1998 GMC Savana: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 33 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% 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 33 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“GM theft system engaged leaving me stranded multiple times including on a remote mountain side. I was only able to get a cell signal by walking a few KM's down the road in the middle of the night to call for help. When I was able to get a hold of the dealer in the morning, they instructed me on how to "relearn" the key code and drive the van to the dealership. They cut a new key and sent me on my way. Since, the van theft system has left me stranded multiple times and me having to spend half an hour or more doing the relearn procedure. Warning lamps include "security' light illuminated on dash. Van starts, runs for 2 seconds and turns off.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2019
“Dt the vehicle caught on fire. Had not contacted gmc at this point. This happened on july 18, 2005. Vehicle was burned completely by the time the fire department got there. The vehicle started slowing down, pulled over, and the fire was under the bottom around catalytic converter. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2005
“The hinges onthe side doors are breaking causing the doors to bind and not able to open.you cant get in or out of the van using the side doors. Fist the inside door banels bound on each other and were torn off.*ak the hinges are welded to the gmc van. I cant replace them.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“The hinges on the side doors of my 1998 gmc savana van of the 4 hinges: 1 is broken and 2 are cracked. I called gmc and got the run around. They said they would not replace them unless you issued a recall on the hinges. *nlm”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2003
“Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engages at low speeds of 5mph and below. This primarily happens while stopping the vehicle. There is a NHTSA recall # 05v379000 concerning the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN and the year of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but no repairs were made.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2003
“Firestone, tire size lt245/75r16 dot vn11b1a108. Tread separated on three tires. Equipment for a 1998, gmc, 15 passenger van. Dealer contacted. *ak *yh”Owner report · Tires · Jan 2002
“While driving the engine stalled causing loss of power brakes and power steering, consumer had difficulty maintaining control, the dealership indicated a loose battery cable which caused the stalling problem, however after repair the vehicle stalled a second time, consumer returned the vehicle to the dealership which found that the delco battery had a split in it, dealership replaced the battery and indicated that they had seen many defective a.c.delco batteries. *mjs”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2000
“Original tires on a 1998, gmc, savanna, dot xn11b1a247, lt 245/75r16.tread separated from tire, it did not blowout. Tire did body damage to vehicle. Left rear and right front tire also had tread separation. *ak”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2000
“Vehicle will accelerate on its own when put in gear as soon as consumer takes foot off brake. This has happened. Dealer cannot remedy problem. *ak the master cylinder leaks brake fluid and brake pedal was low. The consumer uses brake excessively because of lack of engine deceleration. There is coolant leak at right rear intake manifold. *yh”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Apr 2000
“While driving and applying the brakes consumer heard noise coming from the brakes. Dealer replaced brakes, including calipers/pads and shoes, seven times. *ak *ml”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Feb 2000
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTOR/HUBS WERE BUILT WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION GRAY IRON THAT CAN FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
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.
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 1998 GMC Savana reliable?
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 GMC Savana. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (27% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 GMC Savana problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 63,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 GMC Savana have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc:rotor. 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.