2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS has 31 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.7x the segment average of 18. The most common issue is engine problems (23% of all complaints), specifically: the first and second (of three incidents) both appeared minor, lasting only a fraction of a second. about half way through a 150-mile drive, the engine went dead but as quickly fired up again so as not to be taken seriously by me. but a third incident was worrisome. while driving about 50 mph. There are 8 recalls issued for this model year.
31
Total Complaints
8
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.7x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
ENGINE
7 complaints- • THE FIRST AND SECOND (OF THREE INCIDENTS) BOTH APPEARED MINOR, LASTING ONLY A FRACTION OF A SECOND. ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH A 150-MILE DRIVE, THE ENGINE WENT DEAD BUT AS QUICKLY FIRED UP AGAIN SO AS NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY ME. BUT A THIRD INCIDENT WAS WORRISOME. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
- • THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY AND AUTONOMOUSLY APPLIES THE BRAKES AND CUTS ENGINE POWER WHILE DRIVING. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE STATES "SERVICE STABILITRAK" AND THE ICON FLASHES THAT I AM SKIDDING, WHICH I AM NOT (I HAVE VIDEO PROOF OF THIS OCCURING). AFTER 4 TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP THE PROBLEM STILL PERSI
“THE FIRST AND SECOND (OF THREE INCIDENTS) BOTH APPEARED MINOR, LASTING ONLY A FRACTION OF A SECOND. ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH A 150-MILE DRIVE, THE ENGINE WENT DEAD BUT AS QUICKLY FIRED UP AGAIN SO AS NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY ME. BUT A THIRD INCIDENT WAS WORRISOME. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS
Based on 27 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 30K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
ENGINE
BRAKES
ELECTRICAL
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (8)
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. 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: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Charging Cost Calculator for 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Chevrolet EXPRESS Service Intervals
GM Oil Life System dynamically calculates oil change interval. DEXOS-approved oil required.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Chevrolet New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Chevrolet. If you're buying a used 2013 EXPRESS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Chevrolet dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
EV Incentives for 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS
Updated 2026-07Federal Tax Credit (Section 30D) — Expired 2025-09-30
Section 30D new clean vehicle credit ($7,500 max) expired for vehicles acquired after Sept 30, 2025 per Public Law (One Big Beautiful Bill Act). Vehicles acquired on or before that date remain eligible on the buyer's 2025 return. No federal purchase credit exists for post-9/30/2025 acquisitions.
State-Level Incentives (Still Active in 14 States)
Source: US Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center + state DOR / DEQ program pages. Program details and eligibility limits change frequently — always verify with the linked source before purchase.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 31 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐ENGINE: THE FIRST AND SECOND (OF THREE INCIDENTS) BOTH APPEARED MINOR, LASTING ONLY A FRACTION OF A SECOND. ABOUT HALF WAY THROUGH A 150-MILE DRIVE, THE ENGINE WENT DEAD BUT AS QUICKLY FIRED UP AGAIN SO AS NOT TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BY ME. BUT A THIRD INCIDENT WAS WORRISOME. WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 50 MPH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE BRAKE ENGAGED AND THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE SLOWED THE VEHICLE DOWN AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF AND THE VEHICLE FUNCTIONED PROPERLY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 CHEVROLET EXPRESS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WARNING LIGHT THAT RANDOMLY FLASHED, INDICATING A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED MORE THAN ONCE. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO A DEALER, BUT THEY DID NOT HAVE THE TOOLS TO PROVIDE DIAGNO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐FUEL SYSTEM: THIS IS A C CLASS RV BY THOR MOTOR COACH. THE COACH SERIAL NUMBER IS [XXX]. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TAKE FUEL. I BOUGHT IT TO TWO CHEVROLET DEALERS WHO WOULD NOT LOOK AT IT BECAUSE IT HAD A MOTORHOME BODY. ONE DEALER HOOKED IT UP TO A FAULT FINDER AND FOUND THERE WAS A FUEL VENTING PROBLEM. THEY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 8 recalls have been completed — free at any Chevrolet dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Chevrolet EXPRESS — Year Comparison
How does 2013 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 8
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 2
- Injury reports
- 2
- Segment avg
- 18
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2013 Chevrolet EXPRESS