Recall 10V138 covers 4,485 2010 Chevrolet Express and Savana vans for generator shorts that can cause engine-compartment fire. Repair is free at franchised Chevrolet dealers.
Chevrolet is recalling 4,485 2010 Express and Savana vans because the generator can develop a low-resistance short inside the voltage regulator. The short can generate enough heat to result in an engine compartment fire, and the dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The generator on the 2010 Express and Savana vans is the alternator assembly that keeps the battery charged and supplies power while the engine is running. Inside that assembly, the voltage regulator controls charging output so the electrical system receives steady voltage instead of too much or too little current.
On affected vans, the generator is susceptible to a low-resistance short inside the voltage regulator. A short gives electrical current an unintended path through the regulator, which puts abnormal load inside the generator instead of controlling charging output normally. That fault starts inside the charging system, so it is not the same as a weak battery or a loose belt.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the generator or charging system acts abnormally, have the vehicle checked by a Chevrolet dealer and reference NHTSA campaign 10V138.
Who's affected?
Includes both Express and Savana vans, with the alternator, generator, and regulator circuit listed under the electrical system.
| 2010 Chevrolet Express | electrical system |
|---|---|
| 2010 GMC Savana | electrical system |
| Units affected | 4,485 |
A matching 2010 Express or Savana does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
A low-resistance short in the generator can build enough heat to start an engine compartment fire. No owner warning sign is listed before that fire risk develops, so schedule the recall repair soon and follow Chevrolet dealer instructions. Repair will be free at any franchised Chevrolet dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2010 Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chevrolet or GMC dealer and reference recall number 10V138 when you call.
- Schedule the free generator inspection and replacement if needed, which fixes the voltage-regulator short tied to engine-compartment fire risk.
- Bring the April 12, 2010 owner letter if you have it.
- Park the van outside and away from structures if you smell smoke or see signs of heat near the engine compartment, then contact the dealer before driving it.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chevrolet technician inspects the generator for the low resistance short condition in the voltage regulator. Any suspect generator found during that inspection is replaced, with parts and labor covered under the recall. The source remedy says the safety recall began on April 12, 2010. If your VIN is included and the repair is still open, the service desk can confirm the generator inspection and replacement path.
Timeline
| April 6, 2010 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 12, 2010 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 10V138?
Recall 10V138 covers 4,485 2010 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans with a generator voltage-regulator defect. A low-resistance short can build heat in the engine compartment and lead to a fire. Dealers inspect the generator and replace suspect units for free.
What should I do if my 2010 Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific van is included in recall 10V138. If it is, contact a franchised Chevrolet dealer and ask for the generator inspection. Reference recall number 10V138 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 10V138, dealers inspect the generator and replace any suspect generator free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an engine compartment fire. The defect involves a low-resistance short inside the generator voltage regulator, which can create enough heat to start a fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.
What if I bought the van used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2010 Chevrolet Express or GMC Savana is included, then reference recall number 10V138 when you contact the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V138000 |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet customer service | 1-800-630-2438 |
| NHTSA recall # | 10V138 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 10V138000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →