VehicleVerdict

2002 GMC Savana 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2002 GMC Savana 1500 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Savana 1500 years?

Savana 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted7 complaints1997: 1 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 5 complaints2001: 3 complaints2002: 3 complaints2003: 3 complaints2004: 5 complaints2005: 7 complaints2006: 1 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 2 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 3 complaints2012: 1 complaints2014: 6 complaints2015: 3 complaints
Savana 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Savana 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 GMC Savana 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine267%
Speed Control133%

Does the 2002 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“2002 GMC SAVANA, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND BECAME DISABLED. *BF (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT# 10-0281-89)*JB UPDATED 09/13/10*BF ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 14, 2010 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 GMC SAVANNA 1500. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS ON ENGINE POWER AS THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT AN OIL LINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · June 9, 2014

2002 GMC Savana 1500 — common questions

Is the 2002 GMC Savana 1500 reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2002 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2002 GMC Savana 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.