GMC Savana Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 321 consumer complaints across the 15 model years of the GMC Savana (1996–2019) that have at least 5 complaints. 2000 has the most, with 49. Across all years, the part named most often is brakes (77 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Savana model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 64,000 | 5 | 749 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 7 | 24,000 | 6 | 1,159 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 6 | 37,100 | 7 | 1,271 | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 6 | 64,207 | 3 | 925 | — | Not enough data |
| 2006 | 7 | 71,000 | 7 | 796 | — | Not enough data |
| 2005 | 13 | 37,000 | 6 | 615 | — | Not enough data |
| 2004 | 12 | 45,925 | 7 | 509 | — | Not enough data |
| 2003 | 22 | 24,750 | 11 | 477 | — | Stable |
| 2002 | 12 | 17,500 | 0 | 365 | — | Not enough data |
| 2001 | 19 | 52,000 | 0 | 318 | — | Rising |
| 2000 | 49 | 53,700 | 2 | 280 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1999 | 49 | 62,000 | 1 | 65 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 33 | 63,000 | 1 | 40 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 46 | 69,707 | 1 | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 35 | 66,175 | 2 | 6 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Brakes77 29%
- Body and structure37 14%
- Tires28 10%
- Transmission and drivetrain27 10%
- Steering26 9.7%
- Fuel system26 9.7%
- Electrical system24 9.0%
- Engine cooling22 8.2%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2016: “The doors automatically lock but do not always unlock when they should. In the past, a car door would open when the door release was pulled, regardless if the door was locked. I am concerned about getting out of the vehicle in the event of a fire. I would like the option to turn off the auto lock feature.”
NHTSA complaint #11231878, filed 2019-07, 20,300 miles2017: “I have purchased a conversion van that has been modified by an aftermarket upfitter but sold as new on a franchised Gmc dealership lot. The van carries two placards with conflicting gvwr information. These vans are being modified in mass quantities. The rear springs have been changed to soften the ride but are inadequate to support the weight of a 3/4 ton van. The tires that are being installed on these vans for vanity reasons are not of the correct weight rating for a 3/4 ton van. We have had major issues with the tires failing and the rear springs bending. …”
NHTSA complaint #11287037, filed 2019-12, 24,000 miles2005: “While driving on bumpy road at 30 miles / hour car turns off. I could not turn, power steering locked. Car eventually stopped in the middle of the busy road and I brake, changed gears to park. I turn ignition key off and then turned it on again. This happen a few times. I try to avoid bumpy areas. I took to mechanic & he found nothing wrong with engine. I did to mention it only happens on bumpy rides, ( he drove it on expressway). I just found out Gmc cars have a recall on key ignitions but not my 2005 Gmc. …”
NHTSA complaint #10598720, filed 2014-06, 100,000 milesOther GMC models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology