Most common 1996 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 35 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
GMC Savana complaints by model year
Best Savana years: 2020, 2011, 2014. Years to avoid: 1999, 1997, 2000, 1996, 1998. Compare all years →
1996 GMC Savana recalls (2)
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Passenger vans. These vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf spring assembly › U-bolt, leaf spring to axle
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the four rear axle u-bolts on the affected vehicles.
What 1996 GMC Savana owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The vehicke had to have the engine heads reworked due to engine check light coming on starting at 2000 miles. #1 cylinder exhuast valve was sticking open. We have had the dealer replace the window motor control motor and switch. Failed 4 times. Brakes are terrible. Although ABS right front wheel will lock up, dealer can't seem to correct. Fuel pump failed in August 1998. Speedometer was acting up, would move 4-5 miles per hour at a time, not smoothly, would jump up or down. Cruise didn't work well. Dealer replaced speed control sensor in August 1998. Drive gear for speed sensor came apart inside transmission on 12/31/98, leaving us 800 miles from home on news years eve. Trying to get reimbursement etc from GMC. Started asking for help on Monday 1/4/99....promised a phone call back on 1/5/99...no return call ...called GMC on 1/6/99...promised a return call nothing as of 5 pm est. …
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. The wipers would always work when on high speed. The consumer felt that his vehicle experienced the same problem as in recall# 03V159000.
Fuel & propulsion 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* to be a manufacturing defect. This is a common failure per the GM dealer.
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.
Brakes
The vehicke had to have the engine heads reworked due to engine check light coming on starting at 2000 miles. #1 cylinder exhuast valve was sticking open. We have had the dealer replace the window motor control motor and switch. Failed 4 times. Brakes are terrible. Although ABS right front wheel will lock up, dealer can't seem to correct. Fuel pump failed in August 1998. Speedometer was acting up, would move 4-5 miles per hour at a time, not smoothly, would jump up or down. Cruise didn't work well. Dealer replaced speed control sensor in August 1998. Drive gear for speed sensor came apart inside transmission on 12/31/98, leaving us 800 miles from home on news years eve. Trying to get reimbursement etc from GMC. Started asking for help on Monday 1/4/99....promised a phone call back on 1/5/99...no return call ...called GMC on 1/6/99...promised a return call nothing as of 5 pm est. …
There is excessive wear on brake pads. Dealer replaced pads, which in turn, caused vehicle to pull to right. Dealer replaced pads again at 29,000 miles, and adjusted alignment and rotated wheels forward. Right after second replacement at 29,000 miles, vehicle would pull to left. At 45,000 miles, there were scraping noises from the brake system - told brake pads wore out. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
1996 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 35 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Savana rates avoid: 4.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Savana at the same age. It is one of the Savana years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Savana?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 7 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield wiper/washer › motor. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (7) and brakes (6).
How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Savana have?
There are 2 recalls for the 1996 GMC Savana, the most recent from April 17, 2000 (hoses, lines/piping, and fittings). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the GMC Savana?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2020, 2011 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999, 1997, 2000, 1996 and 1998. See the full GMC Savana years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 67,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.