1996 GMC Savana
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 35 |
| 1997 | 46 |
| 1998 | 33 |
| 1999 | 49 |
| 2000 | 49 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 12 |
| 2003 | 22 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 12 |
| 2006 | 7 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 3 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 3 |
| 2011 | 1 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 2 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel pump and hoses, lines/piping, and fittings.
Show complaint excerpts
1996 GMC SAVANA VAN- FUEL PUMP FAILURES AT 40,000 MILES AND 75,000 MILES. $600 REPAIR EACH TIME. HIGH FAILURE ITEM LASTING LESS THAN A SET OF TIRES, MAJOR REPAIRS NEEDED. THIS *HAS* TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20031205
17% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
17% of complaints: visibility — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing motor and windshield wiper/washer.
Show complaint excerpts
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN A SEVERE THUNDER STORM. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE WIPERS STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20030401
14% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
11% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and hinge and attachments.
Show complaint excerpts
ON UPWARD INCLINE, PASSENGER RIGHT REAR DOOR, WHEN OPENED MOVES FREELY TOWARD REAR WHEEL, POSSIBLY MAY CAUSE INJURY. &AK ALSO ON DOWNWARD INCLINR, WHEN OPENED MOVES FREELY TOWARD FRONT WHEEL AND SLAMS SHUT.*JB
NHTSA ODI report, 19960702
SAFETY TIMELINE
ONE OF THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS CAN BREAK. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE SPRING LIFTING FROM THE AXLE UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING OR CORNERING MANEUVERS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Campaign 96V092000 — check if this car was fixed
PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 00V110000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1996 GMC Savana — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 96V092000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1996 GMC Savana reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1996 GMC Savana?
The most-reported component is fuel system, gasoline, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Savana have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.