2013 Chevrolet Express

Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data

Engine Size
Engine
4.3L V6
Oil Type & Capacity
5W-30 (4.5 qts)
Transmission
Automatic 6-spd
Wheel Torque
140
ft-lbs

The 2013 Chevrolet Express maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Chevrolet Express.

For oil changes, the 2013 Chevrolet Express takes 5W-30 motor oil with a capacity of 4.5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Dex-Cool (OAT), and transmission fluid is Dexron VI. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.

When mounting wheels on the Chevrolet Express, torque the lug nuts to 140 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.

Owners of the 2013 Chevrolet Express have reported 5 common issues including "Transmission Control Module Software Defect", "Rear Wheel Momentary Lockup" and "6.6L V8 Engine Wiring Harness Short Circuit Risk". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.

There are 8 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2013 Chevrolet Express. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.

Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.

The 2013 Chevrolet Express uses 5W-30 motor oil (4.5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 140 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.

2013 Chevrolet Express Specifications
Motor Oil5W-30
Oil Capacity4.5 qt
Lug Nut Torque140 ft-lbs
Brake FluidDOT 3
CoolantDex-Cool (OAT)
Transmission FluidDexron VI
Transmission Fluid
Fluid Type
Dexron VI
Shop
Coolant
Fluid Type
Dex-Cool (OAT)
Shop
Brake Fluid
Fluid Type
DOT 3
Shop
Washer Fluid
Windshield
Shop

Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2013 Chevrolet Express. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.

Service Item
Interval
Engine Oil & Filter
7,500 mi / 12 mo
5W-30 conventional or synthetic blend, 6 qt (4.8L/5.3L/6.0L V8)
Tire Rotation
7,500 mi / 6 mo
Rotate every oil change
Cabin Air Filter
20,000 mi / 24 mo
If equipped; not standard on all trims
Engine Air Filter
30,000 mi / 48 mo
Inspect at 15,000 mi; heavy-duty use
Brake Fluid
45,000 mi / 36 mo
DOT 3
Transmission Fluid
50,000 mi
4-speed or 6-speed auto; Dexron VI
Coolant
150,000 mi
Dex-Cool OAT; then every 30,000 mi
Spark Plugs
100,000 mi
Iridium-tipped; AC Delco
Serpentine Belt
75,000 mi
Inspect at 50,000 mi
Battery
48 mo
Inspect annually; heavy electrical loads
DTC Code Lookup

Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2013 Chevrolet Express.

Common problems reported by 2013 Chevrolet Express owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.

1

Transmission Control Module Software Defect

The 2022-2023 Express vans equipped with the 4.3L V6/8-speed automatic or 2.8L turbodiesel/8-speed automatic combinations have defective transmission control module (TCM) software. The software error can cause harsh shifting, sudden deceleration, and the vehicle moving in an unintended direction from a stop. GM received 18 harsh shifting complaints and 5 sudden deceleration reports.

Solution

GM recall affecting 54,722 Express units. Dealers reprogram the TCM with updated software that corrects the shift logic. The repair is performed free of charge.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
2

Rear Wheel Momentary Lockup

The transmission control valve can fail, causing a brief lockup of the rear wheels or a sudden change in vehicle direction at low speed. This is related to the TCM software issue but involves physical wear in the transmission control valve body. The condition is most likely to occur during low-speed maneuvers.

Solution

GM safety recall for TCM software update and, if wear is detected, transmission control valve body replacement. Dealers install updated software that monitors valve performance and detects excessive wear before lockup can occur.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall) - $2,000 (valve body replacement)
3

6.6L V8 Engine Wiring Harness Short Circuit Risk

Express vans equipped with the 6.6L gas V8 engine may have a wiring harness susceptible to short circuits. If a short occurs, drivers may receive a low battery voltage warning, the battery may die, or in worst cases, a fire can start in the engine compartment. This is a serious safety concern, especially for fleet and commercial operators.

Solution

GM recall for inspection and replacement of the affected wiring harness section. Dealers install protective conduit over the vulnerable wiring to prevent chafing and short circuits. Free of charge under recall.

Est. Cost: $0 (recall repair)
4

Aging Platform Reliability Issues

The Express is based on a platform dating back to 1996, and the 2022 model retains many legacy components. Owners report issues with door hinge and latch mechanisms, rust in the rear cargo area and undercarriage, power window regulator failures, and cooling system leaks from the water pump and radiator. ABS module failures are also common.

Solution

Replace door hinges and latches as they wear. Apply rust prevention treatment to the undercarriage. Replace the water pump and radiator hoses as preventive maintenance. ABS module repair or replacement for brake warning light issues.

Est. Cost: $200 - $1,500 depending on component
5

Fuel System and Emissions Problems

Owners report check engine lights related to the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, including faulty purge valves and gas cap seal failures. The fuel level sensor can also malfunction, causing inaccurate fuel gauge readings. On diesel-equipped models, the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) system can trigger derate conditions.

Solution

Replace the EVAP purge valve and gas cap. Replace the fuel level sending unit for inaccurate gauge readings. For diesel models, DEF injector and tank heater replacement may be needed. Clear and relearn the ECM fuel trims after repairs.

Est. Cost: $100 - $800

8 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2013 Chevrolet Express. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov

1

EQUIPMENT

Campaign: 18V267000 Date: 26/04/2018

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence

In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1-866-441-9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.

2

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign: 13V544000 Date: 30/10/2015

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD, Chevrolet Express, and GMC Sierra HD vehicles, and model year 2013 GMC Savana compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles that fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 303 "Fuel System Integrity of Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles." In the affected vehicles, the text of the CNG fuel-only label is smaller than the required size, and as a result, may be less noticeable.

Consequence

Text that does not conform to the required labeling size could inhibit fuel tank inspection practices and safe refueling, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and will send them a replacement label, free of charge. The recall began December 3, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 13365.

3

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Campaign: 14V500000 Date: 13/08/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Chevrolet Express compressed natural gas (CNG)vehicles manufactured September 10, 2010, to April 28, 2014, and GMC Savana CNG vehicles manufactured May 23, 2011, to April 21, 2014. The affected vehicles may leak natural gas from the CNG high pressure regulator.

Consequence

A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 14321.

4

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

Campaign: 14V117000 Date: 17/03/2014

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Consequence

In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463. GM's number for this recall is 14082.

5

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

Campaign: 13V225000 Date: 15/05/2013

General Motors LLC (GM) and IMPCO Automotive Division of IMPCO Technologies, Inc. (IMPCO) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (CNG) fuel system installed as original equipment by IMPCO. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the CNG tank that may corrode and form a short.

Consequence

A short at the connector may cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.

Remedy

GM will notify owners and GM dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. GM's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is FA13GM001. Owner's may contact GM Fleet Action Center at 1-800-353-3867.

6

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Campaign: 13V147000 Date: 17/04/2013

Explorer Van Company, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2013 Explorer and Explorer Limited SE vehicles built on GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express chassis, manufactured August 1, 2012, through April 9, 2013. The wiring harness that powers the seat adjuster and the seat heating circuit may not be properly secured. As a result, the harness may become lodged in the seat riser mechanism.

Consequence

If the wires become lodged in the seat riser mechanism, they may become severed and potentially short circuit. A short circuit may result in a fire.

Remedy

Explorer Van Company will notify owners, and dealers will secure the seat wiring harness. Any damaged seat wiring harnesses will be replaced. These services will be completed free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2013. Customers may contact Explorer Van Company at 1-800-926-7878. Explorer's number for this campaign is 2013-1.

7

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign: 13V010000 Date: 14/01/2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Chevrolet Express vehicles manufactured November 1, 2012, through December 21, 2012; and model year 2013 GMC Savana vehicles, manufactured November 14, 2012, through November 20, 2012. It may be possible to remove the key from the ignition when the vehicle is running or the transmission is not in the Park position. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence

If the ignition key is removed while the vehicle is still on and/or the vehicle is not in Park, the vehicle may rollaway and the unintended movement of the vehicle may result in a possible crash or injury to pedestrians.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition lock cylinder and the two associated keys. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall began on February 8, 2013. For more information, GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463 and Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438.

8

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

Campaign: 13V001000 Date: 02/01/2013

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, and Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Express, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, and Tahoe; and GMC Savana, Sierra HD, Sierra LD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles, manufactured between November 7, 2012, through December 18, 2012, for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 102, "Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect", and FMVSS No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention." The vehicles may have been built with a fractured park lock cable or a malformed steering column lock actuator gear in the lock module assembly.

Consequence

As a result, the vehicle may shift from Park with the ignition key removed or the ignition key in the OFF position. The vehicle may also shift out of Park without application of the brake pedal while the key is off. Either of these scenarios may cause the vehicle to roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible vehicle crash and/or injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the affected vehicles and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 21, 2013. Chevrolet owners may call 1-800-630-2438. Cadillac owners may call 1-866-982-2339. GMC owners may call 1-866-996-9463.

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Express — Other Model Years
2026202520242023202220212020201920182017
See Also
2013 Chevrolet Express Lug Nut TorqueBest Oil for 2013 Chevrolet ExpressAll Vehicles Using 5W-30 OilAll Vehicles Using DOT 3Oil Change Guide: 2013 Chevrolet ExpressWiper Replacement: 2013 Chevrolet Express