2004 GMC Savana 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 5 complaints on file for the 2004 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.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Savana 1500 years?

Savana 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Savana 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 GMC Savana 1500 problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Tires & Wheels	2	40%	▲ up
Brakes	1	20%	▼ down
Steering	1	20%	— flat
Body & Structure	1	20%	new

Does the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

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

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANNA EQUIPPED WITH DEFINITY DAKOTA A/T TIRES, SIZE 235/75R16. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE MADE A THUMPING NOISE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED ALL OF THE TREAD ON THE RIGHT REAR TIRE WAS MISSING. A SPARE TIRE WAS INSTALLED…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · April 28, 2011

“THE CARGO DOORS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO OPEN. THE DOOR HINGES HAVE RUSTED INTERNAL, SO THAT ONE OF THE HINGES SNAPPED OFF (LOWER HINGE, PASSENGER SIDE CARGO DOOR). GM HAS TSB FOR THIS BUT WILL NOT COVER IT. IT IS VERY UNSAFE IF YOU CAN NOT EXIT THE DOOR. *TR”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 7, 2009

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, A NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE INNER TIE ROD WAS FRACTURED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRED AND HAD TO BE…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 1, 2005

“TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANNA VAN WITH A CURRENT ODOMETER READING OF 10,200 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VAN TOOK A LONG TIME TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE BRAKES THAT CAME WITH THE VEHICLE WERE TOO SMALL, WHICH RESULTED IN EXTENDED STOPPING…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 27, 2007

2004 GMC Savana 1500 — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 reliable?

The record is thin — 5 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 GMC Savana 1500. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other Savana 1500 years?

What are the most common 2004 GMC Savana 1500 problems?

Does the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2004 GMC Savana 1500 — common questions

Is the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 reliable?

Does the 2004 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

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