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
- 46
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Service brakes
Campaigns on file for 1997
None on file
28% of complaints
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 | 13 |
| 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% · 13 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Power train
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
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…
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-08-28
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Consumer states that while driving the transmission failed, causing an awful noise, and limited mobiliy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-25
Structure
15% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing hinge and attachments and hood.
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, 1998-10-30
Engine and engine cooling
11% · 5 reportsMost commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Seat belts
9% · 4 reportsMost commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2001-03-26Fuel system, gasoline00V110000 Passenger vans. These vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
-
R
2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 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…
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.
Buy-smart checklist
1997 GMC Savana — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 00V110000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.