2016 Chevrolet Express Safety Report

The 2016 Chevrolet Express presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a relatively low number of overall complaints but a significant recall history addressing critical safety components. With only 22 total complaints to NHTSA, including 1 crash and 2 fires, the vehicle does not appear to suffer from widespread, systemic issues leading to frequent incidents. However, the absence of NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A) means there is no independent government assessment of its crashworthiness, which is a notable gap for potential buyers. Complaint patterns, despite the low volume, point to several recurring concerns. 'SERVICE BRAKES' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' each have 2 complaints, indicating potential issues with braking performance and electrical reliability. Other components like 'SUSPENSION', 'FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE', and 'STRUCTURE' also have 2 complaints each. Specific complaints detail instances of ABS module failure leading to drastic pulling, self-applying brakes, and significant steering play, suggesting potential control issues. Electrical complaints include power window failures due to corrosion and defective, rusted relays. Recall history is a significant aspect of this vehicle's safety profile, with 6 recalls issued. These recalls address serious concerns such as incorrect rear-quarter window glass (tempered instead of laminated, increasing injury risk in a crash), overheating climate control modules posing a fire risk, liquid intrusion into power window switches leading to fire risk, and issues with fire extinguishers. Other recalls cover obstructed rearview mirrors and absent Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) on specific incomplete vehicles, both of which can increase crash risk. The high number of recalls for a vehicle with relatively few complaints suggests that GM has proactively identified and addressed potential safety defects, some of which could have led to more severe incidents if left uncorrected. In summary, while the 2016 Chevrolet Express has a low complaint count, the lack of crash test data and the nature of its 6 recalls highlight areas of concern. The recalls, particularly those related to fire risk, injury risk from glass, and basic safety features like TPMS and rearview visibility, are critical. Buyers should ensure all recall remedies have been performed.

Our recommendation: Given the lack of crash test ratings and the presence of multiple critical safety recalls, prospective buyers should prioritize verifying that all 6 recalls have been completed and thoroughly inspect the braking, electrical, and suspension systems for any signs of the reported issues.