The 2017 Express is built on GM's long-running full-size van platform with solid bones but notorious for transmission cooling issues and V8 oil consumption problems. These are workhorses that rack up miles fast, and when they break, repairs are expensive due to tight engine bay access.
Transmission Oil Cooler Line Failure and Fluid Cross-Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Strawberry milkshake fluid in coolant overflow or transmission pan, Transmission slipping or erratic shifting after coolant system work, White smoke from exhaust if coolant enters transmission, Overheating transmission or engine
Fix: Replace internal transmission cooler, flush both cooling system and transmission completely, replace radiator if integrated cooler has failed. Often requires transmission rebuild if contamination went undetected. 8-12 hours labor for cooler lines alone, 18-25 hours if transmission needs rebuild.
Estimated cost: $1,200-5,500
AFM/DOD Lifter Failure and Oil Consumption (6.0L V8)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking or tapping from engine, especially on cold start, Check engine light with P0300 series misfire codes, Excessive oil consumption, 1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse, Loss of power under load, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifters collapse, causing valve train damage. Proper fix requires lifter replacement, often camshaft replacement due to lobe wear, and sometimes full top-end rebuild. Many techs delete AFM system during repair. 16-24 hours labor depending on how far damage progressed.
Estimated cost: $3,500-7,000
Piston Ring Failure and Cylinder Scoring (6.0L V8)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 100,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Severe oil consumption, multiple quarts between changes, Loss of compression, rough idle, Fuel smell in oil, Poor fuel economy
Fix: Piston rings wear prematurely or cylinders score, often related to neglected AFM issues or extended oil change intervals. Requires full engine rebuild or short block replacement. 24-32 hours labor due to cramped van engine bay and pulling the engine.
Estimated cost: $6,500-10,000
Fuel Pump and Sender Unit Failure (All Engines)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: No-start condition or extended cranking, Fuel gauge reading empty when tank is full or erratic readings, Engine stalling under load or when fuel level drops below half, Whining noise from rear of vehicle
Fix: Fuel pump assembly or level sender fails. Requires dropping the 31-gallon fuel tank from underneath. On extended wheelbase models, exhaust must come down first. 4-6 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Vibration through floor at idle in gear, Transmission movement visible under hood during acceleration, Harsh engagement into gear
Fix: Rubber transmission mount deteriorates from engine torque and heat. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $300-550
HVAC Blend Door Actuator Failure
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Clicking or tapping noise from dash on startup or when changing temperature, Heat blowing when AC selected or vice versa, Temperature control unresponsive, Stuck on defrost mode
Fix: Plastic actuator gears strip. Multiple actuators control different zones; main temp actuator is behind glove box (1.5 hours), mode door requires dash removal (6-8 hours). Most common is temp actuator.
Estimated cost: $250-900
Duramax DEF System Issues (6.6L Diesel Only)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: DEF system warning messages, Speed limited to 55 mph (limp mode), DEF gauge showing empty when tank is full, Won't start if countdown reaches zero, Check engine light with NOx sensor codes
Fix: DEF tank heater, level sensor, injector, or NOx sensors fail. DEF crystallization damages components. Tank may need replacement if contaminated. 3-8 hours labor depending on component.
Estimated cost: $600-3,200
Owner tips
Disable AFM on 6.0L V8 engines preventatively or run quality synthetic oil and 5,000-mile intervals religiously
Install auxiliary transmission cooler if towing regularly — factory cooler is marginal
Check transmission and coolant fluids at every oil change for cross-contamination signs
Use only GM-spec Dexron VI transmission fluid; aftermarket fluids cause shift problems
On Duramax, use only DEF from high-turnover locations and keep tank above 1/4 full year-round
Buy a 4.3L V6 model or budget $2,000-3,000 for preventative AFM delete and auxiliary trans cooler on V8s — otherwise you're gambling on expensive repairs.
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.
Fitment notes: Diesel engine requires high CCA rating; battery located under hood on passenger side
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Every control module on the 2015-2025 Chevrolet Express — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 6L80/6L90: integrated with valve body inside transmission (TEHCM). 8L90: integrated with valve body inside transmission (TEHCM). Allison 1000: external on driver side of transmission case
🔧 GDS2 + MDI2 or J2534 + ACDelco TDS
⚠️ 6L/8L TEHCM requires transmission removal. VIN and calibration programming required. Security gateway from 2017+.
Electric Power Steering Control Module (EPSCM)2.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +0.5 hr2019+ models with electric power steering▸ programming details
📍 Integrated with steering column assembly, below dashboard
📍 Integrated into rear camera assembly above license plate
🔧 GDS2 + MDI2 or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Camera and module integrated. Video signal to radio. Configuration may be required for guidelines.
Tire Pressure Monitor Control Module (TPMS)relearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated within BCM
🔧 GDS2 + MDI2 or TPMS relearn tool
⚠️ Sensor IDs must be relearned after tire rotation or sensor replacement. No separate module R&R.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Unicell Body Company Inc. (Unicell) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savanna, 2018-2019 Hino 155, Ford Econoline and Transit and Isuzu NPR, and 2018 Ram ProMaster-based vehicles equipped with ASA Electronics Voyager monitors used to display the back-up camera image. The affected monitors may revert back to the factory default settings which may cause the camera image to be reversed.
Consequence: The driver may inadvertently turn the wrong direction to avoid an object behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Unicell will work with ASA Electronics to notify owners and offer a remedy, free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2019. Owners may contact ASA Electronics customer service 1-800-384-4400 or Unicell at 1-716-853-8628.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR · 19V387000
2019-05-23
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles. One or both of the rear-quarter windows may be tempered glass instead of laminated glass. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence: Tempered glass increases the risk of injury in the event of a side impact or rollover crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tempered glass windows with laminated glass windows, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2019. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-586-596-1733. GM's number for this recall is N192218960.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 18V655000
2018-09-21
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Chevrolet Express and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with a single, manual, rear climate control module (CCM). If the temperature is set to maximum heat or the mode knob is set to maximum floor vent and an electrical short occurs, components within the CCM may overheat.
Consequence: If the CCM overheats, there is an increased risk of a fire in the vehicle's headliner.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the electrical insulation from a wiring connector within the CCM to remove the fire risk, free of charge. The recall began November 6, 2018. 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 18299.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS · 18V295000
2018-05-03
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with power windows. Liquid may leak into the driver's power window switch and cause corrosion, resulting in high electrical resistance.
Consequence: High electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side window switch, free of charge. The recall began August 10, 2018. 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 18155.
EQUIPMENT · 18V267000
2018-04-26
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.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES · 16V700000
2016-09-29
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Chevrolet Express manufactured September 25, 2015, to August 22, 2016, and 2016 GMC Savana cargo and cutaway vans manufactured January 28, 2016, to May 18, 2016. The affected vehicles were manufactured without an inside rearview mirror and with a right-hand convex exterior review mirror. These vehicles are required to have either an inside rearview mirror or both left and right-hand flat exterior rearview mirrors. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence: If the driver does not have a clear unobstructed view to the back of the vehicle, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will instal a right-hand flat rearview mirror, free of charge. The recall began on November 8, 2016. 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 16036.
Performance
Horsepower
260hp
Torque
525lb-ft
Capability & size
Towing capacity
10,000lb
Payload
4,250lb
Curb weight
6,100lb
Wiper blades
Full-size cargo/passenger van, no rear wiper. Both blades same length.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2017 Chevrolet Express 6.6L V8 Duramax Diesel and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.