MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2020 Chevrolet Express Safety Ratings

The 2020 Chevrolet Express scores 67 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 1 recall, and 16 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

1Recalls
16Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

Limited crash-test data for the 2020 Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 restricts a full assessment of its occupant protection. While its defect record sub-score is strong, the absence of NHTSA ratings across most categories curtails confidence in its overall safety performance. The vehicle earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 67/100, placing it in the Below Average band. This makes the 2020 Express Passenger 3500 a cautious pick for safety-focused buyers.

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 received a rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars from NHTSA and carries a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100 derived from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Chevrolet Express ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
2020 Chevrolet Express safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index67 / 100 (Below Average)
Frontal / Side / Rollover3 stars
Rollover risk27.9%
Recalls on file1
Owner complaints16 (unverified allegations)
Class rank102 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Chevrolet Express?

For the 2020 Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500, a critical point in its federal safety profile is the near-absence of NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings. Only the rollover category received a rating, scoring 3 out of 5 stars with a 28 percent rollover risk. This leaves a significant gap in the vehicle's official crash protection assessment. This van earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, which, while a three-point improvement over the 2019 model's 64, keeps it in the Below Average category. The crash protection sub-score, at 42 out of 70, heavily influenced the overall index due to the missing frontal and side impact test results. The 2020 Express Passenger 3500 does show a notable strength in its defect record, achieving a sub-score of 18.5 out of 20. This reflects a low volume of owner complaints and only one recall issued for the model year. Its avoidance technology sub-score is 6 out of 10. While electronic stability control is standard, key features such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional equipment.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Chevrolet Express perform in crash tests?

The 2020 Chevrolet Express Passenger 3500 lacks federal crash-test ratings for overall, frontal, and side impact protection. These categories remain unevaluated by NHTSA. The single available assessment is for rollover, where the vehicle achieved 3 out of 5 stars. This rating is based on a measured rollover risk of 28 percent and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip-test.

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
SideNot rated
Rollover
Rollover risk 27.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14345

Index breakdown

Crash protection42/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record18.5/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?

The 2020 Chevrolet Express was subject to one recall campaign. That campaign, issued by General Motors, covered tires across a broad group of GM vehicles including this Express, alongside the Buick Enclave, Cadillac XT4, XT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and Traverse. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data for this campaign.

TIRES21V115000

Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall resulting in sudden air loss or a belt edge separation which could lead to a tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 22, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Buick customer service at 1-866-608-8080, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N212329050.

Reported 2021-02-25

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Chevrolet Express?

Sixteen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Chevrolet Express, including one alleged crash. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited component is the Power Train, with 9 reports, followed by Structure at 3, and Electrical System, Engine, and Service Brakes each drawing 2 alleged reports.

16 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

1reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 9Structure 3Electrical System 2Unknown Or Other 2Engine 2Service Brakes 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Chevrolet Express?

The 2020 Chevrolet Express has an open recall regarding its tires. While open recalls on six-year-old vehicles are not uncommon, it remains the buyer's responsibility to confirm the remedy's completion via the VIN on NHTSA's recall database prior to purchase.

  • The 2020 model year improved three points over the 2019 Express in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 64 to 67, yet both years remain in the Below Average band, meaning the improvement did not change the overall safety tier.
  • NHTSA assigned a rollover star rating of 3 out of 5 for this specific model year configuration, with a 28 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, but issued no frontal or side crash-test ratings for this van.
  • The single recall for this model year was a tire-related campaign covering a wide range of 2020 GM vehicles; used buyers should run the VIN through NHTSA's database to confirm whether the remedy was performed.
  • Sixteen unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year, with Power Train allegations accounting for more than half of all reports at 9 out of 16, making that system the most frequently alleged concern in the federal complaint record for this year.

RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Chevrolet Express places

The 2020 Chevrolet Express qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2020 Chevrolet Express safety questions

Was the 2020 Chevrolet Express crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Chevrolet Express, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 67 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2020 Chevrolet Express crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2020 Chevrolet Express earned 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 27.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.

How many recalls does the 2020 Chevrolet Express have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Express. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Chevrolet Express?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 16 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Chevrolet Express. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

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Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Express years

Rivals in Sedan (2020)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2020 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2020 Acura RLX99/1005 of 51
2020 Acura RLX Sport99/100not rated1
2020 Audi S5 Sportback99/100not rated0
2020 Infiniti Q5099/100not rated0
2020 Mazda Mazda398/1005 of 52
2020 Nissan Maxima98/1005 of 51
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14345), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Express 2020.
  • SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 102 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
  • EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
  • VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.