NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Chevrolet Express Safety Ratings
The 2026 Chevrolet Express scores 65 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 3 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2026 model year, the Chevrolet Express registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average category. This score reflects a marginal improvement of one point over the 2025 model. However, the vehicle's crash protection sub-score, at 42 out of 70, remains a significant concern, compounded by three active recall campaigns.
The 2026 Chevrolet Express received a NHTSA Safety Index of 65/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA rollover rating, according to NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Chevrolet Express ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
| NHTSA Safety Index | 65 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 29.2% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Chevrolet Express?
The 2026 Chevrolet Express moves one point forward on the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 64/100 in 2025 to 65/100, while remaining firmly in the Below Average band. That incremental gain does little to obscure the structural weaknesses in this year's profile. The crash protection sub-score of 42 out of a possible 70 points is the dominant drag on the index, a direct consequence of NHTSA not having rated the vehicle in overall, frontal, or side crash categories. The single tested dimension, rollover, yields 3 out of 5 stars and a 29 percent risk figure, which is the only hard crash-test anchor available for this year. The avoidance-tech sub-score of 6/10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional rather than standard, while electronic stability control is standard equipment. Most pressing for the 2026 model year is the defect record: three recall campaigns were opened, touching the steering gear assembly, the steering column shifter, and tire sidewalls. A defect sub-score of 17/20 shows the index methodology has already factored these campaigns in, but their presence on a current-model-year vehicle is a concrete, year-specific concern shoppers should not overlook.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Chevrolet Express perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Chevrolet Express presents an incomplete safety profile, lacking star ratings from NHTSA for overall, frontal, and side impact protection. The sole evaluated category, rollover resistance, yielded a 3 out of 5-star rating, with a 29 percent rollover risk probability. The dynamic tip-test indicated "No Tip," a positive finding within an otherwise sparse dataset.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21833
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Chevrolet Express have any recalls?
Yes. The 2026 Chevrolet Express carries three recall campaigns: a steering gear assembly nut concern shared with 2025-2026 Express and Savana models, a steering column gear-shifter that may display inaccurate gear selection on 2026 Express and Savana vehicles, and a tire sidewall defect on 2025-2026 Express Cutaway and Savana Cutaway variants. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign summaries.
STEERING26V399000
Risk: A loose nut that separates from the steering gear assembly while driving can cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gear assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 20, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N262563570. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 23,
Reported 2026-06-23
STEERING:COLUMN26V345000
Risk: Inaccurate gear selection may result in unexpected vehicle movement, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Until the remedy is performed, owners are advised to visually verify the shift position indicator each time a gear is selected and always use the parking brake when the vehicle is parked. Dealers will replace the transmission control on the steering column, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet cu
Reported 2026-05-28
TIRES:SIDEWALL26V127000
Risk: A tire with sidewall damage may experience sudden air loss or driver loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect all tire sidewalls and replace tires with sidewall damage, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 27, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252542620. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on Mar
Reported 2026-03-05
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Chevrolet Express?
NHTSA has recorded zero owner complaints for the 2026 Chevrolet Express. There are no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities in the complaint database at this time. As with all NHTSA complaint data, any future submissions would represent unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Chevrolet Express?
Three open recall campaigns on steering and tire components for this current model year necessitate a critical step for any prospective buyer. Before purchase, the vehicle's VIN must be run through the NHTSA recall lookup tool to confirm all remedy work has been completed by a GM dealer.
- Three recall campaigns are active for the 2026 model year, covering the steering gear assembly nut, a steering column gear-shifter that may show inaccurate gear position, and tire sidewall concerns on Cutaway variants.
- NHTSA has not assigned overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2026 Express, meaning the only rated crash dimension is rollover at 3 out of 5 stars with a 29 percent rollover risk.
- The Safety Index rose one point to 65/100 versus the 2025 model year, but the Below Average band classification is unchanged, driven primarily by a crash protection sub-score of 42/70.
- Both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard on the 2026 Express, contributing to an avoidance-tech sub-score of 6 out of 10 in this year's index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Chevrolet Express places
The 2026 Chevrolet Express qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Chevrolet Express safety questions
Was the 2026 Chevrolet Express crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Chevrolet Express, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 65 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 2026 Chevrolet Express crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 Chevrolet Express earned 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 29.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2026 Chevrolet Express have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Express. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Chevrolet Express?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Chevrolet Express. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Express years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21833), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chevrolet Express 2026.
- 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 71 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.