs outer barrier May become bent or misaligned.
Why it matters: A wheelchair occupant May defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchairâs occupant could fall and sustain injury.
The fix: Main mobility is working with braun to notify owners, and braun dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Main mobility has not provided a notification schedule.
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.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (3): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (2).
- Electrical (2): the most common themes are warning light on (2), electrical failure (2).
- Airbags (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel & propulsion (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 Chevrolet Express has 14 owner complaints, ranking #17 of 31 Express model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 21). Complaints peaked in 2010 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 42,475 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (17 complaints, 4 recalls), 2009 (10 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline 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 2008 Chevrolet Express.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads 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 2008 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recalls for the 2008 Chevrolet Express. 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 2008 Chevrolet Express problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (3), electrical (2), airbags (2).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Chevrolet Express get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 Chevrolet Express 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.