Uplander (1st)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
LX9
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LB7
6.6L 8-cyl TurboView details
Complaint Breakdown
Chevrolet Uplander Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
LGD
3.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Show 4 additional engine variants with limited data
L36
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LL8
4.2L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LN2
2.2L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
LZ9
3.9L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Chevrolet Uplander, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander
On a used 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (188), the electrical system (163) and the brakes (73). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 188 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander about the body and structure.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 163 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander about the electrical system.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 73 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander about the brakes.
- Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 56 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander about the fuel system, all engines combined.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 55 owner complaints on the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander about the steering.
Recalls (6)
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
CERTAIN CARGO VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS" AND NO. 120. "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PASSENGER CARS." THESE CARGO VANS WERE SHIPPED WITHOUT A TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECTLY DESIGNATED AS INCOMPLETE VEHICLES.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, 'PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.' TO MEET THE STANDARD, THE VEHICLE MUST NOT MOVE FOR FIVE MINUTES WHEN STOPPED ON A STEEP HILL WITH THE PARKING BRAKE APPLIED AND THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL (N). SOME OF THESE VEHICLES FAILED THIS TEST.
Show 1 older recall
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS, THE OUTBOARD RELEASE HANDLE ON THE IMPACT-SIDE SECOND-ROW BUCKET SEAT MAY BE ACTUATED AND THE REAR LATCHES MAY UNLATCH EARLY IN A SIDE IMPACT CRASH. THIS WAS DISCOVERED IN A SIDE IMPACT TEST RUN BY GM, UNDER CONDITIONS SIMILAR TO NHTSA'S NEW CAR ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NCAP) SIDE IMPACT TEST.
Alternatives in Minivan
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander complaints?
Owners have filed 561 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the electrical system and the brakes.
Is the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 561 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander have?
NHTSA has 561 owner complaints on file for the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Chevrolet Uplander?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the electrical system and the brakes, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Uplander have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 561 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.