Owners have filed 63 complaints
about the 1997 GMC Savana with NHTSA between 1997 and 2008.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 12 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 96
Against the median year of the GMC Savana. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 57
33% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
233.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
116.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
233.3%
150,000+ miles
116.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1997peak 5Aug 2008
Recalls on the 1997 GMC Savana
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
00V110000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20010588,221 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, the fuel tank front rollover valve could stick open and allow fuel leakage. If the vehicle is parked down a grade of 2.5 degrees or more, and the valve sticks open, and if the fuel tank is full or so full that the fuel in the tank submerges the front rollover valve, fuel will leak into the evaporative emission canister until the fuel level in the tank no longer submerges the front rollover valve. If the leakage exceeds the canister's capacity, fuel will leak onto the ground. Leaked fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Chico, CAFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10
NHTSA complaint #10240448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10
NHTSA complaint #10240448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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. MY VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO ALBERT CHEVROLET IN MT. MORRIS (THEY WERE ONE OF THE FEW DEALERSHIPS THAT WERE OPEN ON SATURDAY). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ALONE IS LISTED FOR $1,350.00 PLUS LABOR AND ANY ADDITION FLUIDS AND/OR PARTS. I ESTIMATE THIS TO COST APPROXIMATELY $2,500.00.
NHTSA complaint #745281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dansville, MICrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TOWING A RENTED TRAILER AND SMALL HYDRA-HOE. WEATHER CONDITIONS HAD BEEN RAINING. THE TRAILER CONTAINS A HYRDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER THAT IS ACTIVATED FROM THE FORCE OF THE TRAILER PUSHING THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPING. IN THIS CAUSE THE ANTI-LOCKS WOULD PROVIDE SUFFICIENT STOPPING POWER AS THEY WOULD NOT LOCK UP. THE MORE THE TRAILER PUSHED THE LESS THEY WOULD BRAKE. RIG WAS VIRTUALLY BRAKELESS INTO AN INTERSECTION. THIS WAS NOT A PANIC STOP, THE LIGHT HAD CHANGED WITH APPX 80 YARDS TO STOP SPEED APPX. 35MPH .
NHTSA complaint #716900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dansville, MICrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
TOWING A RENTED TRAILER AND SMALL HYDRA-HOE. WEATHER CONDITIONS HAD BEEN RAINING. THE TRAILER CONTAINS A HYRDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER THAT IS ACTIVATED FROM THE FORCE OF THE TRAILER PUSHING THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPING. IN THIS CAUSE THE ANTI-LOCKS WOULD PROVIDE SUFFICIENT STOPPING POWER AS THEY WOULD NOT LOCK UP. THE MORE THE TRAILER PUSHED THE LESS THEY WOULD BRAKE. RIG WAS VIRTUALLY BRAKELESS INTO AN INTERSECTION. THIS WAS NOT A PANIC STOP, THE LIGHT HAD CHANGED WITH APPX 80 YARDS TO STOP SPEED APPX. 35MPH .
NHTSA complaint #716900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethel, OHFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VAN BRIEFLY LOST POWER. AT THE NEXT STOP SIGN I NOTICED WHITE STEAM OR SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER TURNING THE VAN CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER UNTIL I GOT PULLED OVER. AFTER GETTING MYSELF AND TWO OF MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE VAN THE SMOKE TURNED BLACK AND I KNEW IT WAS A FIRE. AS WE WALKED BACK TO A SAFE DISTANCE I COULD SEE FIRE DRIPPING OUT FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VAN. IT WAS SOON ENGULFED IN FIRE AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED TO PUT IT OUT. THE VAN WAS TOTALED.
NHTSA complaint #704842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chico, CAFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10
NHTSA complaint #10240448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chico, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10
NHTSA complaint #10240448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesEllicott City, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
PLASTIC PRESSURE FUEL LINE ON MY GMC 1997 SAVANNAH G150 DEVELOPED A PUNCTURE SPRAYING GASOLINE NEAR EXHAUST PIPE HAD TO REPLACE SEND DEFECTIVE LINE TO GM THEY SAID THEY HAD NO WAY TO TEST IT.
NHTSA complaint #10152204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, OH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (NAR) *PH
NHTSA complaint #10064954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,480 milesAlpena, MI
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THEN, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AN DETERMINED THAT SENSOR CONTROL MODULE HAD A SHORT DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE CARPET.
NHTSA complaint #10062914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waretown, NJ
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
AIRBAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH NOBODY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *LA
NHTSA complaint #10061001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,463 milesKenosha, WI
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CONTACTED A TOW COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM *PH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10040566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 570,000 milesSebec, ME
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
SIDE CARGO DOORS PROGRESSIVELY HARDER TO OPEN UNTIL REAR UPPER HINGE SNAPPED. DOOR LEFT HANGING, VERY DANGEROUS. NOT RUSTED OR ABUSED. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10018706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,000 milesBlanchester, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF PUMP. *PH *NLM **DIMSII IVOQ ENTRY POSTED AFTER 12/12/02 CUT OVER TO ARTEMIS**768169
NHTSA complaint #10007463 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,707 milesToms River, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WITH 69,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10005810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grand Rapids, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THERE HAS BEEN A GAS LEAK. CONSUMER STATES' HE CONSTANTLY BREATHING FUMES. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8023000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dayton, OH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER THE RECALL #00V110000 FUEL ODOR LEAKAGE WAS REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE THE SENDING UNIT FAILS TO OPERATE WITHIN A WEEK. DEALER NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SENDING UNIT. PLEASE PROVIDE THAT DEALER NAME ADDRESS AND NUMBER. TS
NHTSA complaint #8021886 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Newburgh, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING AN AWFUL NOISE, AND LIMITED MOBILIY. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #567432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATED THE FRONT BRAKES WERE REPLACED, THE FRONT ROTORS WERE MACHINED AND THE REAR BRAKES WERE CLEANED AND ADJUSTED.
NHTSA complaint #565862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milford, OH
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE SHAFT BROKE IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP, DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY AND SERPENTINE BELT.
NHTSA complaint #565862 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
L.I City, NY
TIRES
THE REAR LEFT SIDE TIRE BLEW UP WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. (FIRESTONE STEEL TEX R4S/TIRE SIZE LT223/75R16).
NHTSA complaint #563164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hopkins, MN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
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 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osceola, IN
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AT 38,000 MILES VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARD BETWEEN GEAR CHANGES, ONLY WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #6900598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osceola, IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
AT 38,000 MILES VEHICLE WOULD SHIFT HARD BETWEEN GEAR CHANGES, ONLY WHEN TRAVELING LONG DISTANCE. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE THE TRANSMISSION STARTED HARD SHIFTING FROM FIRST TO SECOND GEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #6900598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
L.I City, NY
TIRES
THE REAR LEFT SIDE TIRE BLEW UP WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. (FIRESTONE STEEL TEX R4S/TIRE SIZE LT223/75R16).
NHTSA complaint #563164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Presque Isle, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL REAR BRAKES WOULD GRAB. WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LIKE BRAKES WERE STILL APPLIED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKES WERE OVER ADJUSTING, CONSUMER STATES SINCE THE REMOVAL, THE BRAKES STILL GRAB AND STAY PARTIALLY ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED, DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO RESPOND LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE A LOAD IN IT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #895221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Presque Isle, ME
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL REAR BRAKES WOULD GRAB. WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LIKE BRAKES WERE STILL APPLIED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKES WERE OVER ADJUSTING, CONSUMER STATES SINCE THE REMOVAL, THE BRAKES STILL GRAB AND STAY PARTIALLY ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED, DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO RESPOND LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE A LOAD IN IT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #895221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Presque Isle, ME
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL REAR BRAKES WOULD GRAB. WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LIKE BRAKES WERE STILL APPLIED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKES WERE OVER ADJUSTING, CONSUMER STATES SINCE THE REMOVAL, THE BRAKES STILL GRAB AND STAY PARTIALLY ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED, DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO RESPOND LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE A LOAD IN IT. *SLC
NHTSA complaint #895221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bridgeport, MIFire
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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. MY VAN HAD TO BE TOWED TO ALBERT CHEVROLET IN MT. MORRIS (THEY WERE ONE OF THE FEW DEALERSHIPS THAT WERE OPEN ON SATURDAY). THE DEALER STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ALONE IS LISTED FOR $1,350.00 PLUS LABOR AND ANY ADDITION FLUIDS AND/OR PARTS. I ESTIMATE THIS TO COST APPROXIMATELY $2,500.00.
NHTSA complaint #745281 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stroudsburg, PA
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
PASSENGER'S SIDE 3RD WINDOW IN BACK FALLS OUT OF TRACK ONTO PAINT OF VAN WHEN UNLATCHED. THIS HAPPENED AT 297 MILES, WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER. *AK THE WINDOW FELL DOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW . THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACED IT.
NHTSA complaint #883774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.