NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chevrolet Express Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chevrolet Express scores 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 2 recalls, and 11 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
NHTSA did not conduct a full crash-test program for the 2021 Chevrolet Express, leaving significant gaps in the federal safety data for this model year. One of its two recalls carried a park-outside directive. The van earns a 62/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Below Average band. These factors warrant careful scrutiny before purchase.
The 2021 Chevrolet Express earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 62/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, with overall, frontal, and side crash ratings listed as not rated by NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Vans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chevrolet Express ranks 2 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 62 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 27.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 11 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 2 of 4 Vans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chevrolet Express?
A "park outside" designation for a recall campaign defines the 2021 Chevrolet Express, distinguishing its safety profile from a routine recall year. This directive stemmed from a battery cable fault in 6.6L gasoline engine variants. This issue contributes to a defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20, reflecting the impact of two recall campaigns. Overall, the 2021 Express registers 62 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a five-point decrease from the 2020 model's 67 out of 100, placing both model years in the Below Average band. The crash protection sub-score, 42 out of 70, is significantly limited by the absence of NHTSA frontal and side impact ratings. The only available crash test data point is a 3-out-of-5-star rollover result. In terms of avoidance technology, the sub-score is 6 out of 10. While electronic stability control is standard, critical features such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning are offered only as options. For a large 15-passenger van, the combination of a park-outside recall, a declining safety index, and an largely untested crash profile indicates a need for thorough verification before considering acquisition of a 2021 Chevrolet Express.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chevrolet Express perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Chevrolet Express presents an incomplete safety profile, as NHTSA did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings. The sole available assessment is for rollover, where the van received 3 out of 5 stars. This rating is accompanied by a 28 percent rollover risk, though the vehicle did pass the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15321
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Chevrolet Express was subject to two recall campaigns. The first, and more urgent, involved the electrical system, specifically 12V battery cables on vehicles equipped with the 6.6L gasoline engine, and carried an explicit park-outside directive. The second addressed tires and was part of a broader multi-brand GM action.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES21V189000
Risk: A short-circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove a portion of the anti-rotation tab on both positive battery cable terminals near the fuse block assembly attachments, free of charge. If too much of the tab had been removed during prior servicing, the battery cable will be replaced, free of charge
Reported 2021-03-18
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 2021 Chevrolet Express?
Eleven complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Express, including alleged involvement in one crash and one injury. The top components cited in these unverified allegations are the Fuel/Propulsion System with three reports, the Power Train with two, and Service Brakes with two.
11 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chevrolet Express?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 Express should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. The park-outside battery cable recall in particular must be confirmed as remedied. Do not assume a used vehicle has had recall work completed by a prior owner.
- The 2021 model year carries a park-outside recall tied to battery cable faults on 6.6L gasoline-engine variants, the most serious recall designation NHTSA issues, and the defining safety event that distinguishes this year from adjacent model years.
- The Safety Index fell five points from 67 in 2020 to 62 in 2021, both in the Below Average band, with the defect record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20 reflecting the impact of two recall campaigns on this year's overall score.
- NHTSA did not conduct frontal or side crash tests on the 2021 Express, meaning the only tested crash metric is the 3-out-of-5-star rollover rating with a 28 percent rollover risk, leaving significant gaps in the crash protection picture.
- Eleven unverified complaints filed with NHTSA for this model year include alleged reports touching the Fuel/Propulsion System, Power Train, and Service Brakes, with the most recent allegation submitted in early 2025, suggesting ongoing owner concerns worth monitoring.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chevrolet Express places
The 2021 Chevrolet Express qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chevrolet Express safety questions
Was the 2021 Chevrolet Express crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chevrolet Express, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 62 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 2021 Chevrolet Express crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Chevrolet Express have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Express, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chevrolet Express?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 11 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chevrolet Express. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Express years
Rivals in Van (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 GMC Savana | 62/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 12 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 15 | 39/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15321), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Express 2021.
- 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 2 of 4 in the Van class for 2021.
- 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.