1997 GMC Savana Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,707miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 GMC Savana, 11% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,707 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Loss of engine coolant was reported to dealer multiple times. First reported at 16,799 miles. Dealer always did pressure test but reported no problem. Now my mechanic tells me I have coolant in the oil.”
NHTSA complaint #760407, filed 2002-04“1997 Gmc Savana engine and transmission compartments caught fire while driving. The consumer stated he did experience overheating problems earlier in the day. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0256-89) updated02/24/10”
NHTSA complaint #10240448, filed 2008-08“At 38,000 miles vehicle would shift hard between gear changes, only when traveling long distance. Consumer stated that while the transmission started hard shifting from first to second gear the engine light came on.”
NHTSA complaint #6900598, filed 2001-12Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10139019May 3, 2013This preliminary informational bulletin provides information on High Oil Pressure on Startup After Engine Replacement Concern.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Savana
9 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaintsEquipment
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 GMC Savana
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology