Tank figures are the manufacturer's rated capacity, sorted smallest tank first. Range is tank size times EPA city or highway MPG.Trims marked "Not rated" have no published EPA rating, usually because they're heavy-duty versions the EPA doesn't rate.
How far a 2012 Chevrolet Express goes on a tank
Gallons left and the distance they cover at each mark on the fuel gauge, at EPA city and highway mileage. At the combined rating of 12 MPG, a full 31.0-gallon tank covers about 372 miles.
Gauge
Gallons
Highway miles
City miles
Full
31.0
496
341
3/4
23.3
372
256
1/2
15.5
248
171
1/4
7.8
124
85
1/8
3.9
62
43
Over 15,000 miles a year (the EPA's yearly estimate) this configuration uses about 1,250 gallons, roughly 40 full tanks.
Fuel gauges aren't perfectly linear and the low-fuel light comes on with a few gallons still in the tank, so plan your stop before the last eighth.
At 31.0 gallons, the Express's largest tank ranks second of the three 2012 vans compared here. The Ford E-Series Wagon carries the most (33.0 gal) and the GMC Savana the least (31.0 gal).
Other 2012 vans of a similar size, one model per brand.
2012 Chevrolet Express fuel system recalls
NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Express, out of 7 recalls in total. A recall applies only to the vehicles named in it, so check your VIN.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk: 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.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Chevrolet Express?
The 2012 Chevrolet Express holds 31.0 gallons (117 liters) on every trim we list.
How many gallons and liters does the 2012 Chevrolet Express gas tank hold?
The 2012 Chevrolet Express tank holds 117 liters, or 31.0 gallons in US gallons.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Express tank change with the powertrain?
No. Flex-fuel (E85) and Diesel versions of the 2012 Chevrolet Express use the same 31.0 gal tank.
Does AWD change the 2012 Chevrolet Express gas tank?
No. RWD and AWD versions of the 2012 Chevrolet Express use the same 31.0 gal tank.
How far can a 2012 Chevrolet Express go on a full tank?
About 496–527 miles on the highway and 341–403 miles in town, going from full to empty at its EPA ratings. Expect less in practice, since nobody runs the tank dry.
How many miles can a 2012 Chevrolet Express go on a quarter tank?
About 124 highway miles or 85 in town from the 31.0-gallon tank, which has roughly 7.8 gallons left at the quarter mark. Gauges aren't exact, so treat that as a guide.
What gas does the 2012 Chevrolet Express take?
Flex-fuel (unleaded/E85), or Diesel fuel, depending on the engine. The label inside the fuel door confirms it for your car.
How much does it cost to fill up a 2012 Chevrolet Express?
At the US average of $4.27 a gallon for regular (EIA, week of October 26, 2026), filling the 31.0-gallon tank from empty costs $132.37. It ranges from $114.70 in the Gulf Coast to $182.59 in California.
How much does a full tank of gas weigh in a 2012 Chevrolet Express?
About 217 pounds for the 31.0-gallon tank. Diesel weighs roughly 7 pounds a gallon.
Does the 2012 Chevrolet Express have a bigger gas tank than the GMC Savana?
No, they match: both top out at 31.0 gallons in 2012.
Has the 2012 Chevrolet Express had a fuel pump or fuel system recall?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 fuel-system recalls for the 2012 Chevrolet Express: 14V500000 (fuel system, other); 13V225000 (fuel system, other). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your car is affected.
Sources
Tank sizes: manufacturer-rated capacities from US-market specifications, checked against independent references. Updated October 2026.
MPG and range: EPA ratings (fueleconomy.gov). Range is tank size times EPA MPG.
Fuel prices: U.S. Energy Information Administration, week of October 26, 2026 (this week's prices).