1999 GMC Savana: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 49 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% 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 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 gmc savanna. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he heard an abnormal noise. The contact inspected the vehicle and fund that the starter bolt had failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2014
“Defective hinges on side cargo doors. Side doors not frequently used. Repeatedly greased/oiled to reduce tension and force necessary to operate doors. Doors now inoperable. Hinges cracked & rusted out completely after only 3 1/2 years of owning vehicle. Passengers would be trapped inside if using center seats. Hinges are useless. Per gmc, my problem; take ownership of the vehicle & it's issues after warranty expired.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2004
“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. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2004
Show 7 more owner reports
“The rear passenger's seat belt buckle will not release. The dealer indicated that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. *la”Owner report · Seat Belts · Apr 2004
“Passenger side air bag deployed while the van was parked. The air bag warning light came on and stayed on 2 days prior to the incident. *ak *jb”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2004
“Passenger seat has tipped back; three times. Each time the dealership replaced the hinge pin and put a small sprocket to lock in place. This doesn't seem to fix the problem. The only reason someone hasn't been hurt is the discovery of the missing pins when a passenger is loading into the back.*ak”Owner report · Seats · Jan 2004
“While shifting gears transmission would down shift on its own. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis, and mechanic replaced transmission. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jan 2004
“Hinges on 60/40 cargo doors are very stiff. Doors have been difficult to open and close for quite some time. Recently, lower hinge on 40 door has broken. Replacement of all hinges on these doors is approximately $1100. Have not yet contacted dealer about problem (had similar problems with hinges on 95 vandura).*ak”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2004
“I had to make a "panic stop". I pushed the brake pedal as hard as possible. Felt the vehicle shudder several times and felt what I assumed was the ABS brakes cycling, then the vehicle just rolled forward...no braking at all was felt, resulting in a rear-end collision. I know that if I had properly functioning brakes, I would have stopped in a safe distance. When I felt the deceleration stop, I pushed even harder on the pedal, with absolutely no change in velocity and no more room for the pedal to move. There was at least 15 between vehiclesat this point,&..I could /should have stopped safely, with no collision if the brakes had worked properly! *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2003
“Side door hinges are stiff, causing the door to bearly open. The hinge is causing the sheet metal to flex as it tries to open and close.*ak”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2003
When filing, owners marked a crash in 4 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VANS EQUIPPED WITH A BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A POWER STEERING COOLER HOSE THAT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE POWER BRAKE BOOSTER FLUID FLOW SWITCH ASSEMBLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT FOR THREE SCREW CLAMPS TO THE POWER STEERING HOSE JOINTS. IF THE CLAMPS ARE NOT THE SCREW TYPE, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CLAMPS.
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 1999 GMC Savana reliable?
NHTSA has 49 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 GMC Savana. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 GMC Savana problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,000 miles or less.
Does the 1999 GMC Savana have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections. 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.