1997 GMC Savana: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 46 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (15% 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 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 *bf”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2008
“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. *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2005
“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.*ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2003
“Side cargo doors progressively harder to open until rear upper hinge snapped. Door left hanging, very dangerous. Not rusted or abused. *nlm”Owner report · Structure · May 2003
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Nov 2002
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Other · Oct 2002
“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”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Sep 2002
“Consumer stated the front brakes were replaced, the front rotors were machined and the rear brakes were cleaned and adjusted.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Aug 2001
“The rear left side tire blew up while the consumer was traveling at 70 mph. (firestone steel tex r4s/tire size lt223/75r16). *yh”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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 1997 GMC Savana reliable?
NHTSA has 46 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1997 GMC Savana. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1997 GMC Savana problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 69,707 miles or less.
Does the 1997 GMC Savana have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting. 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.