Avoid: No year grades F. Weakest: 2005
Best: 2007
4 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 4 model years, the Chevrolet Uplander has 582 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 11 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and structure. 2005 drew the most complaints (196), 2007 the fewest (109).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Chevrolet Uplander vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $4,294–$8,888.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2005 (196 complaints). Lowest: 2007 (109).
Owner sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, with the vehicle characterized as unreliable, poorly built, and a source of persistent mechanical and electrical problems.
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.".
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.
Repeated thermostat failures (P0128 code), engines overheating, heaters blowing cold at idle, and difficulty bleeding air from the system.
Doors binding, failing to operate correctly, described as a "known issue" with no manufacturer-provided solution.
Rough idle when hot, stalling when shifting into reverse, hard starting requiring throttle input, and injector circuit codes (P0201-P0206).
Owner insights cover all generations of the Uplander. Individual model years are broken down above.
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