NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
The 2010 GMC Savana has 5 recalls, the most serious being two separate fire risks: a voltage regulator short in the 145-amp alternator that can generate enough heat to start an engine compartment fire, and exposed wiring for an unused rear HVAC blower motor circuit that can corrode and overheat.
These fire risks apply to certain configurations of the Savana, including cutaway variants with optional rear HVAC wiring that was never connected. In those cases, the bare connectors and wiring sit unused but energized, allowing corrosion to build resistance and heat in the circuit over time.
On the safety equipment side, there are two additional concerns. The front passenger airbag system has a threshold issue: in a crash that is not severe enough to trigger deployment, an unbelted front passenger faces a higher-than-normal risk of injury because the airbag provides no supplemental protection in that situation. Separately from the airbag concern, certain vehicles were equipped at the factory with fire extinguishers that may fail to discharge properly when needed, which is a meaningful problem given the fire risks described above. This affects units fitted with either plastic-handle or push-button pindicator-style extinguishers.
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.
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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.
At a glance
What can fail
The fire extinguisher may clog and fail to discharge, or require excessive force to use. In some models, the nozzle may detach forcefully, potentially causing injury and making the extinguisher inoperable.
What the fix does
GM will provide a free replacement fire extinguisher from Kidde. Contact your vehicle manufacturer's customer service to arrange the replacement.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In a frontal crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger's head may strike the instrument panel above the passenger air bag. The panel may not absorb this impact adequately, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel at no cost to improve impact absorption and occupant protection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A low resistance short can develop inside the voltage regulator of the alternator. If the circuit does not shut off, the short can generate enough heat to cause an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
The dealer will inspect the alternator and replace it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The voltage regulator inside the 145 amp alternator can develop an internal short circuit. If this short doesn't break the circuit, it can generate excessive heat and potentially cause an engine compartment fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the alternator and replace it if the voltage regulator short is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
