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GMC SavanaModel year report

1996 GMC Savana Problems

Complaints
35filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
66,175miles, 6 complaints with mileage
Recalls
2campaigns on record
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
—overall rating starts with 2011 models
EPA fuel economy
14 mpgcombined, 5.0L 8-cyl RWD · 13 city / 17 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 1996 GMC Savana (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error

NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC Savana. The part named most often is fuel system, with 7 complaints (20% of the total), followed by visibility (7) and brakes (6). 6 of the complaints include a mileage, and 33% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 66,175 miles. Of all complaints, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 6 technical service bulletins for this model year. Fuel system complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the hoses, lines/piping, and fittings and 2 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.

Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Equipment (1), Steering (1), Tires (1).

Example complaints

Fuel system: “1996 Gmc Savana van- fuel pump failures at 40,000 miles and 75,000 miles. $600 repair each time. High failure item lasting less than a set of tires, major repairs needed. This *has* to be a manufacturing defect. This is a common failure per the GM dealer.”

NHTSA complaint #10049234, filed 2003-12, 40,000 miles

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Windshield wipers failed to operate. Intermittently will not work on intermittent or low speed. Dealer advised my vehicle not recalled with numerous others recalled for same problem.”

NHTSA complaint #10065817, filed 2004-04, 20,000 miles

Brakes: “The Gmc dealer said the computer failed from corrosion at the computer causing the ABS system to kick in on dry roads. Then the ABS brake warning light would come on. This cost me over $700 to get fixed and three days without the use of my van. The Gmc dealer replaced the computer. It is important that the brakes work properly. I can see this as a big saftey problem with these vans!”

NHTSA complaint #739999, filed 2001-01

Body and structure: “This is a commercial vehicle used in transporting interior decorating items. On or about 8/2/04, I delivered a table top to a client and upon opening the rear side doors (both doors) the upper hinge on the furthermost rear door broke. I had noticed a rattling sound prior to this date, however I thought it was items inside the vehicle. The door is only being held on by the lower hinge and the other door closed upon it. I am fearful that the other hinge will suffer a stress fracture and possibly the door will fall off. …”

NHTSA complaint #10093113, filed 2004-09, 65,350 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

33% of the 6 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 94,000 miles.

0%0–1017%10–2517%25–5033%50–7517%75–10017%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (6 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 66,175 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

1996199872000200220042013
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 1996 GMC Savana version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo)4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141715$4,450
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo)5.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic131714$4,800
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo)5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automatic121614$4,800
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (passenger)4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automatic141715$4,450
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (passenger)5.0L 8-cyl4-speed automatic111613$5,150
Savana 1500/2500 2WD (passenger)5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automatic121714$4,800

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

Recall details for the 1996 GMC Savana → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 6 on record; the latest 6 are shown.

Other model years of the GMC Savana

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
2019564,0005———Not enough data
2017724,0006—13—Not enough data
2016637,1007—13—Not enough data
2007664,2073—14—Not enough data
2006771,0007—15—Not enough data
20051337,0006—15—Not enough data
20041245,9257—15—Not enough data
20032224,75011—15—Stable
20021217,5000—15—Not enough data
20011952,0000—14—Rising
20004953,7002—14Not compared (before 2008)Rising
19994962,0001—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19983363,0001—15Not compared (before 2008)Falling
19974669,7071—15Not compared (before 2008)Stable
19963566,1752—14Not compared (before 2008)Stable

All GMC Savana model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many NHTSA complaints does the 1996 GMC Savana have?

NHTSA recorded 35 consumer complaints for the 1996 GMC Savana as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 1996 GMC Savana is reported most often?

Fuel system is named most often, in 7 complaints (20% of the total), followed by visibility with 7.

Has the 1996 GMC Savana been recalled?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Savana get?

The EPA rates the 1996 GMC Savana (Savana 1500/2500 2WD (cargo), 5.0L 8-cyl) at 14 mpg combined, 13 city and 17 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 1996 GMC Savana reported?

Among the 6 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 66,175 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 94,000 miles; 33% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.