1997 GMC Savana

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1997 GMC Savana
RENDERED 2026-09-16T06:52:33.789Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

1997: 46 complaints

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.

SERVICE BRAKES 28%

28% of complaints: service brakes — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

POWER TRAIN 15%

15% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

FIRE

Show 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

Also filed under ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

CONSUMER STATES THAT WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION FAILED, CAUSING AN AWFUL NOISE, AND LIMITED MOBILIY. *SCC

NHTSA ODI report, 20020925

STRUCTURE 15%

15% of complaints: structure — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.

INJURY

Show 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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE

SEAT BELTS 9%

9% of complaints: seat belts — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20010326 — fuel system, gasoline

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

R 20090511 — exterior lighting

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 issues (13 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for power train issues (7 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for structure issues (7 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, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Savana have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-15 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.