VehicleVerdict

2005 GMC Savana 1500 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2005 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.

7

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Savana 1500 years?

Savana 1500 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Savana 1500 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 GMC Savana 1500 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes343%
Airbags229%
Body & Structure114%
Tires & Wheels114%

Does the 2005 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.

“FOOT BRAKE IS NOT FUNCTIONING IF PARKED ON A GRADE GREATER THAN 8 DEGREES. AS ALWAYS, FOOT BRAKE ONLY APPLIED AFTER THE GEAR IS SHIFTED ON PARK. I DIDN'T DISCOVER THE FOOT BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTION UNTIL SEVERAL YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. IT SEEMS THE FOOT BRAKE WAS NOT ADJUSTED AT ALL BEFORE THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · July 2, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 16, 2013

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT CHECKED THE SPARE TIRE. WHILE USING THE JACK, THE SPARE TIRE ONLY CAME DOWN SIX INCHES. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE SPARE TIRE BACK UP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CABLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · October 5, 2008

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. WHEN THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE WAS CORRODED. THE CABLE WAS CUT TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE. THE REAR BRAKE METAL COVER WAS ALSO CORRODED CAUSING ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 11, 2010

2005 GMC Savana 1500 — common questions

Is the 2005 GMC Savana 1500 reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2005 GMC Savana 1500 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 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.