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Chevrolet · Known Issues

2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander Problems & Issues

2005-2009 model years · 500+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 500+ owner reports, the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak ($400-$900 repair) and Electric Power Steering Failure ($400-$1,200 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak with 190 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $1,200. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Uplander Engine1
  • Uplander Suspension1
  • Uplander Other2
  • Uplander Steering1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Other2
  • Steering1
  • Recalls6
  • FAQ

All 5 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20092008200720062005
Community reported
190 owners

The 3.5L and 3.9L V6 develop intake manifold gasket leaks, continuing the GM V6 gasket legacy. Coolant leaks externally or into engine oil.

This issue also affects: Buick LeSabre, Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac Allante

Common Symptoms

  • Coolant leak at intake manifold
  • Sweet coolant smell
  • Low coolant
  • Overheating
  • Oil discoloration

How to Fix

Replace intake manifold gaskets with updated design. Flush cooling system and oil after repair.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

Research This Issue

Based on 190 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low Confidence190 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
180 owners

Electric power steering motor or control module fails causing loss of power assist. Steering becomes very heavy. GM issued recalls on some model years.

This issue also affects: Cadillac XT6, Chevrolet HHR, Chevrolet Malibu

Common Symptoms

  • Steering becomes very heavy
  • Power steering warning light
  • Intermittent loss of power assist
  • Steering assist returns after restart
  • Clicking noise from steering column

How to Fix

Replace power steering motor or control module. Check for GM recall coverage first (recall 14V-153). Some aftermarket rebuilt units available.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,200

Research This Issue

Based on 180 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low Confidence180 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026
Community reported
130 owners

Rear A/C lines running under the van corrode and leak refrigerant. Road salt accelerates corrosion. System loses charge gradually.

Common Symptoms

  • Rear A/C blows warm
  • A/C system low on refrigerant
  • Oily residue on A/C lines under vehicle
  • Front A/C also weak due to low charge
  • Visible corrosion on metal A/C lines

How to Fix

Replace corroded A/C lines. Evacuate and recharge system. Inspect all lines and connections. Some owners bypass rear A/C entirely.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $800

Research This Issue

Based on 130 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Low Confidence130 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

The rear A/C refrigerant lines that run under the vehicle to the rear evaporator corrode and develop leaks, especially in salt-belt states. Once the lines leak, the entire system loses charge and both front and rear A/C stop working. The lines are aluminum and are particularly susceptible to road salt.

Common Symptoms

  • Rear A/C blows warm
  • Front and rear A/C both stop working
  • Visible corrosion on underbody lines
  • A/C low charge warning

How to Fix

Replace the corroded rear A/C lines. Aftermarket stainless steel replacement lines are available and resist future corrosion. Evacuate and recharge the entire A/C system after repair. Apply undercoating to the new lines for corrosion protection. Some owners delete the rear A/C system entirely and cap the lines.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $900

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

The high-pressure power steering line develops leaks at the crimped fittings and rubber sections, causing power steering fluid loss and groaning from the pump. The lines run near exhaust components, and leaking fluid on hot exhaust creates smoke and a burning smell. This can progress to sudden power steering loss.

Common Symptoms

  • Power steering whining or groaning
  • Fluid leak on ground
  • Burning smell from engine bay
  • Heavy steering effort
  • Low fluid in reservoir

How to Fix

Replace the high-pressure power steering line assembly. Flush the system with fresh power steering fluid after replacement. Inspect the power steering pump for damage from running low on fluid — a whining pump indicates internal damage. Fill and bleed the system by turning the wheel lock-to-lock several times.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $450

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls6 recalls

SUSPENSION:REAR

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.

Campaign #10V11000019/03/2010

STEERING

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.

Campaign #09E00500017/02/2009

SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Chevrolet Uplander problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 500+ owner reports, the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak, Electric Power Steering Failure, Rear A/C Line Corrosion and Refrigerant Leak. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Chevrolet Uplander reliable?

The 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander has 5 known issues documented across 500+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak and Electric Power Steering Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Chevrolet Uplander problems?

Repair costs for known Chevrolet Uplander issues range from $200 to $1,200, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak, typically costs $400-$900 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Chevrolet Uplander is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Chevrolet Uplander. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander with 5 documented issues documented across 500+ owner reports.

What is the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Uplander Intake Manifold Gasket Coolant Leak?

The 3.5L and 3.9L V6 develop intake manifold gasket leaks, continuing the GM V6 gasket legacy. Coolant leaks externally or into engine oil. Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 500+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Campaign #05V061000
18/02/2005

PARKING BRAKE

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.

Campaign #05V28700020/06/2005

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

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.

Campaign #05V55200007/12/2005

+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Uplander Electric Power Steering Failure?

Electric power steering motor or control module fails causing loss of power assist. Steering becomes very heavy. GM issued recalls on some model years. Repairs typically run $400-$1,200. Severity: high.

What is the 2005-2008 Chevrolet Uplander Rear A/C Line Corrosion and Refrigerant Leak?

Rear A/C lines running under the van corrode and leak refrigerant. Road salt accelerates corrosion. System loses charge gradually. Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander Power Steering Pressure Line Leak?

The high-pressure power steering line develops leaks at the crimped fittings and rubber sections, causing power steering fluid loss and groaning from the pump. The lines run near exhaust components, and leaking fluid on hot exhaust creates smoke and a burning smell. This can prog… Repairs typically run $200-$450. Severity: medium.

What is the 2005-2009 Chevrolet Uplander Rear A/C Refrigerant Line Corrosion and Leak?

The rear A/C refrigerant lines that run under the vehicle to the rear evaporator corrode and develop leaks, especially in salt-belt states. Once the lines leak, the entire system loses charge and both front and rear A/C stop working. The lines are aluminum and are particularly su… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: low.