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2004 GMC Savana

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 8 of 12 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

12 reports
92,000 miles · Nov 1, 2022
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

The contact owns a 2004 GMC Savana. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the fai…

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The contact owns a 2004 GMC Savana. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal went to the floorboard while depressed. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 04V045000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

NHTSA ODI #11491736

Mileage unknown · Dec 17, 2019
Wheels

PROBLEM IS WITH A NEW TIRE PURCHASE BF GOODRICH LT245/75R16 BFG COMMERCIAL TA A/S2. I NOTICE FLAT SPOTTING EVERY MORNING AND IT COULD TAKE 1/2 HR OF DRIVING TO CLEAR UP BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 60 YRS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A BAD TIRE. IF IT HAS FLAT SPOTS WITH 70PSI AND MIN. LOAD WHAT WILL HA…

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PROBLEM IS WITH A NEW TIRE PURCHASE BF GOODRICH LT245/75R16 BFG COMMERCIAL TA A/S2. I NOTICE FLAT SPOTTING EVERY MORNING AND IT COULD TAKE 1/2 HR OF DRIVING TO CLEAR UP BEEN DRIVING FOR OVER 60 YRS AND HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS BEFORE. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A BAD TIRE. IF IT HAS FLAT SPOTS WITH 70PSI AND MIN. LOAD WHAT WILL HAPPEN WITH FULL LOAD. RETURNED TO DEALER BUT HE FAILS TO SEE A PROBLEM. I WAS PARKED 12HRS AND PROBLEM APPEARS EACH MORNING. I FEEL VERY UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THIS TIRE ON MY TRUCK.

NHTSA ODI #11289654

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2014
Unknown Or OtherCrashInjury

SUBMISSION FROM EXPLORER VAN CO., RE RECEIPT OF YOUR CORRESPONDENCE DATED JULY 10, 2014 REGARDING THE EARLY WARNING REPORTING OF DEATHS AND INJURIES. *SMD THE DRIVER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, WHILE DRIVING A 2004 GMC SAVANA, WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS AND PERMANENT INJURIES. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10626705

63,000 miles · Aug 30, 2013
Power Train

THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT ONLY HAS 63K PLUS MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY BECAME ERRATIC. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO "D", BUT THE SECOND AND THE FIRST GEAR WORKS FINE. WE WERE TOLD BY GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BY A GMC DEALER TO FIND OUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE…

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THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, IT ONLY HAS 63K PLUS MILES ON THE ODOMETER. THE TRANSMISSION SUDDENLY BECAME ERRATIC. IT WOULD NOT SHIFT TO "D", BUT THE SECOND AND THE FIRST GEAR WORKS FINE. WE WERE TOLD BY GMC CUSTOMER SERVICE TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND HAVE IT DIAGNOSED BY A GMC DEALER TO FIND OUT THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE RESULTS INDICATED NO PROBLEMS WERE DETECTED OR NO CODES WERE SHOWING UP ON THEIR COMPUTER, GMC THEN TOLD US THAT IT NEEDS A NEW TRANSMISSION. WE COULD NOT AFFORD A NEWLY REBUILT TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ODI #10538171

96,000 miles · Feb 10, 2013
Fuel System, GasolineFuel/propulsion System

NO INCIDENT ...YET. NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS AFTER REFUELING JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2012. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE EVER SINCE. CHECKED OUT RECALLS AND SAW THIS ONE, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. THIS RECALL (LISTED BELOW) IS EXACTLY WHAT…

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NO INCIDENT ...YET. NOTICED THE SMELL OF GAS AFTER REFUELING JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2012. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE EVER SINCE. CHECKED OUT RECALLS AND SAW THIS ONE, BUT NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. CALLED LOCAL DEALER AND TOLD ME THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED. SOMETHING IS WRONG HERE. THIS RECALL (LISTED BELOW) IS EXACTLY WHAT IS THE ISSUE WITH MY GMC VAN. IT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL BUT FOR SOME REASON IS NOT. I AM GOING TO FIX IT MYSELF (AT MY OWN EXPENSE), BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND I AM NOT GOING TO RISK THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP RECALL NUMBER: 12V388000 RECALL DATE: 08/08/2012 PROBLEM SUMMARY: GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2003-2004 CHEVROLET EXPRESS AND GMC SAVANA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH A LEFT SIDE CARGO DOOR, AND ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. WATER AND ROAD CONTAMINANTS MAY BECOME TRAPPED IN THE PROTECTIVE CONDUIT THAT COVERS THE FUEL FILLER PIPE AND MAY CAUSE THE PIPE TO CORRODE. CONSEQUENCE: SIGNIFICANT CORROSION MAY ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK DURING REFUELING, AND IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE; THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF FIRE. CORRECTIVE ACTION: GM WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW FUEL FILLER NECK, FREE OF CHARGE. GM HAS NOT PROVIDED A NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT THE CHEVROLET OWNER CENTER AT 1-866-694-6546 AND GMC AT 1-866-996-9463. THIS RECALL AFFECTS VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 05/14/2003 AND 06/24/2003. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10497641

87,927 miles · Mar 4, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE MAXIMUM EFFORT IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO CATCH. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V043000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 87,9…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 GMC SAVANA. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 20 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT HAD TO USE MAXIMUM EFFORT IN ORDER FOR THE BRAKES TO CATCH. HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V043000. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 87,927.

NHTSA ODI #10260707

28,850 miles · Jul 10, 2007
Fuel System, Gasoline

FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO "QUICK CONNECT" SPLIT NEAR THE MUFFLER. WITH THE PRESSURE OF THE FUEL PUMP, GASOLINE WAS SPEWING OUT OF THE LINE UNDER THE TRUCK NEAR THE MUFFLER. IT HAD HAPPENED TWO WEEKS OR SO EARLIER BUT I DIDN'T NOTICE IT BECAUSE I'D HAD A GAS SPILL FROM A LEAF BLOWER IN THE BACK OF THE VAN AND THOUGHT THAT WAS T…

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FUEL LINE FROM GAS TANK TO "QUICK CONNECT" SPLIT NEAR THE MUFFLER. WITH THE PRESSURE OF THE FUEL PUMP, GASOLINE WAS SPEWING OUT OF THE LINE UNDER THE TRUCK NEAR THE MUFFLER. IT HAD HAPPENED TWO WEEKS OR SO EARLIER BUT I DIDN'T NOTICE IT BECAUSE I'D HAD A GAS SPILL FROM A LEAF BLOWER IN THE BACK OF THE VAN AND THOUGHT THAT WAS THE SMELL (EVEN THOUGH I'D WIPED IT UP). I WENT TO MY MECHANIC TO SEE IF HE COULD CLEAN THE SPILL. HE FOUND THE SPLIT THAT WAS CAUSING THE ODOR. IT WOULD SEEM TO BE A REAL FIRE HAZARD. THE FUEL LINE IS PLASTIC, MY MECHANIC SAYS, AND THERE ARE VERY FEW AVAILABLE (NONE AT FACTORY WAREHOUSES). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10195969

17,000 miles · Dec 15, 2005
Seat BeltsSeats

DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE SECOND ROW RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS INSERTED BACKWARDS INTO THE BUCKLE. THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN THE BUCKLE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT WAS CUT TO RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER, WHO ORDERED THE APPROPRIATE PARTS FOR THE R…

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DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE SECOND ROW RIGHT SIDE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT WAS INSERTED BACKWARDS INTO THE BUCKLE. THE SEAT BELT LOCKED IN THE BUCKLE AND WOULD NOT RELEASE. THE SEAT BELT WAS CUT TO RELEASE THE PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE DEALER, WHO ORDERED THE APPROPRIATE PARTS FOR THE REPAIR. THE PARTS HAVE NOT ARRIVED, THEREFORE, NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE . *AK THE DRIVER SEAT RECLINER WAS NOT WORKING. UPDATED 03/17/06. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10145264

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2005
Air BagsCrashInjury

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAIN MAJOR INJURIES ,AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A GARAGE FOR INSPECTION. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10117552

10,000 miles · Dec 27, 2004
Exterior LightingPower TrainSuspensionFire

WHILE DRIVING REAR END FAILED, VEHICLE SKIDDED, AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. ALSO, TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERABLE, AND TAIL LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. CONTACTED GMC. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10105315

Official recalls

7

23V247000 · Electrical System:wiring

Apr 6, 2023

General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.

12V388000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap

Aug 8, 2012

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Water and road contaminants may become trapped in the protective conduit that covers the fuel filler pipe and may cause the pipe to corrode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel filler neck, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

05V558000 · Seat Belts

Dec 19, 2005

ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, A SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE BUCKLES AND, IF FOUND TO BE INOPERATIVE, THE ENTIRE BUCKLE ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REPLACED. FOR BUCKLES FOUND TO BE OPERATIVE, DEALER WILL REPLACE ONLY THE UPPER BUCKLE COVER. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

05V043000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 8, 2005

CERTAIN TRUCKS, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND VANS EQUIPPED WITH BOSCH HYDRO-BOOST BRAKE ASSEMBLIES, THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE BOOSTER PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR MAY CRACK AND SEPARATE FROM THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY DURING NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF A SEPARATION OCCURRED AND THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WERE OPEN, FRAGMENTS FROM THE ACCUMULATOR COULD CAUSE INJURY TO PEOPLE IN THE IMMEDIATE AREA. THE PRESENCE OF THIS CRACK OR FRACTURED SURFACE COULD ALLOW THE HYDRAULIC FLUID TO LEAK FROM THE ACCUMULATOR CIRCUIT OF THE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY. THE LOSS OF FLUID WOULD CAUSE INCREASED STEERING AND BRAKING EFFORT AND A CRASH MAY OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FOR FUNCTIONAL OPERATION OF THE TWO-FUNCTION VALVE. IF THE HYDRO-BOOST ASSEMBLY FAILS THE TEST, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.

04V320000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:lever And Linkage:column Shift

Jul 6, 2004

CERTAIN VANS WERE BUILT WITH A TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY THAT MAY SEPARATE. IF THE CABLE ASSEMBLY SEPARATES, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER POSITION AND THE TRANSMISSION INDICATOR MAY NO LONGER CORRELATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE IN A DIRECTION NOT ANTICIPATED BY THE DRIVER, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE ASSEMBLY, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 19, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

04V189000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly

Apr 19, 2004

CERTAIN VANS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES." THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES CONTAINING A LATCH WITH A BRITTLE CONDITION THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE FORCE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE SAFETY BELT MAY NOT RESTRAIN THE OCCUPANT AS INTENDED DURING A CRASH, WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY TO THE OCCUPANT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE. THE RECALL BEAGN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.

04V045000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Feb 4, 2004

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, PICKUP TRUCKS, AND PASSENGER VANS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, ?PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS.? SOME OF THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION BRAKE HYDRO-BOOST HOUSING RELIEF VALVE BORE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, THE VALVE O-RING SEAL MAY FRACTURE. STEERING EFFORTS MAY BE SLIGHTLY INCREASED WHILE BRAKING OR PARKING. UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, A FRACTURED SEAL MAY REQUIRE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE APPLIED BRAKE PEDAL EFFORT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME VEHICLE DECELERATION RATE AS PRIOR TO THE SEAT FRACTURE.

Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO REPLACE THE HYDRO-BOOST RELIEF VALVE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 18, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; GMC AT 1-866-996-9463; OR HUMMER AT 1-866-486-6376.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.