This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
On 05/31/2016 called Chevrolet to ask why stability control light went on when going over a bump in road. 06-02-2016 called local dealership about stability light problem, was told that is was a loose connection most likely. After looking online, we ignored the light. On August 28, 2017 we brought the Uplander into another dealership for an estimate on the fuel service. That evening when we went to pick the van up, the service tech said that the transmission was "gone". he gave an estimate on a new transmission. We had been driving the van without problems but for losing power going up hills, that's why we wanted the fuel service, previously that was the problem. We have serviced this vehicle all the time from when we purchased in December of 2008. When we picked the van up we didn't make it more than 4 blocks when it stopped moving. Now the transmission mechanic says the transmission has overheated and needs a complete rebuild for $2,600. Online the Chevy forum says that the module goes and the transmission overheats destroying the transmission, but also states a light comes on. This light has not come on if its not the stability control light.
Having an issue intermittently where the "service stability system" message flashes on the message panel at random times when driving. When this happens our brakes lock up at the same time. This is an extremely scary situation when driving on the interstate or in heavy traffic. We have taken this vehicle in to the dealer to have this checked and they were not able to replicate the issue, therefore we were advised nothing was wrong. I feel that this is a huge safety issue and I think this warrants a recall on this vehicle because the brakes locking up at inopportune and unexpected times will surely cost lives at some point. It happened to us on an incoming ramp for an interstate and we had cars slamming on brakes and trying to get past us. It's a very serious issue.
We have been having an issue intermittently where the "service stability system" message flashes on the message panel. When this happens our brakes lock up at the same time. This is an extremely scary situation when driving on the interstate or in heavy traffic. We have taken this vehicle in to the dealer to have this checked and they were not able to replicate the issue, therefore we were advised nothing was wrong. I feel that this is a huge safety issue with the number of complaints that have been filed on this issue alone, and I think this warrants a recall on this vehicle because the brakes locking up at inopportune and unexpected times will surely cost lives at some point. We are in a position where we still have a loan on this vehicle for 3 more years and cannot enjoy it for fear of driving the vehicle and this awful thing happening, and we cannot get it fixed because the dealer can't find the problem.
This isn't the first time the stability control has made driving actually dangerous. The first time it locked up and we skid to a halt thankfully going 25 miles an hour. And it was just out of warranty at that time. This time, we just had the full hub assembly replaced and while driving at a higher speed the stability control locked up again, not quite as hard but hard enough, and it pulled sharply to one side. Both times, thankfully years apart, we were going straight and didn't hit anyone because of it as no one was around. This thing is going to kill someone. And why with all the complaints about it has it not been recalled. I'm afraid to drive it and I'm not ready to buy another car. By the way, I don't know why it was even installed. It doesn't actually work. We used to live in northern Utah and we lived at the last street up the mountain. When the road was very icy we'd have to turn the stability control off in order to get home. It actually made driving in the snow/ice harder and more dangerous. We have yet to take the Uplander in to be fixed yet again as we have had too many repairs on vehicles lately and just don't want to spend more. So, no diagnosis has been made as of today.
The contact owns a 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. The contact stated that the traction control and electronic stability warning indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed dielectric grease on the front driver and passenger wheels. The vehicle was remedied, but the failure recurred. In addition, the vehicle needed the battery changed approximately five times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 68,560.
- Saint Charles, MO, USA
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I have had my ABS traction control lights come on several times. The first time I had both front wheel hubs replaced. Only hat about 40,000 miles. About 18 months later I had to have the left replaced again. About 3 months after that I had the right replaced again. About a year later had to have the left replaced again. Now I have 102,000 miles and the lights are coming on again. Chevy should do a recall this is crap that they have been replaced so many time and it is only 7 yrs. Old. It is coming on the most now when in reverse and turning, or turning sharp going forward.
Anti brake lights, stability and traction control lights and tire pressure lights continually appear. Have replaced rotors twice, complete brake assembly twice, and front wheel bearings once. No one seems to know exactly what the problem is. Diagnoses run from wiring harness to anti lock brake system.
Clicking, squeaky, clunky noises in rear suspension. There is a jerk at 20mph, as you drive it keeps jerking as you pick up speed. Stability control system light keeps coming on even after I changed the wheel bearing.
On 08/04/14 I took my 2008 Chevy Uplander to local Chevrolet dealer ([xxx]) due to ABS and traction control were appear on the screen. The tech diagnosed that 2 problems were found faulty left front hub/bearing assembly and wiring harness. The tech replaced and fixed the issues. And this year on 03/05/15 I have the same lights appear on my screen again (ABS & traction control) and I did the same thing took to Chevrolet dealer ([xxx]) the tech diagnose the same issues occur again. I refuse too have them fix and would like GM start recall all 2008 Chevy Uplander due to hub/bearing assembly and wiring harness problems since the cost of fixing these issues are between $650 - $700. Is pretty expensive for person that live on paycheck by paycheck each week. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
While driving down the road, brakes locked up on vehicle. Problem has repeated itself several times since. When this happens, vehicle pulls to the left. We are no longer driving vehicle due to safety concern.
I have had nothing but problems with this car. I have had brake issues the front sensor wires got snagged and shut down while driving. It had turned on and off a few times once as I slammed on the brakes, I almost rear ended the car in front of me. The fuel system has needed a new wire harness that had burnt up at 108,000 miles, the tuning port needed to be replaced around the same time as well as an evap canister. Now at 140,000 miles the transmission went out. They have blocked me from reporting on facebook how the cars are awful but I am now writing everyone I can about the autos they pass of as american car.
The first thing that I noticed was the warning system posted "stability system error". while driving on the highway, with my foot on the accelerator, the brake depressed with some agitation of catching or jerkiness. This has occurred multiple times with no real pattern of consistency.
Vehicle leaned to left when driven at 40 mph or above. Contacted GM hotline and advised to take to dealer for diagnostic. Took vehicle to local dealer on 9/8/2014 (wilson, nc) and was advised that right rear wheel assembly needed replacing. In addition, it was suggested that rear shocks and brake pads be replaced. Total costs were $1035.09. I picked up vehicle on 9/11/2014 and noticed that leaning had diminished but still persisted when road slopes or curves towards the left. Have taken vehicle back to dealer three times and they insist that this is normal although I have never experienced this in the six years that I have owned this van. On most recent visit, service manager took van into shop for about 15 minutes and the problem has worsened with van feeling like a jalopy ride on uneven surfaces. The steering wheel now vibrates and makes a weird grinding noise if turned to more than half way in either direction. I now pray each time I must drive the vehicle because I am not sure that it will not tip over. Neither the dealer nor GM have been able to correct the problem and have made me to feel as though I am overreacting to the situation. I hope this report will help to address this matter for myself and other Uplander owners. Any suggestions you may have are welcomed. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
This vehicle is suffering an intermittent driver information center notification... stating, .... check ABS brake system, check traction control system, check stability control system.... all the corresponding system dash lights are then on. I also believe I have smelled an odor in my car... a faint smell of something burnt...
I was driving down the highway and the brakes activated for no reason as I was going at 60 mph. This has happened before while driving much slower while going around curves but never on the highway. I was lucky there was not on coming traffic because the vehicle veered to the side as the brakes engaged. I drove to my destination slowly on the side of the road and it happened a second time. At this point I called and had the vehicle towed as I did not want to go any further in it. I spoke to a rep at Chevy who said that it is the 'stability control system' and to 'keep a log' as to when it occurs and what type of ground I am traveling on at the time of these incidents. Doesn't anyone see the danger in this happening on a highway "?? the van has been in to the shop several times to address this problem, but all they do is change a couple of sensors and the problem is not fixed. I have a friend who owns an Uplander and he is having the exact problem with it. I have read online that this is happening to others and that Chevy is not doing anything about it. I have also read that disabling the traction control system does not work to alleviate this problem. I am afraid to drive it. This van is owned by the a health department in NY in which I am an employee. The van has also been to our mechanics here, and they always send it out to the dealer for the repairs, and no one can fix it. Why isn't this a recall" I Transport children in this vehicle. This is a very dangerous problem.
On Feb 18, 2013 my door came off on my Uplander, along with numerous electrical error messages at the same time. I had my vehicle in the shop for over 3 weeks until I finally was able to pick up. I also had the engine stability and the air pressure monitor and air bag, and traction control repaired costing a total of $2,336 dollars of repairs completed. After reading other complaints on this vehicle, I am trying to trade in my vehicle where I purchased it, but I owe more then what it was appraised for. I have asked the dealer for a trade, but they are not working with me. I am afraid for the safety of my family, and other vehicles on the road when operating this vehicle. Please, do not take this complaint lightly, and assist me in making GMC replace my vehicle as soon as possible.
Brakes intermittently apply themselves without warning. Happened previous to this incident several times at lower speeds. I'm not sure if brake lights activate when this happens making this a highly dangerous situation. Dealer had vehicle three weeks, charged for labor and parts, then stated that they thought they had the problem fixed but couldn't get the automatic traction control light to go out or the dic to not display service stability system. Vehicle was okay for about four weeks then brakes started activating at low speed again. Contacted GM, they refuse to help because vehicle has "branded" title. Suggested I take it back to same dealer and pay them to diagnose a problem they can't fix.
Right back passenger door wouldn't close properly 3 days after purchase; took it in for adjustment. 2 years later, during which my baby was sitting next to that door, the latch failed and the door was inoperable. Latch was supposedly fixed. Fuel/oxygen injector failure 3 times; waiting on a part. Taken in for squealing brakes 3 times; was told the brake pads were on recall. 2 years later, I'm still waiting on the brake pads. Anti-lock brake trouble twice, stability control system failure twice, sensor malfunctions on a regular basis, check engine light on a regular basis; each time it is taken to mechanic. I've been told to ignore the problems if the warning goes off the next time I start the car, and to only bring it in if the warnings go on and off a few times. A few times the mechanic has said they can't find anything wrong with it, but the warning lights keep coming back on.
Driving out of a parking lot with a down hill slop and at an angle. The left front wheel made contact with the road first and then the right. As the back wheels made contact with the road the stabilizer control came on and as I started to accelerate either the trans or the brakes locked up throwing every one forward into their seat belts the only way to disengage what ever was locked up was to turn the ignition key off and restart the car the identical problem happened in may of 2008.
Rental vehicle. "service stability system" warning came on. Didn't think too much of it. We were about 2 hours away from closest rental facility so we continued to drive - not going too fast. Van has less than 4,000 miles on it. All of a sudden... just driving down the road not touching the brakes at all.... going about 30mph.... the brakes came on. We weren't sure if it was brakes on all 4 wheels or just certain ones. We screeched - not us, the tires, then it released and the warning came back on. The warning did go away everytime we turned the car off. At that point, we continued to drive, but kept it under 25mph the rest of the way back. They are sending out a replacement vehicle to us, and towing this one back. Thank you!
- Warwick, RI, USA
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- Harrison, NJ, USA