2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Vans, Passenger Type
- Engines
- 5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- FFV
- MPG (best)
- 14 combined · 13 city / 17 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 6 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 6 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger is a van offered with 3 engines (5.3L 8-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 14 MPG combined (13 city / 17 highway), 7% better than the 2012 van average of 13.1 MPG, for an estimated $4,800 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 6 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Express Passenger — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 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 / 17 / 14 | +7% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Express 1500 AWD Passenger FFV | 5.3L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 / 17 / 14 | +7% | $4,800 | 635 |
| Express 2500 2WD Passenger FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 684 |
| Express 3500 2WD Passenger FFV | 4.8L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 684 |
| Express 2500 2WD Passenger FFV | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 16 / 13 | -1% | $5,150 | 684 |
| Express 3500 2WD Passenger FFV | 6.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 / 15 / 12 | -8% | $5,600 | 741 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger.
Similar 2012 vans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger (this car) | 14 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Ford E350 Wagon | 13 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2012 GMC Savana Passenger | 14 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2012 GMC Savana Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Express Cargo | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ford E350 Van | 13 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Ford E250 Van | 15 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (6)
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.
Fuel System, Other · Aug 13, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V500000 · 3,345 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.
- Risk
- A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.
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.
Fuel System, Other · May 15, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V225000 · 1,791 vehicles
- Problem
- General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.
- Risk
- A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
- Fix
- GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.
Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Pitman · Mar 22, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V112000 · 6,159 vehicles
- Problem
- GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.
- Risk
- IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, A LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING GEAR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 4, 2012.
Air Bags · Nov 8, 2011
NHTSA campaign 11V543000 · 1,798 vehicles
- Problem
- GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2011. THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. ACCORDINGLY, THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."
- Risk
- AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIR BAG WILL INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.
- Fix
- GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 29, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GMC AT 1-800-462-8782 OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.
Not every 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Chevrolet Express Passenger buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 6 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Steering — 2 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Service Brakes — 2 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 85,000 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 2012 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 |
| 2011 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 8 |
| 2010 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 6 |
| 2009 Express Passenger | 14 | – | Not rated | 5 | 4 |
| 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 →