1997 GMC Savana Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 15%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 GMC Savana, 15% of the 46 complaints for this model year. 2 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.
“My automatic transmission completely lost all of it's fluid while I was driving and left a cloud of smoke which caused me to stop. When I saw a pool of transmission fluid, I looked under the van and noticed that the exhaust crossover pipe had caused the fluid to ignite under the van and flames were visible under the vehicle. At this point, I ordered my wife to get out of the van because of the flames. A motorist must have called the mt. Morris fire department because a fire truck arrived at the sceen. I had already put the flames out by using a fire extinguisher that I carry. …”
NHTSA complaint #745281, filed 2001-05“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 2001-12“Major automatic transmission failure first evidenced by harsh 1-2 upshift caused by known factory default in construction materials and solenoid circuitry. Many owners reporting same problem either within or after warranty period.”
NHTSA complaint #726358, filed 2000-08“The consumer noticed that it took a while for the transmission to shift soon after while driving the consumer heard a pop and the transmission would not shift into reverse. Nlm”
NHTSA complaint #551854, filed 2000-04Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 43% |
| 2016 | 1 | 17% |
| 2004 | 2 | 17% |
| 2003 | 1 | 5% |
| 2001 | 2 | 11% |
| 2000 | 3 | 6% |
| 1999 | 3 | 6% |
| 1998 | 1 | 3% |
| 1997 | 7 | 15% |
| 1996 | 4 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 GMC Savana
9 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 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 31, 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