2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express Sun Visor: Fixing the Common Droop and Swapping with Nissan NV200 Parts

Chevrolet City Express and Nissan NV200: Identical Parts

The most important thing to know when sourcing parts for a 2015-2018 Chevrolet City Express is that the van is a rebadged version of the Nissan NV200. For most parts, including the sun visors, they are identical and completely interchangeable. This significantly widens your options for finding a good quality used replacement, as the NV200 was sold for a longer period (2013-2021). Throughout this guide, information pertaining to the Nissan NV200 also applies to the City Express.

Symptoms of a Failing Sun Visor

The failure of the City Express / NV200 sun visor is almost always related to the internal pivot mechanism wearing out. Unlike some electronic failures, the symptoms are purely mechanical and very obvious.

• Visor Droops or Sags: This is the most common symptom. The visor will not stay flush against the headliner when stowed, instead sagging down several inches.
• Falls Down While Driving: A worn-out visor can be a safety hazard. Hitting a bump or even normal road vibrations can cause it to fall completely, suddenly obstructing your vision.
• Loose or Floppy Pivot Point: When you move the visor, it will feel loose and offer no resistance. You may hear clicking or rattling sounds from broken plastic pieces inside the pivot housing.
• Broken Mirror Cover: The small plastic door covering the vanity mirror can become brittle and break off.

Known Issues, TSBs, and Recalls

As of mid-2026, there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Chevrolet, GM, or Nissan for sun visor failure on the City Express or NV200. However, the drooping visor issue is a widely known problem among owners of many different Nissan models from this era, indicating a common weakness in the design or materials of the internal pivot mechanism.

While the City Express and NV200 have been subject to recalls for other issues like fuel pumps and ignition switches, none of these address the sun visors.

Buying a Used Sun Visor: What to Look For

A used OEM sun visor is often a better choice than a new aftermarket part, as it guarantees a perfect match for color, texture, and fit. Here’s what to check when buying used.

Inspection Checklist

• Test the Pivot Stiffness: This is the most important check. Hold the visor by its base and move it through its range of motion. It should feel firm and hold its position without any help. If it feels loose or floppy, it will droop once installed.
• Check for Cracks: Inspect the plastic around the pivot mount and the main body of the visor for any stress cracks.
• Verify Features: The City Express was available with two types of visors: a base model without a light, and an upgraded version with an illuminated vanity mirror. Check which version your van has and ensure the replacement matches. You can tell by looking for a small electrical wire harness coming out of the mounting base.
• Confirm Color: The standard interior for the City Express is a two-tone Gray and Black. The sun visors are typically a light Gray color. While variations are rare for this model, it's always wise to compare the color to your existing visor if possible.
• Don't Confuse with Full-Size Express: Ensure the part is from a City Express or Nissan NV200. Visors from the much larger, rear-wheel-drive Chevrolet Express / GMC Savana vans will not fit.

Cost of Replacement

Replacing a sun visor is an inexpensive repair, especially if you do it yourself. Labor costs at a shop are minimal due to the simplicity of the job.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Replacing the sun visor on a City Express is a very easy DIY job that takes about 10-15 minutes and requires only basic tools.

Tools Needed:

• Phillips screwdriver or a 7mm socket/nut driver (check your specific vehicle)
• Small flathead screwdriver or a plastic trim removal tool

1. Pry Off the Trim Cover: The screws holding the visor's pivot mount are hidden by a small plastic cover. Use a small flathead screwdriver or a trim tool to gently pry this cover off. It will pop off, revealing the screws underneath.
2. Remove the Mounting Screws: While holding the sun visor to prevent it from falling, use your screwdriver or socket to remove the two or three screws securing the mount to the roof structure.
3. Disconnect the Electrical Connector: If your visor has a vanity light, gently pull the visor down from the headliner. You will see a small wiring harness. Press the tab on the connector and pull it apart to disconnect the old visor.
4. Install the New Visor: Plug in the electrical connector on the new visor (if equipped). Align the mounting base with the screw holes in the roof.
5. Secure the New Visor: Start the screws by hand to avoid cross-threading, then tighten them until snug. Do not overtighten, as this can crack the plastic mount.
6. Reinstall the Trim Cover: Snap the plastic trim cover back into place over the mounting base. Test the visor's movement and the vanity light to ensure everything is working correctly.

OEM Part Numbers

Because the City Express is a rebadged NV200, part numbers from both Chevrolet/GM and Nissan will fit. Always confirm the part number against your vehicle's VIN if possible.

• Chevrolet / GM: 19316656, 19316657, 19317017, 19317842, 19317850
• Nissan: 96400-3LM0A, 96400-3LM0B, 96400-3LM0C, 96400-9SA0C, 96400-9SA1C

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)