2009 Chevrolet Express: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2009 Chevrolet Express: 7 recalls, 10 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.

Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
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).
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #10V096000 · 2010 · 9,137 vehicles
What's wrong: 103, "windshield wiping and washing systems." these vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control knobs that May fracture and spin on the control shaft. The driver May no longer be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.
Why it matters: If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it May decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace all HVAC control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 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.
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V117000 · 2014 · 303,013 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel May not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Why it matters: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners May call 1-800-630-2438. Gmc owners May call 1-866-996-9463. Gm's number for…
Equipment Vehicle recall #18V267000 · 2018 · 6,154 vehicles
What's wrong: These extinguishers May become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle May detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:…
Why it matters: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, instructing them to contact kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
- Wheels (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2009 Chevrolet Express has 10 owner complaints, ranking #24 of 31 Express model years for complaints (well below the 21 average). Complaints peaked in 2012 (2 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 51,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2008 (14 complaints, 10 recalls), 2010 (15 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 | 15 | 14 | Regular |
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 2009 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.
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FAQ
Does the 2009 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2009 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 2009 Chevrolet Express problems?
Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (3), tires (2), wheels (1).
What gas mileage does the 2009 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 2009 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.