repaired · 2025 Q2
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
2003 GMC SavanaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2003 GMC Savana, most often about the engine and engine cooling. It is covered by 11 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-247 the manufacturer reports only 45% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through April 6, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 GMC Savana has problems
22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
4Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
3Structure
2Fuel system, gasoline
2Service brakes, hydraulic
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Seats1 crash/fire/injury
1Suspension
1Air bags
1Visibility
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 1 | 1 |
| Visibility | 1 | 1 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
11 recalls
2003 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
Tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Risk. Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.
no report yet
Seat belts
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
no report yet
Front: anchorage
Risk. THE STANDARD REQUIRES CHILD SEAT LOWER ANCHORAGES IN TWO SEATING POSITIONS FOR VEHICLES WITH THREE REAR SEATING POSITIONS.
Show 7 more recalls
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic
Risk. CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE.
no report yet
Other: owners/service/other manual
Risk. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. IF THE SOCKET ASSEMBLY WERE TO REACH THE POINT OF MELTING, THE OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE MAY NOTICE AN ODOR AND SMOKE AT THE REAR DOORS OF THE VEHICLE.
no report yet
Front: buckle assembly
Risk. THIS COULD RESULT IN INCREASED RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
no report yet
Steering: linkages
Risk. A SEPARATION COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITH PRIOR WARNING.
no report yet
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD CAN CAUSE UNEXPECTED VEHICLE STEERING IN SOME MANEUVERS AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
no report yet
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE AMBER-COLORED ABS TELL-TALE LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD ILLUMINATE AND THE ABS SYSTEM WOULD BE DISABLED.
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
2003 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
NHTSA crash tests
2003 GMC Savana safety ratings
2003 GMC Savana Van in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Savana owners report
Recent engine and engine cooling complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL*VIRGINIA TECH OWNS A 2003 GMC SAVANA. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE HAS NOT YET BEEN DETERMINED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 75,128. UPDATED 04/03/08. *LJ
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AFTER FIVE MINUTES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PREVIOUS FAILURES. THE MOST RECENT FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS THE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT…
EXHAUST LEAK IN CONNECTION FROM TAIL PIPE TO CAT CONVERTER. SOUNDS LIKE METAL SQUEAKING UNDER VEHICLE WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING, BUT IT IS THE SOUND OF AIR WHISTLING THROUGH LEAK. WATER ALSO DRIPS FROM LEAK. LEAK IS UNDER CLAMP THAT HOLDS TAIL PIPE UP. *JB
Own a 2003 Savana?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.