FaultScore

GMC Savana steering problems

31 of the 449 complaints filed about the GMC Savana are about the steering — 7% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2000.

31

Complaints

7%

Share of all complaints

1

Crashes

0

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

1996 Savana 1 3.2%
1997 Savana 4 12.9%

Median failure at 30,463 miles

1999 Savana 5 16.1%

Median failure at 60,000 miles

2000 Savana 7 22.6%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

2003 Savana 1 3.2%

Median failure at 100,000 miles

2004 Savana 2 6.5%
2005 Savana 2 6.5%

Median failure at 51,900 miles

2006 Savana 1 3.2%

Median failure at 110,000 miles

2007 Savana 1 3.2%

Median failure at 12,812 miles

2016 Savana 3 9.7%

Median failure at 57,950 miles

2017 Savana 1 3.2%
2019 Savana 1 3.2%

Median failure at 64,000 miles

2021 Savana 2 6.5%

Median failure at 54,000 miles

What owners said

2019 GMC Savana at 64,000 miles Los Angeles, CA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2019 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact researched the failure on YouTube and determined the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The contact called OnStar and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Penske Buick GMC of Cerritos (18400 Studebaker Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703); who had a master technician drive with her however, the contact was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Culver City Chevrolet Service (6101 W Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230); and was diagnosed that the power steering housing and another unknown mechanism needed to be replaced after a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a claim and confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA complaint #11625413 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Savana Newtown, PA

STEERING

Power steering lines leaking and hydroboost. Third vehicle in fleet with 64000 miles and same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11597895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 GMC Savana at 54,000 miles Newtown, PA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. The power steering fluid was leaking. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCM, power steering, and sensors had to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

NHTSA complaint #11576635 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 GMC Savana 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.

2016 GMC Savana Corona, CA Crash

STEERING

I TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE I PURCHASED IN THE PENSKE PARKING LOT. I WAS NOT ABLE TO TAKE IT TO THE FREEWAY. VEHICLE FELT FINE, ENGINE LOOKED GOOD, REAR TIRES WERE WORN, BUT I WAS TOLD THEY CONFORMED TO DOT STANDARDS. AFTER THE PURCHASE I STARTED TO DRIVE IT HOME. WHEN I GOT ON THE FREEWAY, I COULD NOT GET THE TRUCK ABOVE 50 MILES PER HOUR WITH OUT SEVERE VIBRATIONS. THE TRUCK ALSO PULLED TO THE RIGHT, IT WAS OBVIOUS THE TRUCK NEEDED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT. PENSKE GIVES A 15 DAY PERIOD WHEN THEY WILL REPAIR DAMAGE YOU HAVE FOUND. I ARRANGED WITH ALYSE, THE GIRL THAT WORKS FOR PENSKE SALES IN PENNSYLVANIA. SHE HAD ME BRING THE TRUCK TO CORONA RENTAL AND REPAIR CENTER. I PICKED THE TRUCK UP ON THE 15TH OF MARCH AND BROUGHT IT TO PENSKE FOR REPAIRS ON THE FRIDAY, 19, MARCH 2021. I CALLED THE FOLLOWING WEEK, AND TALKED TO YEISEN DELGADO, THE SALES REP WHERE THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASED FROM. HE SAID THE TRUCK HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND ASKED ME IF I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAD NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, AND DENIED IT WITH VIGOR. I COULD SEE I WAS NOT GOING TO GET MY TRUCK REPAIRED. I WENT TO VIEW THE TRUCK THE NEXT WEEK, AND WAS MET BY VICTOR, THE REPAIR MECHANIC SUPERVISOR. HE SHOWED ME THE DAMAGE FROM THE ACCIDENT, I HAVE MANY PICTURES. THEY HAD DRAWN AN ARROW INDICATING THE DAMAGE. IT WAS OBVIOUS THE DAMAGE WAS AL LEAST 4 MONTHS OLD. I HAD POSSESSION OF THE TRUCK FOR 4 OR 5 DAYS. I HAD A CARFAX REPORT AND IT CLEARLY SAID NO ACCIDENTS OR DAMAGE REPORTED. SO, I PURCHASED A TRUCK THAT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH THEM TO REPAIR THE TRUCK. I BELIEVE THEY ARE FIXING NOW. BUT, I HAVE PURCHASED A TRUCK THAT WAS CERTIFIED PROVEN TO BE IN GOOD CONDITION. I COULD NOT USE IT TO DRIVE MY HOME FURNITURE/GOODS THE 1347 MILES TO MY NEW HOME. PHOTO'S SHOW THE RUST ON THE RAMPAGED PARTS ARE AT LEAST 4 MONTHS OLD.

NHTSA complaint #11408196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Savana at 62,000 miles Huntington Station, NY

STEERING

OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING OVER LAST 4 MONTHS IN FOLLOWING ORDER: INTERMITTENT DEATH WOBBLE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING STABLETRACK DASH LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD NOT TURN OFF. BRAKE SWITCH AT PEDAL REPLACED. BRAKE LIGHTS NOW STAYING OFF. STABLETRACK DASH LIGHT CAME INTERMITTENTLY THREE TIMES AGAIN. STEERING WHEEL OFF CENTERS ITSELF TO LEFT A FEW DEGREES. INTERMITTENT DEATH WOBBLE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING RE-OCCURS. BRAKES PULLING SLIGHTLY TO LEFT. BRAKES STOP PULLING LEFT. STEERING WHEEL RE-CENTERS. INTERMITTENT DEATH WOBBLE CEASES IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN BRAKING.

NHTSA complaint #11365198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2016 GMC Savana at 53,900 miles Vassar, MI

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 GMC SAVANA. WHILE THE KEY WAS IN THE IGNITION WITH THE VEHICLE TURNED ON, THE POWER WINDOWS WOULD NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED; HOWEVER, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FLASHED ON AND OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COOK CHEVROLET BUICK (1193 W SAGINAW RD, VASSAR, MI 48768, (989) 823-8523) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER SWITCH FOR THE WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE BRAKE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR CALIPERS SEIZED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE NEAREST INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CALIBERS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE STABILITRAC INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE STEERING POSITION SENSORS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-529-6763906. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,900.

NHTSA complaint #11219707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2003 GMC Savana at 100,000 miles Kingston, NY

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SAVANA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKE PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED AND DID NOT PROPERLY OPERATE. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD JERK AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS, WHICH AFFECTED THE VEHICLE STOPPING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE HYDRO PUMP WAS FAULTY. THE PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE HYDRO PUMP HAD BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THE PAST EIGHT MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11208186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 GMC Savana at 100,000 miles Houston, TX

STEERING

WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD AT 30 MILES / HOUR CAR TURNS OFF. I COULD NOT TURN, POWER STEERING LOCKED. CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY ROAD AND I BRAKE, CHANGED GEARS TO PARK. I TURN IGNITION KEY OFF AND THEN TURNED IT ON AGAIN. THIS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES. I TRY TO AVOID BUMPY AREAS. I TOOK TO MECHANIC & HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH ENGINE. I DID TO MENTION IT ONLY HAPPENS ON BUMPY RIDES, ( HE DROVE IT ON EXPRESSWAY). I JUST FOUND OUT GMC CARS HAVE A RECALL ON KEY IGNITIONS BUT NOT MY 2005 GMC. I CONTACTED GMC AND MY LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT RECALLED AND UNLESS IT HAPPENS WHILE THEY DRIVE IT THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS THEY DIAGNOSE IT.

NHTSA complaint #10598720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 GMC Savana at 12,812 miles West Bloomfield, MI

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 GMC SAVANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION KEY WARNING SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND IT PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND STATED THAT THE LEFT INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR THAT FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,812.

NHTSA complaint #10573376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 GMC Savana at 110,000 miles Cape Coral, FL

STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 GMC SAVANNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SPORADICALLY FAIL TO START AND THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE WHEN BRAKING. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD SEIZE ABNORMALLY WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED THAT A HOSE WAS LEAKING FROM THE HYDRAULIC ASSIST FROM THE POWER STEERING. THE MECHANIC ALSO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WOULD ALSO CAUSE AN ISSUE WITH BRAKING. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V455000 (STEERING: HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST: HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 05/31/12

NHTSA complaint #10456089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2005 GMC Savana at 3,800 miles Durham, NC

STEERING

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING GEAR TWICE AND THE STEERING PUMP ONCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08

NHTSA complaint #10197645 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 GMC Savana at 66,000 miles Homer Glen, IL

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

THE POWER BRAKE/STEERING PUMP SHAFT BROKE, RENDERING THE POWER BRAKE AND STEERING INOPERABLE. THE PROBLEM OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING DOWNHILL AND PRESENTED A SAFETY PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD 70,000 MILES AT THE TIME. I WAS AND REMAIN CONCERNED THAT THE PART DEFECT WAS NOT IDENTIFIED EARLIER AND PRESENTED A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE PART HAS BEEN REPLACED, BUT I WANT TO KNOW IF THE REPLACEMENT PART IS SAFE AND HOW GMC WILL REIMBURSE ME FOR ALL OF THE COSTS I INCURRED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT WAS VERY DISTRESSING TO LOSE ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. HAD I BEEN TRAVELING FASTER, INJURIES MOST ASSUREDLY WOULD HAVE OCCURRED. I HAVE SEEN ELSEWHERE ON THE INTERNET THAT A 2000 GMC SAVANA VAN RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THE SAME DEFECTIVE PART.

NHTSA complaint #10166024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2000 GMC Savana at 87,000 miles Marion, IN

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

DT: THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE 2000 GMC SAVANNA VEHICLE EXPERIENCED D THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MENTIONED IN RECALL 05V00500. WHILE PARKING THE VAN, COMING BACK, AND THEN PUTTING IT I INTO THE REVERSE THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED. ALSO, HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. HAD TO ALLOW EXTRA SPACE IN BETWEEN CARS FOR THE VAN TO STOP. CONSUMER CALLED GM, AND CHECKED ON THE RECALLS , AND WAS INFORMED THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. CONSUMER ONLY PUT ON 1,500 MILES ON THE VAN SINCE PURCHASING IT. THE VAN WAS PREOWNED AND WAS EQUIPPED WITH HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS CALLED, THEY FOUND RECALLS, AND T REFERRED CONSUMER TO GM. THE OWNER HAS NOT HAS THIS REPAIRED. THE BRAKES HAS ALSO HAD PROBLEMS. THE BRAKES OPERATED POORLY, AND COULD NOT GET VEHICLE TO STOP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES.

NHTSA complaint #10131715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 GMC Savana at 60,000 miles Summerfield, FL

STEERING

STEERING FAILED COMPLETELY. DEALER STATED THE CONVERSION COMPANY MADE THE VEHICLE TOO HEAVY.

NHTSA complaint #10117371 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 GMC Savana at 53,321 miles Webster, NY

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP

WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH SUDDENLY, THE DRIVER WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE SHOP FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *NM......IT HAPPENED AFTER MAKING A SHARP TURN TO THE LEFT. CONSUMER COULD NOT STEER THE VAN LEFT RIGHT.THE MECHANIC INDICATED THAT THE SHAFT FROM THE POWER STEERING PUMP WA SSHEARED IN HALF.

NHTSA complaint #10107394 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 GMC Savana Neosho, MO

STEERING:GEAR BOX:SHAFT PITMAN

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT STEERING SHAFT PITMAN AND IDLER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY, AND THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10101111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 GMC Savana Neosho, MO

STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT

CONSUMER NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT STEERING SHAFT PITMAN AND IDLER ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED PREVIOUSLY, AND THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10101111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1997 GMC Savana 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.

2000 GMC Savana Brooklyn, NY

STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE

CONSUMER NOTICED WHILE DEPRESSING BRAKES STEERING WHEEL LOCKED HALF WAY IN BETWEEN TURNS.

NHTSA complaint #10041953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other GMC Savana problems