NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
The 2013 GMC Savana has 6 recalls, the most serious involving three separate fire risks: corroding wiring in an unused rear HVAC circuit, a short in the compressed natural gas fuel system, and a seat wiring harness that can get caught in the seat adjustment mechanism.
The rear HVAC risk applies to cutaway models where the blower motor wiring was included but left unconnected, leaving exposed connectors that can corrode and generate enough heat to start a fire. On Savana cargo vans equipped with a factory-installed compressed natural gas fuel system, a connector in that system can short and overheat. The seat fire risk affects vehicles built on the Savana chassis by Explorer Van Company, where the wiring for power seat adjustment and seat heating may not be properly secured and can get pinched in the seat riser, severing the wires and causing a short.
On the safety equipment side, the vehicle may be equipped with a fire extinguisher whose mechanism can fail to discharge properly, leaving the extinguisher useless when needed. There is also a concern with the front passenger airbag: in a lower-speed crash that does not trigger airbag deployment, an unbelted front passenger faces a higher risk of injury due to the way the restraint system responds in that scenario.
A separate recall covers a condition where the ignition key can be pulled out before the vehicle is fully in the off position, which can leave the engine running or the transmission in a state where the vehicle rolls unexpectedly.
At a glance
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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.
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
The fuel shut-off solenoid connector on the CNG tank can corrode and create an electrical short.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses, and adjust the wiring routing.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring harness powering the seat adjuster and heating circuit may not be securely fastened, allowing it to become caught in the seat riser mechanism.
What the fix does
Dealers will secure the wiring harness and replace any damaged harnesses at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ignition key can be removed while the ignition is in positions other than OFF. This may allow the vehicle to move unintentionally, potentially causing a crash.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the ignition lock cylinder to prevent key removal except in the OFF position.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
