The 2008 GMC Savana has 8 recalls, the most serious involving fire risks from two separate sources: corroding unused HVAC wiring that can overheat, and a frame rail that can press against the fuel tank and cause a fuel leak.
On the drivetrain side, two recalls describe the same transmission problem: on certain cutaway vans, the transmission can unexpectedly engage first gear at highway speeds, damaging internal components and leaving the vehicle unable to move in any gear, stranding it in traffic. Separately, AWD models may have a transfer case with a drive chain that can break prematurely, causing the transmission's Park position to fail and allowing the vehicle to roll freely on a slope or if bumped. There is also a wheelchair lift concern on conversion vans fitted with certain Ricon S-Series and K-Series L-Model lifts, where the lift platform can stop at an angle steep enough to tip a wheelchair or cause someone standing on it to fall. Note that some of these recalls apply only to cutaway configurations or specific powertrain combinations, so checking your VIN against each recall is the best way to confirm which apply to your vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Exposed wiring and connectors for an optional rear heating and air-conditioning system can corrode and overheat when the blower motor circuit is left unused.
What the fix does
Dealers will seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left B-pillar to prevent corrosion and overheating.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The wheelchair lift's up function has a software problem. If you release the up button before the lift reaches its floor-level limit, the lift may continue moving upward past its normal stopping point.
What the fix does
Main Mobility will send you an operation bulletin and training DVD at no cost. A software fix is being developed and will be installed free by authorized dealers.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some AWD vehicles have a faulty transfer case that may cause the drive chain to break early. If the chain breaks, Park mode may not hold the vehicle in place, and it could roll unexpectedly.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the transfer case code and replace the transfer case if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Some transfer cases contain an incorrect part that can cause the drive chain to fail early. If the chain breaks, the transmission Park setting may not prevent the vehicle from moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the transfer case manufacturing date and replace the transfer case if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission may suddenly shift into first gear while driving at highway speeds, damaging internal gears. At speeds over 130 km/h, the engine may shut down. In some cases, the transmission stops working completely, causing loss of power.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules to correct the shifting behavior.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The frame rail on the driver's side may be manufactured wider than the design specification, potentially reducing clearance with the fuel tank housing.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank, then rework the frame rail if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission may engage first gear at highway speeds, causing damage and loss of power when Drive or Reverse is selected. The engine may shut down if the vehicle exceeds 81 mph in certain conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules at no charge to correct the engagement and shutdown issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
On certain cutaway vehicles with a 139-inch wheelbase, the driver-side frame rail may be wider than designed. This can cause the frame to contact the fuel tank housing, leading to fuel leaks over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing. If clearance is insufficient, dealers will rework the frame rail to correct the fit.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
