Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (175 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2008
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with the vehicle characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a source of persistent mechanical and electrical problems.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentAutomatic transmission failure
Complete loss of forward gears, slipping between 1st and 2nd gear, broken 1-2 band, solenoid failures, requiring rebuilds or replacements. Described as the "weak spot.".
- Very frequentChronic electrical problems
Erratic behavior including door indicator lights staying on, stability control randomly engaging, dashboard warning lights illuminating simultaneously, key stuck in ignition, horn honking when attempting to crank, window regulator/motor malfunctions, and general "possessed" computer behavior.
- RecurrentCooling system and thermostat failures
Repeated thermostat failures (P0128 code), engines overheating, heaters blowing cold at idle, and difficulty bleeding air from the system.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentAutomatic sliding door malfunctions
Doors binding, failing to operate correctly, described as a "known issue" with no manufacturer-provided solution.
- RecurrentEngine running issues
Rough idle when hot, stalling when shifting into reverse, hard starting requiring throttle input, and injector circuit codes (P0201-P0206).
- IsolatedAll-Wheel Drive (AWD) and ABS system failures
AWD and ABS being disabled with multiple wheel speed sensor codes (C0035, C0040, C0050, C0281), rendering the vehicle dangerously poor in snow.
- IsolatedStructural and body issues
Rust (specifically "Wisconsin rust"), moisture intrusion into driver's side footwell causing damp carpet, and thin/weak body construction.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available. No specific trim or model year is recommended as superior. One owner of a 2007 model with 260,000 miles reported it had "been good to me," but this is an isolated positive report against widespread criticism.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, Dodge Grand Caravan, Chevrolet Venture and Buick Terraza.
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Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with the vehicle characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a source of persistent mechanical and electrical problems. Long-term owner reports frequently cite catastrophic transmission failures, chronic electrical gremlins, and a general lack of durability. The vehicle is described as a "nightmare" and that it "fucking suck[s]" by multiple owners. A very small number of isolated reports mention satisfaction with a specific, well-maintained example, describing it as an "excellent vehicle" or one that "runs well," but these are exceptions against a dominant backdrop of frustration. The consensus is that the Uplander is a vehicle best avoided unless acquired for a very low price with full awareness of its significant and recurring failure points.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as an inferior alternative to contemporary minivans. It is consistently described as having worse build quality and reliability than the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna, though it may be priced lower on the used market. Compared to other GM minivans of the era (Venture, Montana, Terraza, Relay), it is seen as part of the same problematic platform. Some owner feedback suggests it is less reliable than certain years of the Dodge Grand Caravan, with the 2011-2012 Grand Caravan specifically mentioned as a potentially better, newer alternative for a similar price. It is generally viewed as a budget option that carries high risk of expensive repairs.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available. No specific configurations are recommended. One comment suggests that parts commonality with other GM products (Cadillac SRX for front brakes, Chevrolet Venture for second-row seats) can be an advantage for repairs and modifications, but this is not a purchase recommendation.
General recommendations
NOT recommended for purchase due to widespread and severe reliability concerns. If considering purchase, only pursue exceptionally clean, low-mileage, and meticulously documented examples from a single owner, with a full service history, preferably from a dealership. A pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with GM vehicles is absolutely essential. Buyers should budget for immediate and ongoing repairs, particularly for the transmission and electrical systems. It may only be suitable for a dedicated DIY mechanic who understands the platform's flaws and has access to parts. For the average buyer seeking a used minivan, community feedback strongly advises looking at Honda Odyssey (avoiding specific years with known transmission issues), Toyota Sienna, or a 2011-2012 Dodge Grand Caravan instead.
Remarks
The Uplander is part of the GM U-body platform shared with the Chevrolet Venture, Buick Terraza, Pontiac Montana, and Saturn Relay, which explains the commonality of parts and problems. Owner discussions indicate that dealerships and mechanics were often unable to resolve known issues like the sliding door problems due to a lack of support or solutions from the manufacturer. While parts are generally available due to this platform sharing, the vehicle's reputation for neglect and abuse on the used market means finding a well-maintained example is exceptionally rare. The feedback is based on long-term ownership experiences with high-mileage vehicles, often detailing multiple major failures over 150,000+ miles. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and related comments.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 119 | 1 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 109 | 2 | structure |
| 2006 | 158 | 4 | electrical system |
| 2005 | 196 | 4 | electrical system |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices11 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2008 · suspension:rearcampaign 10V110000
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
2007 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2007 · suspension:rearcampaign 10V110000
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
2006 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2006 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 06V051000
CERTAIN CARGO VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND NO. 120. "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THESE CARGO VANS WERE SHIPPED WITHOUT A TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECTLY DESIGNATED AS INCOMPLETE VEHICLES.
2006 · suspension:rearcampaign 10V110000
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
2006 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 05V552000
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
2005 · steeringcampaign 09E005000
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
2005 · seats:mid/rear assemblycampaign 05V061000
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE IMPACT TEST.
2005 · suspension:rearcampaign 10V110000
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
2005 · parking brakecampaign 05V287000
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' TO MEET THE STANDARD, THE VEHICLE MUST NOT MOVE FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN STOPPED ON A STEEP HILL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL (N). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAILED THIS TEST.
Specifications
3.9 i V6
3.9L 6-cylinder · 243 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2006–2008