GMC

Savana (1st)

2003-2025 · Full-Size Van ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.6)
90 NHTSA Complaints
28 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
6 Crash Reports
Includes data from: SAVANASAVANA 1500SAVANA 1500 CARGOSAVANA 1500 PASSENGERSAVANA 2500 12 PASSENGERSAVANA 3500 12 PASSENGERSAVANA 3500 15 PASSENGERSAVANA CARGO 1500SAVANA CARGO 2500SAVANA CARGO 3500SAVANA CARGO G13405SAVANA CARGO G23405SAVANA CARGO G23705SAVANA CARGO G2500SAVANA CARGO G33405SAVANA CARGO G33705SAVANA CARGO G3500SAVANA CARGO H13405SAVANA CUTAWAY VANSAVANA PASSENGER 1500SAVANA PASSENGER 2500SAVANA PASSENGER 3500 - 12 PASSENGERSAVANA PASSENGER 3500 - 15 PASSENGERSAVANA PASSENGER 3500 12 PASSSAVANA PASSENGER 3500 15 PASS
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (29.2% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (27.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
โ€”
Side Crash
โ€”
Rollover
3/5 (22.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

L96 - Flexible Fuel Engine, Iron

6.0L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
10 complaints 2.3 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
4
safety systems
2
suspension
2
electrical
2
transmission
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (4 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Suspension Issues (2 complaints)

GMC Savana Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (3.5)
27 complaints 2.5 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
4
brakes
4
engine
4
wheels tires
4
electrical
3

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (4 complaints)
Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Wheels & Tires Issues (4 complaints)

LR4

4.8L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.5)
20 complaints 2.4 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

steering
5
brakes
5
electrical
3
engine
2
cooling
2

Known Issues

Steering Issues (5 complaints)
Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

LQ4

6.0L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.1)
11 complaints 2.3 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
3
interior
3
safety systems
2
engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (3 complaints)
Interior Issues (3 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (2 complaints)
Show 8 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

L20

4.8L 8-cyl
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.3)
3 complaints 1.5 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
2 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
safety systems
1
other
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (1 complaints)

LM7 Iron

5.3L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
3 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
2
interior
1
exterior
1
wheels tires
1
brakes
1

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (2 complaints)
Interior Issues (1 complaints)
Exterior Issues (1 complaints)

LAT - MFI, DOHC, BAS (for Hybrid)

2.4L 4-cyl
โœ… Recommended (3.6)
2 complaints 2.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
1
electrical
1
steering
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (1 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Steering Issues (1 complaints)

LMF

5.3L 8-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.0)
2 complaints 1.0 per year Flexible Fuel Vehicle (FFV)
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
1
other
1

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the GMC Savana regardless of engine variant.

Brakes Issues (15 complaints)
brakes critical
Safety Systems Issues (9 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Wheels & Tires Issues (8 complaints)
wheels_tires cosmetic
Steering Issues (6 complaints)
steering cosmetic
Engine Issues (5 complaints)
engine critical

Recalls (28)

24V702000Sep 18, 2024serious
Service Brakes

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2013-2019 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway vehicles equipped with optional GM-provided body mounts (RPO BNC). The brake line may have insufficient clearance to the body mounts, which can result in brake line damage that can lead to a brake fluid leak.

23V247000Jun 3, 2023serious
Electrical System

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.

18V267000Apr 25, 2018serious
Equipment

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

18V295000Mar 4, 2018serious
Visibility

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2017 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles equipped with power windows. Liquid may leak into the driver's power window switch and cause corrosion, resulting in high electrical resistance.

16V184000Jan 3, 2016serious
Tires

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana incomplete vehicles equipped with a 159 inch wheel base manufactured August 2, 2013, to January 30, 2016. The affected vehicles were shipped to final stage manufacturers without a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

14V117000Mar 16, 2014serious
Air Bags

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel may not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

14V500000Aug 12, 2014serious
Fuel System, Other

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.

13V225000May 14, 2013serious
Fuel System, Other

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.

12V112000Mar 21, 2012serious
Steering

GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND SUBURBAN VEHICLES, AND GMC SAVANA AND YUKON XL HEAVY DUTY VEHICLES. THE STEERING GEAR PITMAN SHAFT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY HARDENED AND COULD FRACTURE.

12V388000Aug 7, 2012serious
Fuel System

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Water and road contaminants may become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may cause the pipe to corrode.

11V543000Aug 10, 2011serious
Air Bags

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2011, THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2011. THE SECOND STAGE OF THE DUAL-STAGE AIR BAG WILL NOT INFLATE IN A SEVERE FRONTAL IMPACT. ACCORDINGLY, THE AIR BAGS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION."

09V272000Jun 6, 2009cosmetic
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.

09V270000Jun 6, 2009cosmetic
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

MAIN MOBILITY IS RECALLING 185 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2009 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VANS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 2005 AND JUNE 25, 2009, EQUIPPED WITH RICON PLATFORM STYLE WHEELCHAIR LIFTS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.

08V238000Apr 14, 2008serious
Seat Belts

GM IS RECALLING 4,003 MY 2006 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS. THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.

05V558000Dec 18, 2005serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.

05V043000Aug 1, 2005serious
Service Brakes

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

05V552000Jul 11, 2005serious
Equipment

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.

05V455000May 9, 2005serious
Steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A POWER STEERING HOSE THAT IS NOT TO SPECIFICATION. UNDER EXTREME STEERING MANEUVERS, SUCH AS TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL FULLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHILE BRAKING, THE HOSE MAY FRACTURE AND LEAK FLUID.

04V189000Apr 18, 2004serious
Seat Belts

CERTAIN VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING A LATCH WITH A BRITTLE CONDITION THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

04V225000Nov 4, 2004cosmetic
Seat Belts

CERTAIN EXTENDED AND REGULAR CAB PICKUP TRUCKS AND CARGO VANS CONVERTED TO COMPRESSED NATURAL GAS (CNG) FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THESE VEHICLES HAVE ONE SEATING POSITION, THE CENTER REAR SEAT, EQUIPPED WITH CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORAGES.

04V320000Jun 6, 2004serious
Powertrain

CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT MAY SEPARATE. IF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR MAY NO LONGER CORRELATE.

04V045000Apr 1, 2004cosmetic
Service Brakes

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

03V250000Jul 14, 2003cosmetic
Equipment

CERTAIN MINIVANS, PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEM." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT EXPLAIN THE MEANING OF THE LOCATION SYMBOLS FOR THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER UNIVERSAL ANCHORAGE SYSTEM.

03V050000Feb 13, 2003serious
Seat Belts

ON CERTAIN VANS WITH A GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT OF LESS THAN 8,500 POUNDS, DURING A VEHICLE CRASH SUFFICIENT ENOUGH TO DEPLOY THE SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONER, THE FRONT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT RELEASE AFTER THE VEHICLE CRASH, OR ALTERNATELY MAY EJECT THE SAFETY BELT LATCH DURING THE VEHICLE CRASH.

03V217000Oct 5, 2003serious
Exterior Lighting

CERTAIN VANS HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH WATER MAY ENTER AND CORRODE THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET. IF THE LAMP SOCKET WERE TO CORRODE, THE REAR LICENSE PLATE LAMP MAY OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY OR NOT AT ALL, AND THE LEFT REAR TAIL LAMP MAY BECOME INOPERATIVE. THE TEMPERATURE OF THE LICENSE PLATE LAMP SOCKET COULD INCREASE TO THE POINT THAT IT MAY BEGIN TO SOFTEN AND MELT.

02V305000Nov 13, 2002serious
Wheels

CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITHOUT A WHEEL BEARING ASSEMBLY RETAINING NUT, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A POSSIBLE BEARING SEPARATION.

02V330000Dec 11, 2002serious
Steering

ON CERTAIN VANS WITH AN 8,500 LB. OR 8,600 LB. GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING, THE NUT ATTACHING THE PITMAN ARM TO THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE SEPARATION.

02V326000Feb 11, 2002serious
Steering

ON CERTAIN VANS, THE RIGHT-HAND TIE ROD END NUT MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED ADEQUATELY. THE NUT CAN LOOSEN RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF THE TIE ROD FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE.

Alternatives in Full-Size Van

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2003-2025 GMC Savana problems?

The 2003-2025 GMC Savana has accumulated 90 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Brakes, Safety Systems, Wheels & Tires. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which GMC Savana engine is most reliable?

The 2003-2025 GMC Savana was offered with 12 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 6.0L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2003-2025 GMC Savana a good used car?

The 2003-2025 GMC Savana can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 90 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2025 GMC Savana have?

The 2003-2025 GMC Savana has 90 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2003-2025 GMC Savana?

There are 28 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2025 GMC Savana vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used GMC Savana?

Before buying a used GMC Savana, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Brakes, Safety Systems, Wheels & Tires, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Savana?

The 2025 GMC Savana received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars (29.2% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Optional. Lane Departure Warning: Optional. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 90 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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