VehicleVerdict

1998 GMC Savana problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 39 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.7 times the median Savana year — the 1998 model ranks #5 of 32 Savana years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (28% of the total).

39

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Savana years?

Savana NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted70 complaints1994: 1 complaints1995: 2 complaints1996: 45 complaints1997: 63 complaints1998: 39 complaints1999: 64 complaints2000: 70 complaints2001: 23 complaints2002: 13 complaints2003: 23 complaints2004: 17 complaints2005: 16 complaints2006: 8 complaints2007: 7 complaints2008: 4 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 1 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 2 complaints2014: 1 complaints2015: 2 complaints2016: 12 complaints2017: 10 complaints2018: 5 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 3 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 0 complaints2025: 0 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Savana NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Savana years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 GMC Savana problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1128%
Airbags615%
Tires & Wheels513%
Body & Structure410%
Electrical System410%
Fuel System38%
Speed Control25%
Engine25%
Transmission13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 1998 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.

98V033000BrakesFebruary 17, 1998 · 1,137 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS AND MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OR BOTH FRONT BRAKE ROTOR/HUBS WERE BUILT WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION GRAY IRON THAT CAN FAIL DURING THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE.

Consequence

IF A DRIVER CONTINUES TO DRIVE WITH A CRACKED ROTOR, THE CRACKS COULD CONTINUE AROUND THE WHEEL MOUNTING BOLT CIRCLE AND ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A WHEEL SEPARATION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL FEELS NORMAL, BUT ABS SYSTEM DOES NOT KICK IN AS IT SHOULD, CAUSING A LOSS OF BRAKES. EXTREMELY SOFT BRAKE PEDAL, GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES MUST BE PUMPED SEVERAL TIMES TO ACHIEVE ENOUGH BRAKE TO SLOW DOWM OR STOP. GM REP WILL NOT AUTHORIZE ANY FURTHER WARRANTY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 1, 1998

“WATER GETS UNDER THE CARPET WHERE AIRBAG SENSOR IS LOCATED, CAUSING THE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.*AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags

“VEHICLE CAME EQUIPPED WITH STANDARD TIRES WHICH HOLD ABOUT 2300 POUNDS INSTEAD OF EXLOAD TIRES WHICH HOLD 7200 POUNDS. THIS WAS CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL AND PREMATURE WEAR OF THE TIRES. ALSO, LABEL ON THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS INCORRECT. BECAUSE OF THIS ERROR , IT TOOK 13 MONTHS BEFORE THEY DISCOVERED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels

“THE HINGES ONTHE SIDE DOORS ARE BREAKING CAUSING THE DOORS TO BIND AND NOT ABLE TO OPEN.YOU CANT GET IN OR OUT OF THE VAN USING THE SIDE DOORS. FIST THE INSIDE DOOR BANELS BOUND ON EACH OTHER AND WERE TORN OFF.*AK THE HINGES ARE WELDED TO THE GMC VAN. I CANT REPLACE THEM.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 1, 2003

“DT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. HAD NOT CONTACTED GMC AT THIS POINT. THIS HAPPENED ON JULY 18, 2005. VEHICLE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THERE. THE VEHICLE STARTED SLOWING DOWN, PULLED OVER, AND THE FIRE WAS UNDER THE BOTTOM AROUND CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 18, 2005 · fire

1998 GMC Savana — common questions

Is the 1998 GMC Savana reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 39 complaints put the 1998 model at #5 of 32 Savana years. It is one of the Savana years to avoid.

What are the most common 1998 Savana problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), tires & wheels (5 complaints).

Does the 1998 GMC Savana have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1998 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.

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.