The 2013 Express is a workhorse van built on GM's proven full-size platform, but certain engines (especially the 6.0L gas) have catastrophic oiling issues, and the 4L80E/6L80E transmissions suffer from cooler line failures that cascade into total transmission loss if ignored.
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure Leading to Engine Destruction (6.0L V8)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Lifter tick on cold start that doesn't go away, Check engine light with misfire codes (P0300-P0308), Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil on analysis
Fix: GM's Active Fuel Management system causes lifter roller bearing failure, sending debris through the engine. Camshaft gets wiped, cylinder walls scored. Full engine rebuild or replacement required. 18-25 labor hours for teardown, machine work, reassembly. AFM delete kit mandatory during repair to prevent recurrence.
Estimated cost: $5,500-9,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Contamination (All Engines)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid in coolant (strawberry milkshake in overflow tank), Engine coolant in transmission (burnt smell, erratic shifting), Sudden transmission slipping or failure to engage, Overheating in either system
Fix: Rubber cooler lines inside the radiator deteriorate and rupture, cross-contaminating coolant and ATF. Requires radiator replacement, transmission flush (or full rebuild if contamination was severe), all cooler lines, and sometimes engine cooling system flush. If caught early: 4-6 hours. If transmission is damaged: add 12-18 hours for rebuild.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (caught early) or $3,500-5,500 (transmission rebuild needed)
Fuel Pump and Sending Unit Failure (Gas Engines)
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting or extended cranking, especially when hot, Stalling after sitting in heat, Inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge, Loss of power under load, Check engine light with fuel pressure codes
Fix: Fuel pump module corrodes internally, loses pressure, or sender float fails. Requires dropping the 31-gallon tank from underneath — challenging on a loaded cargo van. 3-4 hours labor for tank drop, pump replacement, system prime.
Symptoms: Key will not turn in ignition, Steering wheel locked and won't release, No crank, no start despite new battery, Dash warning lights about steering lock, Intermittent start issues in hot weather
Fix: Electric steering column lock actuator fails (subject to recall 14V352 but not all units covered). When it fails, vehicle is dead in the water. Requires column disassembly, lock module replacement, and relearn procedure with Tech2 scanner. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $450-750
Intake Manifold Gasket Leak (6.0L V8)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000-160,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant smell from engine bay, no visible external leak, White smoke from exhaust on cold start, Gradual coolant loss without obvious puddles, Rough idle when cold, Check engine light with random misfire or lean codes
Fix: Plastic intake manifold gaskets deteriorate, allowing coolant into intake ports or vacuum leaks. Requires manifold removal, gasket set, often includes valley pan reseal. 6-8 hours labor. Good time to address valve cover leaks simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $900-1,400
EVAP Vent Solenoid and Canister Failure
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with codes P0446, P0449, P0455, Fuel smell near rear of vehicle, Difficulty refueling (pump clicks off repeatedly), Failed emissions test
Fix: Vent valve on charcoal canister sticks closed or canister saturates from topping off tank. Located above spare tire carrier. 1.5-2 hours for valve replacement, 2.5-3 hours if full canister needed.
Estimated cost: $250-450 (valve) or $450-700 (canister)
Symptoms: Harsh or delayed 3-4 shift, Slipping in overdrive under load, Trans temp rising on highway, Metal in pan at fluid change
Fix: High-mileage 4L80E transmissions (behind the 6.0L) wear the 3-4 clutches due to heavy loads and heat. Requires transmission removal and rebuild with updated clutches, sonnax upgrades recommended. 10-14 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Owner tips
If buying a 6.0L V8 model, budget immediately for AFM delete or verify it's already done — this is not optional if you want the engine to survive
Check coolant overflow tank at every fuel stop for pink/brown contamination indicating cooler line failure — catching this early saves $3,000+
Use full synthetic oil (5W-30) and change at 5,000 miles on 6.0L engines with AFM — extended intervals accelerate lifter failure
On high-mileage vans, replace transmission cooler lines preemptively around 100k miles — $200 in lines beats a $4,000 transmission
The 4.3L V6 is significantly more reliable than the 6.0L V8 for light-duty use, though underpowered for heavy loads
Buy the 4.3L V6 model if you can live with less power; avoid the 6.0L V8 unless AFM is already deleted and you have detailed service records proving it — otherwise you're buying someone else's ticking time bomb.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2013 Chevrolet Express
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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
Consequence: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 13V544000
2015-10-30
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.
Consequence: Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. 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 13365.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER · 14V500000
2014-08-13
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.
Consequence: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
Remedy: 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 · 14V117000
2014-03-17
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."
Consequence: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: 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 · 13V225000
2013-05-15
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.
Consequence: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
Remedy: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · 13V147000
2013-04-17
Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.
Consequence: If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.
Remedy: Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · 13V010000
2013-01-14
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is running or the transmission is not in the Park position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection."
Consequence: If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013. For more information, GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.
Consequence: As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.