1996 GMC Savana recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-19. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
3 safety recalls, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
What could happen: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 SAVANA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 09E012000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-909-598-7589.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: 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 CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Notes: THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES PRODUCED BY THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER. IN ORDER TO DETERMINE IF YOUR AFTERMARKET LAMP ASSEMBLY IS AFFECTED BY THIS NONCOMPLIANCE, PLEASE REVIEW THE LIST OF MODEL NUMBERS PROVIDED TO US BY SABERSPORT. THE LIST CAN BE FOUND UNDER "DOCUMENT SEARCH" LOCATED AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
2. Fuel system
What's wrong, in plain English: Fuel lines, tank or pump. Fuel problems usually mean a leak, and leaks mean fire risk. PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
What could happen: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
The fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 SAVANA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 00V110000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Summary: PASSENGER VANS. THESE VANS EXPERIENCE FUEL ODORS OR LEAKAGE.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED EVAPORATIVE EMISSION PIPE ASSEMBLY.
Notes: OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN MARCH 26, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
3. Transmission / drivetrain
What's wrong, in plain English: The parts that send engine power to the wheels. Failure can mean a sudden loss of power or the car rolling away. ONE OF THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS CAN BREAK. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE SPRING LIFTING FROM THE AXLE UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING OR CORNERING MANEUVERS.
What could happen: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 1996 SAVANA.
- Book a repair at any authorized GMC dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 96V092000.
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
Summary: ONE OF THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS CAN BREAK. THIS CAN POTENTIALLY LEAD TO THE SPRING LIFTING FROM THE AXLE UNDER CERTAIN REBOUND, BRAKING OR CORNERING MANEUVERS.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN SUDDEN LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FOUR REAR AXLE U-BOLTS ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Notes: SYSTEM: SUSPENSION; REAR; LEAF SPRING; U-BOLT. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CARGO VANS EQUIPPED WITH 7,700 LB. OR GREATER GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING. OWNER NOTIFICATION: OWNER LETTERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE MAILED DURING JUNE 1996. NOTE: OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR GMC AT 1-800-462-8782. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1996 GMC Savana owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Visibility (wipers / glass) (7), Fuel system (7), Gasoline (7), Brakes (6), Hydraulic (6).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
09/21/2013 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOPPED WORKING AT RANDOM.
04/27/2006 · Fuel system
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THERE IS A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 00V110000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM GASOLINE DELIVERY HOSES, LINES/PIPING AND FITTINGS. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATE 05/30/2006. *AK *TS
09/23/2004 · Body / structure
THIS IS A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE USED IN TRANSPORTING INTERIOR DECORATING ITEMS. ON OR ABOUT 8/2/04, I DELIVERED A TABLE TOP TO A CLIENT AND UPON OPENING THE REAR SIDE DOORS (BOTH DOORS) THE UPPER HINGE ON THE FURTHERMOST REAR DOOR BROKE. I HAD NOTICED A RATTLING SOUND PRIOR TO THIS DATE, HOWEVER I THOUGHT IT WAS ITEMS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DOOR IS ONLY BE…
07/15/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. RECALL 03V159000 WAS ISSUED WHICH DESCRIBED THE EXACT PROBLEM. BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK THE WIPERS WOULD ALWAYS WORK WHEN ON HIGH SPEED. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT HIS VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS IN RECALL# 03V159000. *SC *JB
04/09/2004 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE. INTERMITTENTLY WILL NOT WORK ON INTERMITTENT OR LOW SPEED. DEALER ADVISED MY VEHICLE NOT RECALLED WITH NUMEROUS OTHERS RECALLED FOR SAME PROBLEM.*AK
12/05/2003 · Fuel system
1996 GMC SAVANA VAN- FUEL PUMP FAILURES AT 40,000 MILES AND 75,000 MILES. $600 REPAIR EACH TIME. HIGH FAILURE ITEM LASTING LESS THAN A SET OF TIRES, MAJOR REPAIRS NEEDED. THIS *HAS* TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE PER THE GM DEALER.*JB
04/01/2003 · Visibility (wipers / glass)
WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR QUIT WORKING WHILE DRIVING IN A SEVERE THUNDER STORM. AFTER PULLING TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE WIPERS STARTED WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. *JB
12/04/2002 · Engine
START THE ENGINE PUT THE VEHICLE INTO GEAR REVERSE OR DRIVE AND THE THROTTLE IS STUCK IN THE CLOSED POSITION MY WIFE AND I HAVE SEARNED TO EITHER SET THE THE VEHICLE PROCEED AT IDLE TIL ANY DANGER OF UNINTENDED ACCELLERATION IS NOT PRESENT THEN PUSH TAP. THE ACCELLERATOR PEDAL UNTIL IT BREAKS LOOSE AND HAS FREE TRAVEL SO FAR THE ACCELLERATOR ONLY STICKS…