2015 Chevrolet Express Cargo

The 2015 Chevrolet Express Cargo is a full-size van appreciated for its robust capabilities and practicality, making it a popular choice for commercial use and those needing ample cargo space. It’s available with several engine options: a 4.3L V6 (276 hp, 298 lb-ft of torque), a 5.3L V8 (310 hp, 334 lb-ft of torque), and a 6.0L V8 (342 hp, 373 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options generally include a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise its straightforward design, ease of maintenance, and towing capacity. Common dislikes include its fuel economy and relatively outdated interior.

Engine

4.3L V6

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations including the valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket, and rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the vehicle, low oil levels, and the smell of burning oil.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gaskets or seals. Clean the affected areas.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $600+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AFM system can cause lifter failure, resulting in a ticking noise from the engine, misfires, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: Replace the affected lifters and potentially the camshaft. AFM delete kits are also an option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can happen due to worn piston rings or issues related to the AFM system. Signs include needing to add oil frequently between changes and blue smoke coming from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Address worn piston rings and consider disabling the AFM system. Replacing the piston rings is a labor-intensive process.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ for piston ring replacement, $500-$1,500 for AFM disable

6.0L V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption can happen due to worn piston rings. Signs include needing to add oil frequently between changes and blue smoke coming from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Address worn piston rings. Replacing the piston rings is a labor-intensive process.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ for piston ring replacement.

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (All Engines)

• Torque Converter Shudder
  • Description/Symptoms: A shudder or vibration can be felt, especially during light acceleration at highway speeds. Often caused by torque converter clutch issues.
  • Solution: Flush the transmission fluid (using the correct fluid type). If the shudder persists, replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for fluid flush, $800 - $1500+ for torque converter replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may exhibit harsh or delayed shifts, or slip between gears. This can be caused by worn valve body components or internal damage.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild, or complete transmission replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+ for valve body, $3000 - $5000+ for transmission replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Leaf Spring Sagging/Breaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear leaf springs can sag or break, especially if the vehicle is frequently used for heavy loads. This can lead to a rough ride and reduced load capacity.
  • Solution: Replace the leaf springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+ per spring replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery may drain overnight or within a few days, often due to a parasitic draw from a faulty module or accessory.
  • Solution: Perform a parasitic draw test to identify the source of the drain and repair or replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source.
  • Recalls: None Found
• ABS Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illumination and potential loss of ABS functionality. Often caused by a faulty wheel speed sensor.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty ABS sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per sensor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Side Door Roller Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty opening or closing the sliding side door due to worn or broken rollers.
  • Solution: Replace the door rollers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+ per roller replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• HVAC Blower Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The HVAC blower motor may stop working, resulting in no heat or air conditioning.
  • Solution: Replace the blower motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Chevrolet Express Cargo presents a range of issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly with the 5.3L V8’s AFM system and oil consumption, can be expensive to address. Transmission issues, such as torque converter shudder and harsh shifting, are also common. Suspension problems, like leaf spring sagging, can affect ride quality and load capacity. Electrical issues can be frustrating, and exterior issues with the sliding door rollers can be inconvenient. The severity and cost of these potential repairs vary significantly, so a thorough inspection before purchase is recommended.