Owners have filed 10 complaints
about the 2017 GMC Savana with NHTSA between 2018 and 2023.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 15
Against the median year of the GMC Savana. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
80% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2017 GMC Savana
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
330.0%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Seat Belts
110.0%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Wheels
110.0%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Suspension
110.0%
Median failure at 24,000 miles
Body & Structure
110.0%
Median failure at 3,000 miles
Brakes
110.0%
Steering
110.0%
Airbags
110.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
120.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
360.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
120.0%
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.
Mar 2018peak 3Jun 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 GMC Savana
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
PE23016Opened 27 Sep 2023Closed 10 Jan 2025POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:FLUID/LUBRICANT:VALVES/VALVE BODY
6L90 Transmission Failure
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) after receiving one Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) complaint related to four school buses built on General Motors (GM) van chassis. The VOQ alleged transmission failure resulting in a loss of all forward gear. In ODI's pre-investigative discussions with GM, ODI learned that valve body separator plates had been machined out of tolerance during production periods between October 2016 to April 2017 and February 2021 to April 2021. This out of tolerance machining may create excessive wear to the valve body check b...
Recalls on the 2017 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 20245431,228 units in Canada
Brakes
Issue: On certain vehicles, the brake lines could become damaged by contact with the body mounts. This could lead to a brake fluid leak and cause reduced braking. Note: This recall only affects certain cutaway chassis vehicles. Safety Risk: Reduced braking can cause extended stopping distances and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake lines.
Recall 202321025,587 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: On certain vehicles, an unused wiring harness for a rear HVAC blower motor, located in the left B-pillar area, could become damaged if exposed to moisture or contaminants. If this happens, the wires could short circuit. Note: This recall only affects cutaway chassis incomplete vehicles. Safety Risk: A short circuit can create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: General Motors will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealership to seal the wiring for the rear HVAC blower motor at the left B-pillar.
Recall 202047956,979 units in Canada
Other
Issue: Certain vehicles may have incorrect body control module software. As a result, the immobilization system is not active during the learning procedure for a new "unlearned" blank replacement key could be used during a 30 minute reprogramming procedure to disable the immobilization system. During this time, the vehicle cannot be driven. Safety Risk: This small error does not affect vehicle safety. Corrective Actions: This is not a recall. General Motors has made changes to vehicle software to ensure that all unsold and new vehicles have the correct body control module software.
Recall 20185251,077 units in Canada
Heater And Defroster
On certain vehicles equipped with a single manual rear climate control module (CCM), the CCM could overheat when the temperature is set to maximum heat or the knob is set to maximum floor vent. If this occurs, the insulation material used on the CCM terminal connectors could catch fire, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will remove the insulation from the CCM terminal connectors.
Recall 2018212368 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles equipped with Kidde fire extinguishers with black plastic handles and valves, the fire extinguishers may become clogged or require excessive force to activate. Also, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury, and fail to discharge. In case of fire, failure of the extinguisher to function could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Owners will be provided with instructions on how to inspect the fire extinguisher to see if it is recalled. Replacement fire extinguishers will be supplied by Kidde directly. Note: For more information about recalled fire extinguishers, please visit <a href="https://inmarmarketaction.com/kidde/Kidde284CA/">www.kidde.com</a>
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 75,000 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 GMC Savana. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
NHTSA complaint #11526817 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bradenton,, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS Control Unit is faulty for the second time on this vehicle, with only 28,174 miles on it. The first time was 11/09/20 at 24,156 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11502438 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uxbridge, MA
POWER TRAIN
My airbag light will come on randomly . I had it scanned and its coming up as a DTC .
NHTSA complaint #11469854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Uxbridge, MA
AIR BAGS
My airbag light will come on randomly . I had it scanned and its coming up as a DTC .
NHTSA complaint #11469854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
POWER TRAIN
Have taken it to the GMC dealership over seven times with same issue. They refuse to fix problem due to not being able to replicate it. Losing steering and braking issue is getting worse. This is a LARGE HEAVY TRUCK and GM refuses to help fix. This is very disturbing. Has to be something in the drive train.
NHTSA complaint #11426488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Crystal Lake, IL
STEERING
Have taken it to the GMC dealership over seven times with same issue. They refuse to fix problem due to not being able to replicate it. Losing steering and braking issue is getting worse. This is a LARGE HEAVY TRUCK and GM refuses to help fix. This is very disturbing. Has to be something in the drive train.
NHTSA complaint #11426488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCarleton, MI
SEAT BELTS
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. THE CONVERSION COMPANY, THE GMC DEALER, NOR GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WISH TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. YET THESE VANS CONTINUE TO BE SOLD IN MASS QUANTITIES ON GMC AND CHEVROLET DEALER LOTS AS BRAND NEW VEHICLES. I AM SEEING MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM GENUINELY CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE INJURED EVENTUALLY DUE TO TIRE OR SPRING FAILURE. ALSO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS BECOMING COMPLETELY UNBOLTED FROM THE SEATS. THE FASTENERS USED BY THE CONVERSION COMPANY FOR THE SEAT BELTS ARE ALSO INADEQUATE FOR TODAY'S STANDARDS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT MY COMPLAINT IS NOT IN REGARD TO THE OEM SPEC GM VAN. THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO A GM AUTHORIZED UPFITTER THAT IS TAKING BRAND NEW VANS PROVIDED BY GM, INSTALLING THEIR PARTS, THEN SELLING THEM AS NEW VEHICLES AT GM DEALERSHIPS. THIS CONVERSION COMPANY (THE EXPLORER VAN COMPANY) ALSO INSTALLS THEIR PRODUCTS ON FORD, MERCEDES, AND POSSIBLY THE RAM VANS AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD THREE TIRE FAILURES ALREADY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. BELLE TIRE WOULD NOT SELL US A REPLACEMENT TIRE BECAUSE THE SIZE INSTALLED ON THE VAN IS NOT RATED PROPERLY AND THERE IS NO TIRE MANUFACTURER IN THE US THAT PRODUCES A TIRE IN THE PROPER SIZE WITH THE CORRECT WEIGHT RATINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11287037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCarleton, MI
WHEELS
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. THE CONVERSION COMPANY, THE GMC DEALER, NOR GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WISH TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. YET THESE VANS CONTINUE TO BE SOLD IN MASS QUANTITIES ON GMC AND CHEVROLET DEALER LOTS AS BRAND NEW VEHICLES. I AM SEEING MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM GENUINELY CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE INJURED EVENTUALLY DUE TO TIRE OR SPRING FAILURE. ALSO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS BECOMING COMPLETELY UNBOLTED FROM THE SEATS. THE FASTENERS USED BY THE CONVERSION COMPANY FOR THE SEAT BELTS ARE ALSO INADEQUATE FOR TODAY'S STANDARDS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT MY COMPLAINT IS NOT IN REGARD TO THE OEM SPEC GM VAN. THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO A GM AUTHORIZED UPFITTER THAT IS TAKING BRAND NEW VANS PROVIDED BY GM, INSTALLING THEIR PARTS, THEN SELLING THEM AS NEW VEHICLES AT GM DEALERSHIPS. THIS CONVERSION COMPANY (THE EXPLORER VAN COMPANY) ALSO INSTALLS THEIR PRODUCTS ON FORD, MERCEDES, AND POSSIBLY THE RAM VANS AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD THREE TIRE FAILURES ALREADY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. BELLE TIRE WOULD NOT SELL US A REPLACEMENT TIRE BECAUSE THE SIZE INSTALLED ON THE VAN IS NOT RATED PROPERLY AND THERE IS NO TIRE MANUFACTURER IN THE US THAT PRODUCES A TIRE IN THE PROPER SIZE WITH THE CORRECT WEIGHT RATINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11287037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesCarleton, MI
SUSPENSION
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. THE CONVERSION COMPANY, THE GMC DEALER, NOR GM CUSTOMER SERVICE WISH TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. YET THESE VANS CONTINUE TO BE SOLD IN MASS QUANTITIES ON GMC AND CHEVROLET DEALER LOTS AS BRAND NEW VEHICLES. I AM SEEING MANY ONLINE COMPLAINTS IN FORUMS AND FACEBOOK GROUPS FROM OTHER OWNERS WITH THE SAME TYPE OF ISSUES. I AM GENUINELY CONCERNED THAT SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE INJURED EVENTUALLY DUE TO TIRE OR SPRING FAILURE. ALSO I HAVE BEEN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE SEAT BELTS BECOMING COMPLETELY UNBOLTED FROM THE SEATS. THE FASTENERS USED BY THE CONVERSION COMPANY FOR THE SEAT BELTS ARE ALSO INADEQUATE FOR TODAY'S STANDARDS. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT MY COMPLAINT IS NOT IN REGARD TO THE OEM SPEC GM VAN. THIS COMPLAINT IS RELATED TO A GM AUTHORIZED UPFITTER THAT IS TAKING BRAND NEW VANS PROVIDED BY GM, INSTALLING THEIR PARTS, THEN SELLING THEM AS NEW VEHICLES AT GM DEALERSHIPS. THIS CONVERSION COMPANY (THE EXPLORER VAN COMPANY) ALSO INSTALLS THEIR PRODUCTS ON FORD, MERCEDES, AND POSSIBLY THE RAM VANS AS WELL. WE HAVE HAD THREE TIRE FAILURES ALREADY BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. BELLE TIRE WOULD NOT SELL US A REPLACEMENT TIRE BECAUSE THE SIZE INSTALLED ON THE VAN IS NOT RATED PROPERLY AND THERE IS NO TIRE MANUFACTURER IN THE US THAT PRODUCES A TIRE IN THE PROPER SIZE WITH THE CORRECT WEIGHT RATINGS.
NHTSA complaint #11287037 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 3,000 milesAppleton, WI
STRUCTURE:BODY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO VEER TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HOLIDAY AUTOMOTIVE (321 N ROLLING MEADOWS DR., FOND DU LAC, WI 54937, (866) 875-3224) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,000.
NHTSA complaint #11078219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.