2019 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 2019 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
- Electrical233.3%
- Engine116.7%
- Interior & seats116.7%
- Exterior lighting116.7%
- Steering116.7%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The battery run out of charge. After a battery boost the car turn on and work OK except that the signal lights did not work first, then they turn on by itself. Same thing happened with the warning lights. The AC stopped working, The wipers wash pump does not work, the outside lights do not turn to high and stayed on after the car is turn off. I took my car to the dealer 3 days ago and they are not able to find the issue even though they contacted GMC directly and worked with their technicians.
The contact stated that he rented a 2019 GMC Savana from Penske Truck Rental at (1460 Thorne Rd, Tacoma, WA 98421) and the battery shorted out and the vehicle was unable to start. The Penske company sent out a tech who was able to jump-start the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to his residence; however, the vehicle was unable to start the next morning. Penske was called and replaced the battery; however, the next day the voltmeter was operating erratically. The contact stated that he was able to drive but roadside assistance was contacted as the brakes felt spongy with no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that another driver charged the battery and continued driving. The contact stated that Penske Rental Truck (1 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97211) eventually switched the vehicle to a 2021 GMC Savana several days later. The contact stated that he took the 2021 GMC Savana to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic test before he started traveling again. The independent mechanic diagnosed that the emissions monitor was malfunctioning and that the sensors need to be replaced. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V189000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that the recall remedy was insufficient as the GMC engineers proposed an incorrect remedy for the circuitry. The contact stated that he returned the van to the rental facility. The contact stated that Penske Corporate was notified of the issues. The VIN were not available.
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
The battery run out of charge. After a battery boost the car turn on and work OK except that the signal lights did not work first, then they turn on by itself. Same thing happened with the warning lights. The AC stopped working, The wipers wash pump does not work, the outside lights do not turn to high and stayed on after the car is turn off. I took my car to the dealer 3 days ago and they are not able to find the issue even though they contacted GMC directly and worked with their technicians.
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
2019 GMC CUTAWAY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO WARPED RIGHT REAR DOOR. THE CONSUMER STATED UPON DELIVERY OF THE VEHICLE THE DOOR WAS WARPED. THE CONSUMER STATED AN EMAIL WAS IMMEDIATELY SENT TO THE DEALER MAKING THEM AWAR OF THE DEFECT. THE DEALER ADVISED IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. BUT, THE WARRANTY WAS DENIED STATING THAT THE DEFECT WAS CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE CUSTOMER USE. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The battery run out of charge. After a battery boost the car turn on and work OK except that the signal lights did not work first, then they turn on by itself. Same thing happened with the warning lights. The AC stopped working, The wipers wash pump does not work, the outside lights do not turn to high and stayed on after the car is turn off. I took my car to the dealer 3 days ago and they are not able to find the issue even though they contacted GMC directly and worked with their technicians.
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
The contact owns a 2019 GMC Savana. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact researched the failure on YouTube and determined the vehicle had experienced the death wobble. The contact called OnStar and was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Penske Buick GMC of Cerritos (18400 Studebaker Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703); who had a master technician drive with her however, the contact was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Culver City Chevrolet Service (6101 W Slauson Ave., Culver City, CA 90230); and was diagnosed that the power steering housing and another unknown mechanism needed to be replaced after a test drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a claim and confirmed there was no warranty coverage. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
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 .