GM Recalls More Than 26,000 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana Vans Over Steering Assembly Defect

General Motors has announced a recall affecting 26,541 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans built between January 21, 2025, and June 1, 2026. The recall addresses a steering assembly issue that could increase the risk of losing steering control.

According to GM, some steering gear assemblies may not have been tightened to the required specification during production. If the retaining nut loosens over time, drivers could experience degraded steering performance or, in the worst-case scenario, a loss of vehicle control.

The issue first came to light in May 2026, when a dealership discovered a loose steering gear nut while inspecting a 2025 Chevrolet Express. An internal investigation traced the problem to supplier Nexteer Automotive Group, where a malfunctioning sensor interrupted the torque verification process. As a result, some steering assemblies carrying part numbers 86285183, 85819773, and 85056974 were shipped without meeting final torque specifications.

The recall covers 26,541 vehicles from the 2025 and 2026 model years.

All affected vans were assembled at GM's Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri, which also builds the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. The van bodies are stamped and assembled there, while the cutaway chassis versions continue to be produced at GM's facility in Springfield, Ohio.

GM says it has received nine reports related to the potential defect. Fortunately, the company is not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities connected to the issue.

Vehicles built after June 1, 2026, are not affected. GM corrected the manufacturing process on May 29, 2026, ensuring that steering assemblies leaving the supplier meet the required specifications.

Owners and lessees of affected vans will begin receiving notification letters by August 10, 2026. Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly free of charge. GM notes that the replacement component is identical in design, with the only difference being that it has been assembled and inspected correctly.

The Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana remain two of the most popular full-size commercial vans in the U.S., competing directly with the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. Despite their long production run, both models continue to attract fleet buyers thanks to their proven reliability, straightforward design, and relatively low operating costs.

Although rumors of an electric successor have circulated for years, the Express and Savana continue to soldier on after more than three decades in production. For the 2026 model year, buyers can still order the durable 6.6-liter L8T V8, featuring a cast-iron block and an emphasis on long-term durability and easy maintenance rather than cutting-edge complexity.