1997 GMC Savana Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1997 GMC Savana, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes916.4%
- Transmission712.7%
- Fuel system610.9%
- Body & structure610.9%
- Engine59.1%
- Seat belts47.3%
- Steering47.3%
- Airbags35.5%
- Tires & wheels35.5%
- Visibility23.6%
- Electrical23.6%
- Suspension11.8%
- Other / unspecified11.8%
- Interior & seats11.8%
- Driver assistance11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, THE DEALER DETERMINED THE SHAFT BROKE IN THE POWER STEERING PUMP, DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP ASSEMBLY AND SERPENTINE BELT.*JB
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL REAR BRAKES WOULD GRAB. WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LIKE BRAKES WERE STILL APPLIED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKES WERE OVER ADJUSTING, CONSUMER STATES SINCE THE REMOVAL, THE BRAKES STILL GRAB AND STAY PARTIALLY ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED, DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO RESPOND LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE A LOAD IN IT. *SLC
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10 *BF
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING AN AWFUL NOISE, AND LIMITED MOBILIY. *SCC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
PLASTIC PRESSURE FUEL LINE ON MY GMC 1997 SAVANNAH G150 DEVELOPED A PUNCTURE SPRAYING GASOLINE NEAR EXHAUST PIPE HAD TO REPLACE SEND DEFECTIVE LINE TO GM THEY SAID THEY HAD NO WAY TO TEST IT. *JB
SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED THERE HAS BEEN A GAS LEAK. CONSUMER STATES' HE CONSTANTLY BREATHING FUMES. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SIDE CARGO DOORS PROGRESSIVELY HARDER TO OPEN UNTIL REAR UPPER HINGE SNAPPED. DOOR LEFT HANGING, VERY DANGEROUS. NOT RUSTED OR ABUSED. *NLM
UPPER HINGE PIN FALLING OUT OF HINGES, AND CAUSING DOORS TO DROP. UNABLE TO CLOSE PROPERLY;. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND REFUSED TO REPAIR UNLESS COST GOES TO CONSUMER. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10 *BF
REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WITH 69,000 MILES ON IT.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
SEAT BELTS IN THE REAR CAPTAINS CHAIRS DO NO CONNECT WHEN A LARGE PERSON IS IN SEAT, AND WHEN A SMALL PERSON IS IN SEAT THE BELT CONNECTS ACROSS THE NECK, WHICH CAUSES CHOKING. DEALER CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. STATES THE BELTS ARE NOT PROPERLY LOCATED AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. *AK
VEHICLE'S SEAT BELTS HAVE TWO RETRACTORS, THE SHOULDER HARNESS AND THE LAP AND FLOOR. WHEN THE BELT IS HOOKED TOGETHER, CONSUMER CAN STAND AND WALK AWAY FROM THE SEAT AT LEAST THREE FEET. THE CONSUMER'S CHILD WHEN BUCKLED IN, THE BUCKLE OF THE SEAT BELT STOPS IN THE CENTER OF THE CHILD'S CHEST. THE MANUFACTURER INSISTS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NOT HANDLED BY THEM. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (NAR) *PH *CB
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CONTACTED A TOW COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM *PH *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THEN, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AN DETERMINED THAT SENSOR CONTROL MODULE HAD A SHORT DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE CARPET.*AK
AIRBAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH NOBODY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *LA *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE REAR LEFT SIDE TIRE BLEW UP WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. (FIRESTONE STEEL TEX R4S/TIRE SIZE LT223/75R16). *YH
TIRE CAME APART-DID NOT DEFLATE-CONSIDERABLE BODY DAMAGE. *AK( DOT NUMBER: 909D TIRE SIZE: LT245/75R1 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER'S SIDE 3RD WINDOW IN BACK FALLS OUT OF TRACK ONTO PAINT OF VAN WHEN UNLATCHED. THIS HAPPENED AT 297 MILES, WAS REPAIRED BY DEALER. *AK THE WINDOW FELL DOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW . THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD REPLACED IT. *YH
GLOVE BOX IS NOT SET CORRECTLY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
ELECTRICAL WIRING HARNESS HAVE ALL CORRODED DUE TO MOISTURE, POSSIBLY CAUSING FIRE OR ELECTRICAL FAILURES. *AK
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE VAN BRIEFLY LOST POWER. AT THE NEXT STOP SIGN I NOTICED WHITE STEAM OR SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER TURNING THE VAN CONTINUED TO LOSE POWER UNTIL I GOT PULLED OVER. AFTER GETTING MYSELF AND TWO OF MY CHILDREN OUT OF THE VAN THE SMOKE TURNED BLACK AND I KNEW IT WAS A FIRE. AS WE WALKED BACK TO A SAFE DISTANCE I COULD SEE FIRE DRIPPING OUT FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE VAN. IT WAS SOON ENGULFED IN FIRE AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED TO PUT IT OUT. THE VAN WAS TOTALED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE SLOWING DOWN VEHICLE DRIVER FELT A PULSATION IN FRONT STEERING WHEEL. TOOK TO DEALER, AND HE CHANGED BRAKE ROTORS, BUT NOT PADS. SINCE THEN, CONSUMER BROUGHT VEHICLE TO DEALER 4 MORE TIMES. LAST TIME WAS ON 01/ 28/99. PICKED IT UP A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, AND IT STILL HAD PULSATION. CONSUMER INDICATED THAT WHEN APPLYING BRAKES IT FELT AS THOUGH VEHICLE WAS GOING TO STOP. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHILE USING THE JACK TO CHANGE THE RIGHT REAR TIRE, THE JACK COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FALL DOWN. NO ONE WAS INJURED. THE MANUFACTURER WILL TO CONTACTED. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
SAFETY HAZARD! THE ELECTRIC DRIVER SEAT IS NOT SQUARE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL.THE SEAT POSITION MAKES THE DRIVER SET AT AN ANGLE TO THE RIGHT OF THE WHEEL SO IF THE AIR BAG IS DEPLOYED IT WILL HIT THE DRIVER IN THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE HEAD AND TWIST THE BODY AROUND.THE WAY THE DRIVER SEAT IS ANGLED THE AIR BAG WILL NEVER HIT SQUARE WITH THE BODY . THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THE AIR BAG WILL CAUSE THE BODY TO TWIST AS OPPOSED TO HITTING YOU SQUARE AND HOLDING YOU FACE FORWARD . I FEEL IT WILL CROWD THE DRIVER TOWARDS THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR IN A TWISTED CONDITION. GMC AND AUTO FORM AND THE DEALER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED AND I AM TOLD I WILL HAVE TO LIVE WITH THIS SAFETY HAZARD AS THEY CANNOT CORRECT IT AND THEY ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT THAT THERE IS A DEFINITE PROBLEM. AGAIN THAT I WILL HAVE TO JUST LIVE WITH. I HOPE THAT THE VEHICLE IS NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT WITH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND MULTIPLE DEATHS AND OR PERMANENT INJURY AS A RESULT OF THIS SAFETY HAZARD. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN DEPRESSING BRAKE PEDAL REAR BRAKES WOULD GRAB. WHEN CONSUMER RELEASED THE BRAKES VEHICLE WOULD TRAVEL LIKE BRAKES WERE STILL APPLIED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO SURGE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK CONSUMER STATES THAT THE MANUFACTURER SUGGESTED TO THE DEALER TO DISCONNECT THE REAR BRAKE ADJUSTER AND WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE REAR BRAKES WERE OVER ADJUSTING, CONSUMER STATES SINCE THE REMOVAL, THE BRAKES STILL GRAB AND STAY PARTIALLY ON AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS BEEN RELEASED, DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO RESPOND LIKE THAT BECAUSE IT WAS DESIGNED TO HAVE A LOAD IN IT. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .