The 2012 Chevrolet Express is a van that came with a choice of 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl and 6.0L 8-cyl engines. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Vans, Cargo Type, Vans, Passenger Type |
|---|---|
| Engines | 4.3L 6-cyl, 4.8L 8-cyl, 5.3L 8-cyl, 6.0L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Automatic 6-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 10–15 city / 14–20 highway / 12–17 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,950–$5,600 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 523–741 grams per mile |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 7,300 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 14 configurations: Express 1500 2WD Cargo, Express 1500 2WD Conversion Cargo, Express 1500 AWD Cargo, Express 1500 AWD Conversion Cargo, Express 2500 2WD Conversion Cargo, Express 2500 2WD Cargo and more |
| Age | 14 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls covering the 2012 Chevrolet Express. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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…
Risk: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
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.
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…
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.
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…
Risk: A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
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.
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…
Risk: An improperly deployed air bag will increase the risk of injury to the occupant.
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the 2012 Chevrolet Express with NHTSA. 2 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 2 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Chevrolet Express, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Van, AWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | 22.8% |
| Van, RWD | Not rated | — | — | ★★★☆☆ | 27.9% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 1,784 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Chevrolet Express. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates direction to find information at www.gmupfitter.com for Police and Special Service Vehicles.
This preliminary information communicates information about how to determine if a wheel and tires size change is available.
This preliminary information advises a dealer on how to email GDS2 session logs into Technical Assistance.
This Preliminary information communicates the steps on how to save a GDS2 Session Log and upload to a Technical Assistance Case in CX Connect.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. As a heavier vehicle, its scrap weight adds to the offer. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2012 Expresss that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Express; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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