2017 Chevrolet Express Safety Report

2017 Chevrolet Express: Low complaints, but significant recalls and unrated crash tests raise safety questions.

21Complaints
6Recalls
60/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
Most reported components: Service Brakes,Forward Collision Avoidance (5)Service Brakes (4)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (2)Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Visibility (1)Air Bags,Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (1)Air Bags (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Electrical System (1)Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chevrolet Express

The 2017 Chevrolet Express presents a mixed safety picture, characterized by a relatively low number of overall complaints but a significant recall history addressing various critical safety components. With only 21 total complaints, including 1 crash, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported to NHTSA, the vehicle appears to have a low incidence of severe safety events. However, the vehicle has been subject to 6 recalls, which is a substantial number for a single model year, indicating proactive or reactive measures by the manufacturer to address potential widespread defects. A prominent pattern in consumer complaints revolves around the 'SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' system, accounting for 5 complaints, and 'SERVICE BRAKES' with 4 complaints, often detailing issues with ABS malfunction, premature activation, and the unavailability of replacement parts for the ABS module (e.g., part number 84055065). This suggests a potential systemic issue with the braking system. Recall history further highlights concerns with 'VISIBILITY' (3 recalls), including issues with rear-quarter window glass, power window switch corrosion leading to fire risk, and rearview mirror obstruction. 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' also features in recalls, with one addressing a fire risk from the rear climate control module and another related to general electrical system issues. NHTSA crash test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Express are not available ('N/A') for Overall, Frontal, Side, or Rollover categories, which means there is no independent government crash test data to assess its performance in simulated crash scenarios. This lack of data makes it challenging to fully evaluate the vehicle's passive safety performance. Despite the low complaint volume, the numerous recalls and the specific, recurring nature of braking system complaints warrant careful consideration for potential buyers.

Reliability Score

The 2017 Chevrolet Express receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Express

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chevrolet Express:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Abs/Traction Control System Malfunction
Multiple complaints detail ABS inadvertently engaging, vehicle pulling, and the ABS module (e.g., part #84055065) failing, with reports of parts being unavailable, rendering vehicles unsafe to drive.
High Common unknown miles
Power Window Switch Corrosion/Fire Risk
Recall 17V-516 addresses liquid leaking into the driver's power window switch, causing corrosion and increasing the risk of fire.
High Occasional unknown miles
Rear Climate Control Module Overheating/Fire Risk
Recall 18V-576 warns that if the temperature is set to maximum heat, the CCM can overheat, increasing the risk of a fire in the vehicle's headliner.
High Occasional unknown miles
Rear-Quarter Window Glass Type
Recall 19V-086 indicates that one or both rear-quarter windows may be tempered glass instead of laminated, increasing injury risk in a side impact or rollover.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Obstructed Rearview Mirror
Recall 16V-703 addresses an issue where the driver may not have a clear unobstructed view to the back of the vehicle, increasing crash risk.
Medium Occasional unknown miles
Engine Power Reduced Mode
One complaint details multiple instances of 'ENGINE POWER REDUCED' and check engine light, possibly due to diesel particulate filter soot load tracking.
Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chevrolet Express:

Service Brakes, Forward Collision Avoidance 23% of complaints

Frequent reports of ABS malfunction, premature activation, and issues with the ABS module, often leading to unsafe driving conditions and difficulty obtaining replacement parts.

Service Brakes 19% of complaints

General braking issues including ABS engagement, vehicle pulling, and master cylinder problems.

Visibility 14% of complaints

Recalls related to rear-quarter window glass, power window switch corrosion, and obstructed rearview mirrors, along with a complaint about a malfunctioning exterior split mirror.

Electrical System 9% of complaints

Recalls concerning rear climate control module overheating and general electrical system issues, including lights not illuminating and system shutdowns when hitting bumps.

Air Bags 9% of complaints

Complaints about 'SERVICE AIRBAG' warnings, random illumination, and a bad airbag sensor in the left door.

Engine 4% of complaints

One complaint regarding 'ENGINE POWER REDUCED' mode and check engine light, potentially linked to the diesel particulate filter.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chevrolet Express

Is the 2017 Chevrolet Express safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 Chevrolet Express has a low number of reported crashes (1) and no reported injuries or deaths from 21 total complaints. However, it has been subject to 6 safety recalls addressing critical issues like braking system malfunctions, fire risks from electrical components, and visibility problems. Crucially, there are no NHTSA crash test ratings available, making a comprehensive assessment of its passive safety performance difficult.

What are common problems with the 2017 Chevrolet Express?

The most reported issues for the 2017 Chevrolet Express are related to the SERVICE BRAKES and FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE systems, accounting for 5 and 4 complaints respectively. These often involve ABS module failures, premature ABS activation, and difficulty in obtaining replacement parts. Other common problems include various VISIBILITY issues (e.g., window glass, rearview mirrors) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM concerns, both of which have been addressed by multiple recalls.

Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chevrolet Express?

Yes, the 2017 Chevrolet Express has 6 recalls. These include issues with equipment (e.g., Unicell Body Company Inc. body, fire extinguisher), visibility (rear-quarter window glass, power window switch corrosion, rearview mirrors), and electrical system (rear climate control module overheating, general electrical system issues).

What should I look out for when buying a used 2017 Chevrolet Express?

When considering a used 2017 Chevrolet Express, pay close attention to the braking system, specifically checking for any ABS or traction control warning lights, and inquire if any ABS module replacements have been performed. Verify that all 6 recalls have been addressed by checking the vehicle's VIN with a Chevrolet dealer or NHTSA's website. Also, inspect the power windows and rear climate control for proper function and any signs of electrical issues.

Why are there no crash test ratings for the 2017 Chevrolet Express?

NHTSA does not conduct crash tests on all vehicles, particularly commercial vans or vehicles with lower sales volumes. The 'N/A' rating for the 2017 Chevrolet Express indicates that NHTSA did not perform frontal, side, or rollover crash tests on this specific model year, meaning there is no government-provided crash test data to evaluate its performance in these areas.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but significant recall history, prioritize verifying all 6 recalls have been completed and thoroughly inspect the braking system for any ABS-related issues before purchase, especially since NHTSA crash test ratings are unavailable.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chevrolet Express

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chevrolet Express. The data includes 21 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.