1996 GMC Savana: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 35 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is fuel system, gasoline (21% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated there is a strong odor of gasoline. There is a NHTSA recall, # 00v110000, regarding the fuel system gasoline delivery hoses, lines/piping and fittings. The VIN was not included in the recall. Update 05/30/2006. *ak *ts”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Apr 2006
“1996 gmc savana van- fuel pump failures at 40,000 miles and 75,000 miles. $600 repair each time. High failure item lasting less than a set of tires, major repairs needed. This *has* to be a manufacturing defect. This is a common failure per the gm dealer.*jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 2003
“Windshield wiper motor quit working while driving in a severe thunder storm. After pulling to the side of the road the wipers started working intermittently. *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“ABS brakes are applied on wet and dry road conditions and brake pedal vibrates and goes to the floor. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2002
“The gmc dealer said the computer failed from corrosion at the computer causing the ABS system to kick in on dry roads. Then the ABS brake warning light would come on. This cost me over $700 to get fixed and three days without the use of my van. The gmc dealer replaced the computer. It is important that the brakes work properly. I can see this as a big saftey problem with these vans! *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2001
“The windshield wipers worked intermittently. Recall 03v159000 was issued which described the exact problem. But the consumer's vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *ak the wipers would always work when on high speed. The consumer felt that his vehicle experienced the same problem as in recall# 03v159000. *sc *jb”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2000
“Enginecheck light came on and stayed on for three days. Then it was hard to shift of gear. She took vehicle to the dealership to be flushed out. Consumer was concerned that at 40,000 miles she had severe shifting problem.*ak rust in transmission fluid, metal filing was found in the transmission possibly from coolant leak into it. *yh”Owner report · Power Train · May 1999
“Windshield wipers failed to operate. Intermittently will not work on intermittent or low speed. Dealer advised my vehicle not recalled with numerous others recalled for same problem.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Mar 1998
“Going about 35-50mph when the truck stopped for no reason. Fuel pump failed. No gas to engine. Went to dealer & mechanic replaced fuel pump at 2 times. Problem still exists continuously. Gmc says its owner's problem. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Dec 1997
“Driving about 35-50mph when the engine stalled out for no reason. Fuel pump not working properly. Gas not getting to engine. Took to dealer & mechanic replaced the fuel pump. Had been done at least twice. Its a continuous & consistent problem. Gmc says its the owner's problem. *ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Nov 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
ONE OF THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS CAN BREAK. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE SPRING LIFTING FROM THE AXLE UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING OR CORNERING MANEUVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
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.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
How other years compare
Check your exact Savana by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Savana reliable?
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 GMC Savana. The most complained-about area is fuel system, gasoline (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Savana problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 66,175 miles or less.
Does the 1996 GMC Savana have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear:springs:leaf spring assembly:u-bolt, leaf spring to axle. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.