2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.
- Class
- Vans, Passenger Type
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 13 city / 16 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 5 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger is a van offered with a 5.3L 8-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 16 highway), 0% better than the 2009 van average of 14 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the structure.
What changed for 2009
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Express Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Express Passenger →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Express 1500 2WD Passenger FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 16 / 14 | 0% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Express 1500 AWD Passenger FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 16 / 14 | 0% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Express 1500 2WD Passenger | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 16 / 14 | 0% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Express 1500 AWD Passenger | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 12 / 15 / 14 | 0% | $4,800 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2009 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2009 GMC Savana Passenger | 14 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2009 GMC Savana Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2009 Chevrolet Van 1500 | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (5)
Equipment · Apr 26, 2018
NHTSA campaign 18V267000 · 6,154 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 17, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V117000 · 303,013 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. 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."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
- 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 this recall is 14082.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · Apr 17, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V169000 · 34 vehicles
- Problem
- MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS, 2009 GMC SAVANA, AND 2010 FORD TRANSIT CONNECT CHASSIS, AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN BRAUN WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. OVER TIME AND WITH FREQUENT USE, THE ROLL STOP LATCHES ON THE WHEELCHAIR LIFTÂS OUTER BARRIER MAY BECOME BENT OR MISALIGNED.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility · May 13, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V205000 · 133 vehicles
- Problem
- MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 AND 2009 CONVERSION VANS BUILT ON CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA CHASSIS FROM OCTOBER 2007 THROUGH MAY 2010 AND FITTED WITH CERTAIN RICON S SERIES AND K SERIES L-MODEL WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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 OPERATION AND WILL SHIP OWNERS A DVD-BASED TRAINING AID TO PROMOTE PROPER LIFT OPERATION AT NO COST. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT RICON AT 1-818-267-3000 OR MAIN MOBILITY AT 1-716-759-6811.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System · Mar 12, 2010
NHTSA campaign 10V096000 · 9,137 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL HVAC CONTROL KNOBS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 11, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463 OR AT THE OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.
Not every 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Structure › Body — 1 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 1 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Chevrolet Express Passenger. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Express Passenger years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Express Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 6 | 21 |
| 2016 Express Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 6 | 15 |
| 2015 Express Passenger | 13 | – | Not rated | 3 | 8 |
| 2014 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 7 | 12 |
| 2013 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 8 | 18 |
| 2012 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 6 | 10 |
| 2011 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2010 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 6 |
| 2008 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 2 | 5 |
| 2007 Express Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 0 | 11 |
| 2006 Express Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2005 Express Passenger | 15 | – | Not rated | 0 | 9 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chevrolet. How we calculate this →