Summary
The GMC Savana has 74 recalls spanning the 1996 through 2026 model years, with the most serious recent issue being a transmission control module software defect on 2022-2023 models where the software can cause harsh shifting, sudden rear wheel lockup, or the vehicle to move in an unintended direction.
The current and near-current production years have several other concerns. On 2025-2026 cutaway models, tires may have sidewall damage that can cause sudden air loss and loss of control. The 2025 model year has two separate structural issues with the driver's door: an improperly welded impact beam can reduce side impact protection in a crash, and on a small number of vehicles the front passenger head restraint may not have been properly welded and could detach in a crash. The 2024 cutaway has a rearview camera that may not display when reversing due to a wrong mirror installed at the factory. Going back to 2021, the positive battery cable terminals can contact the fuse block and cause a short circuit with a fire risk. On 2016-2019 models, the rear-quarter windows may be tempered glass rather than the required laminated glass, which raises the risk of occupant ejection in a side impact or rollover.
The mid-production years carry a notable cluster of fire-related electrical issues. Cutaway chassis vehicles built between 2003 and 2023 have unused rear HVAC wiring that can corrode and overheat, creating a fire risk. The 2016 model has a rear climate control module that can overheat and ignite surrounding insulation when set to maximum heat. The 2014 model has power window switches that can corrode, heat up, and melt. The 2010 model's alternator voltage regulator can develop a short that generates enough heat to start an engine compartment fire. On 2011-2013 CNG cargo vans, a connector in the compressed natural gas fuel system can short and overheat, raising the risk of fire. The 2012 model also has a steering gear pitman shaft that can fracture and cause complete loss of steering, and a dual-stage front airbag whose second stage may not deploy in a severe frontal impact. The 2009-2014 model years have a passenger airbag calibration issue where an unbelted front passenger faces increased injury risk in lower-speed crashes that do not trigger airbag deployment. The 2008 cutaway's transmission can self-engage into first gear at highway speeds, destroying the transmission and potentially stranding the vehicle in traffic. Also on 2008 AWD models, a transfer case drive chain can fail, allowing the vehicle to roll even with the transmission in Park.
The early 2000s production saw several steering failures on 2003 models: the tie rod end nut, the pitman arm nut, and the steering relay rod stud could all separate and cause sudden loss of steering control. The 2003 model also had seat belt buckles that would not latch or unlatch, a transmission shift cable that could misrepresent which gear was selected and allow rollaway, and unused rear HVAC wiring that could short and catch fire. The 2004 model had seat belt buckle latches with a brittle condition that could fail to hold an occupant in a crash, and a transmission shift cable that could separate and cause unintended vehicle movement. On 2000 models, a hydraulic pump driveshaft can fracture, immediately removing power steering assist and eventually depleting brake booster reserve pressure. The 1999 model