RoadVitals

1998 GMC Savana

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
33
Latest Aug 9, 2022
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 33 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1998 GMC Savana, most frequently naming the brakes, airbags and tires & wheels categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 65 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Brakes924.3%
  • Airbags616.2%
  • Tires & wheels513.5%
  • Body & structure410.8%
  • Electrical410.8%
  • Fuel system38.1%
  • Engine25.4%
  • Driver assistance25.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

2 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
98V033000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR

Feb 17, 1998
1,137 units potentially affected
The defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTOR/HUBS WERE BUILT WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION GRAY IRON THAT CAN FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.
The risk: IF A DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED ROTOR, THE CRACKS COULD CONTINUE AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.
The remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 33
Electrical
Filed Aug 9, 2022

GM theft system engaged leaving me stranded multiple times including on a remote mountain side. I was only able to get a cell signal by walking a few KM's down the road in the middle of the night to call for help. When I was able to get a hold of the dealer in the morning, they instructed me on how to "relearn" the key code and drive the van to the dealership. They cut a new key and sent me on my way. Since, the van theft system has left me stranded multiple times and me having to spend half an hour or more doing the relearn procedure. Warning lamps include "security' light illuminated on dash. Van starts, runs for 2 seconds and turns off.

NHTSA ID
11478501
Incident
Jul 20, 2019
Brakes
Filed Feb 22, 2006

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS ENGAGES AT LOW SPEEDS OF 5MPH AND BELOW. THIS PRIMARILY HAPPENS WHILE STOPPING THE VEHICLE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL # 05V379000 CONCERNING THE ABS. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN AND THE YEAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED, BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE.

NHTSA ID
10150898
Incident
Feb 3, 2003
Mileage
53,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 19, 2005
Fire reported

DT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HAD NOT CONTACTED GMC AT THIS POINT. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 18, 2005. VEHICLE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN, PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE BOTTOM AROUND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK

NHTSA ID
10133505
Incident
Jul 18, 2005
Mileage
105,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Sep 7, 2004

THE HINGES ONTHE SIDE DOORS ARE BREAKING CAUSING THE DOORS TO BIND AND NOT ABLE TO OPEN.YOU CANT GET IN OR OUT OF THE VAN USING THE SIDE DOORS. FIST THE INSIDE DOOR BANELS BOUND ON EACH OTHER AND WERE TORN OFF.*AK THE HINGES ARE WELDED TO THE GMC VAN. I CANT REPLACE THEM.

NHTSA ID
10090593
Incident
Aug 1, 2003
Body & structureTires & wheels
Filed Jul 10, 2003

THE CABLE WHICH CONTROLLED THE SIDE PASSENGER DOOR BROKE.*MR. THREE MONTHS LATER THE CABLE WHICH HELD THE SPARE TIRE BROKE. *TS *JB

NHTSA ID
10029628
Body & structure
Filed Jun 4, 2003

THE HINGES ON THE SIDE DOORS OF MY 1998 GMC SAVANA VAN OF THE 4 HINGES: 1 IS BROKEN AND 2 ARE CRACKED. I CALLED GMC AND GOT THE RUN AROUND. THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM UNLESS YOU ISSUED A RECALL ON THE HINGES. *NLM

NHTSA ID
10021047
Incident
Jun 4, 2003
Engine
Filed Mar 26, 2003

INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURE (PLASTIC GASKET) ALLOWING COOLANT TO LEAK. *JB

NHTSA ID
10011080
Incident
Mar 26, 2003
Mileage
63,000 mi
Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 16, 2002

FIRESTONE, TIRE SIZE LT245/75R16 DOT VN11B1A108. TREAD SEPARATED ON THREE TIRES. EQUIPMENT FOR A 1998, GMC, 15 PASSENGER VAN. DEALER CONTACTED. *AK *YH

NHTSA ID
8007718
Incident
Jan 4, 2002

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIT3665M

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIT3665L

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

04-06-04-051F

EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM

This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT3665J

SERVICE BRAKES

This Preliminary Information communication advises the technician that the Hydro-Boost is not serviceable and will need to be replaced if the brake pedal moves or applies on its own at a full turn.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

GMC Savana by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026030—
2025040—
2024000—
2023020—
2022221—
2021231—
2020020—
2019550—
2018371—
2017661—
2016671—
2015240—
2014170—
2013290—
2012370—
2011150—
2010340—
2009280—
2008370—
2007630—
2006770—
2005125039.8
2004127054.8
20032211054.0
2002120137.5
2001190035.6
2000492155.7
1999492046.4
1998Viewing332042.3
1997462049.9
1996353043.1
1995200—
1994100—
1993000—

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.