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1997 GMC SavanaProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 46 owner complaints about the 1997 GMC Savana, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Savana median · #3 of 10 years by complaints
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints466 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem9Service brakes, hydraulic

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 28, 2008. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1997 GMC Savana has problems

46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Service brakes, hydraulic91
Power train72
Structure61
Engine and engine cooling51
Fuel system, gasoline40
Steering40
Tires30
Seat belts30
Air bags30
7 other systems111

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

1 recall

1997 GMC Savana recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Recall 00V-110 · Apr 17, 2000 · 109,239 vehicles

Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with GMC.

Best & worst years

1997 vs. every other Savana year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Savana median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What Savana owners report

Recent service brakes, hydraulic complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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…
Complaint 895221 · Aug 27, 2001
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…
Complaint 856152 · Feb 3, 2000
1. REAR ADJUSTMENT SPRING WAS NOT INSTALLED IN VEHICLE FROM FACTORY, CAUSING BRAKES TO BECOME SPONGY. 2. TRANSMISSION HAS BECOME FAULTY WIHTIN 42,000.
Complaint 847101 · Sep 8, 1999

Own a 1997 Savana?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.