1997 GMC Savana recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
2 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 1997 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 1997 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).
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- Compact car fire extinguisher
- 1997 GMC Savana owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Brakes (9), Hydraulic (9), Transmission / drivetrain (7), Body / structure (7), Fuel system (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)
08/28/2008 · Engine · fire
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
03/08/2006 · Fuel system
PLASTIC PRESSURE FUEL LINE ON MY GMC 1997 SAVANNAH G150 DEVELOPED A PUNCTURE SPRAYING GASOLINE NEAR EXHAUST PIPE HAD TO REPLACE SEND DEFECTIVE LINE TO GM THEY SAID THEY HAD NO WAY TO TEST IT. *JB
03/26/2004 · Steering
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE MAKING A SLOW LEFT HAND TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION. BUT THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. (NAR) *PH *CB
03/10/2004 · Airbags
WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THEN, PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AN DETERMINED THAT SENSOR CONTROL MODULE HAD A SHORT DUE TO MOISTURE IN THE CARPET.*AK
02/24/2004 · Airbags
AIRBAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITH NOBODY INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *LA *JB
11/05/2003 · Steering
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING WHICH MADE IT HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER MANAGED TO PULL OFF ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND CONTACTED A TOW COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE PROBLEM WAS THE POWER STEERING PUMP WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *NLM *PH *NLM
05/14/2003 · Body / structure
SIDE CARGO DOORS PROGRESSIVELY HARDER TO OPEN UNTIL REAR UPPER HINGE SNAPPED. DOOR LEFT HANGING, VERY DANGEROUS. NOT RUSTED OR ABUSED. *NLM
02/13/2003 · Engine
REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS WITH 69,000 MILES ON IT.