1997 GMC Savana problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 63 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 14.0 times the median Savana year — the 1997 model ranks #3 of 32 Savana years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (13), body & structure (7), and transmission (7), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Savana years?

Savana NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Savana years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 GMC Savana problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Brakes	13	21%	▲ up
Body & Structure	7	11%	▲ up
Transmission	7	11%	▲ up
Fuel System	6	10%	— flat
Engine	5	8%	— flat
Tires & Wheels	5	8%	▲ up
Steering	4	6%	▲ up
Seat Belts	4	6%	▲ up
Airbags	3	5%	new
Visibility & Wipers	2	3%	▼ down
Electrical System	2	3%	— flat
Seats	2	3%	new
Suspension	1	2%	new
Speed Control	1	2%	new
Other	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 1997 GMC Savana have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

00V110000Fuel SystemApril 17, 2000 · 109,239 units

Defect

PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.

Consequence

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TOWING A RENTED TRAILER AND SMALL HYDRA-HOE. WEATHER CONDITIONS HAD BEEN RAINING. THE TRAILER CONTAINS A HYRDRAULIC MASTER CYLINDER THAT IS ACTIVATED FROM THE FORCE OF THE TRAILER PUSHING THE VEHICLE WHEN STOPPING. IN THIS CAUSE THE ANTI-LOCKS WOULD PROVIDE SUFFICIENT STOPPING POWER AS THEY WOULD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · May 16, 1998 · crash

“1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10 *BF”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 17, 2008 · fire

“THERE ARE TWO POSITIONS WHEN OPENING THE REAR DOORS; THEY ARE 90 & 180 DEGREES. WHEN OPENING THE REAR DOORS AT 180 DEGREES THE DETENT IS NOT DEEP ENOUGH TO HOLD THE DOORS OPEN. SO, WHEN PARKING ON AN INCLINE OR WHEN THE WIND BLOWS, THE DOORS WILL SLAM SHUT. *AK”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“CONSUMER STATES THAT AFTER THE RECALL #00V110000 FUEL ODOR LEAKAGE WAS REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE THE SENDING UNIT FAILS TO OPERATE WITHIN A WEEK. DEALER NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE REPAIR HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SENDING UNIT. PLEASE PROVIDE THAT DEALER NAME ADDRESS AND NUMBER. TS”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · October 20, 2002

“1997 GMC SAVANA ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION COMPARTMENTS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED HE DID EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING PROBLEMS EARLIER IN THE DAY. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0256-89) *JB UPDATED02/24/10 *BF”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 17, 2008 · fire

1997 GMC Savana — common questions

Is the 1997 GMC Savana reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 63 complaints put the 1997 model at #3 of 32 Savana years. It is one of the Savana years to avoid.

What are the most common 1997 Savana problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (13 complaints), body & structure (7 complaints), transmission (7 complaints).

Does the 1997 GMC Savana have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 GMC Savana. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which GMC Savana years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Savana years to avoid are 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996, 1998. The cleanest record among Savana years belongs to 2026.

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 1997 compare to other Savana years?

What are the most common 1997 GMC Savana problems?

Does the 1997 GMC Savana have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

1997 GMC Savana — common questions

Is the 1997 GMC Savana reliable?

What are the most common 1997 Savana problems?

Does the 1997 GMC Savana have recalls?

Which GMC Savana years should you avoid?

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