1998 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.
33% of complaints: service brakes — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.
18% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing sensor/control module and frontal.
15% of complaints: tires — 5 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing tread/belt and temporary/emergency spare tire.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990519
12% of complaints: structure — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hinge and attachments and door.
Show complaint excerpts
THE HINGES ON THE SIDE DOORS OF MY 1998 GMC SAVANA VAN OF THE 4 HINGES: 1 IS BROKEN AND 2 ARE CRACKED. I CALLED GMC AND GOT THE RUN AROUND. THEY SAID THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THEM UNLESS YOU ISSUED A RECALL ON THE HINGES. *NLM
NHTSA ODI report, 20030604
12% of complaints: electrical system — 4 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20050819
GM theft system engaged leaving me stranded multiple times including on a remote mountain side. I was only able to get a cell signal by walking a few KM's down the road in the middle of the night to call for help.
NHTSA ODI report, 20220809
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CORE DATE OF "287" AND, IF FOUND, REPLACE THE ROTOR.
Campaign 98V033000 — 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
1998 GMC Savana — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for tires issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 98V033000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1998 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 1998 GMC Savana?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.