1997 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 | 6 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
17% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 8 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20000105
11% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20080828
CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING AN AWFUL NOISE, AND LIMITED MOBILIY. *SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020925
4% of complaints: tires — 2 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: structure — 2 distinct reports on file.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
DESIGN OF NARROW RUNNING BOARDS ALONG WITH THE VINYL STRIPS AND THE LACK OF A RIGID PLATFORM CAUSED OCCUPANT OF THE VAN TO SLIP AND FALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19981030
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
1997 GMC Savana — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 00V110000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1997 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 1997 GMC Savana?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Savana have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.