Most common 1997 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 46 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 →
1997 GMC Savana recalls (1)
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.
What 1997 GMC Savana owners say
Brakes
Towing a rented trailer and small hydra-hoe. Weather conditions had been raining. The trailer contains a hyrdraulic master cylinder that is activated from the force of the trailer pushing the vehicle when stopping. In this cause the anti-locks would provide sufficient stopping power as they would not lock up. The more the trailer pushed the less they would brake. Rig was virtually brakeless into an intersection. This was not a panic stop, the light had changed with appx 80 yards to stop speed appx. 35mph .
When depressing brake pedal rear brakes would grab. When consumer released the brakes vehicle would travel like brakes were still applied, causing vehicle to surge. Dealer has been notified. Consumer states that the manufacturer suggested to the dealer to disconnect the rear brake adjuster and was told that all the rear brakes were over adjusting, consumer states since the removal, the brakes still grab and stay partially on after the brake pedal has been released, dealer stated that the vehicle is supposed to respond like that because it was designed to have a load in it.
Transmission & drivetrain
My automatic transmission completely lost all of it's fluid while I was driving and left a cloud of smoke which caused me to stop. When I saw a pool of transmission fluid, I looked under the van and noticed that the exhaust crossover pipe had caused the fluid to ignite under the van and flames were visible under the vehicle. At this point, I ordered my wife to get out of the van because of the flames. A motorist must have called the mt. Morris fire department because a fire truck arrived at the sceen. I had already put the flames out by using a fire extinguisher that I carry. My van had to be towed to albert Chevrolet in mt. Morris (they were one of the few dealerships that were open on Saturday). The dealer stated that the transmission alone is listed for $1,350.00 plus labor and any addition fluids and/or parts. I estimate this to cost approximately $2,500.00.
1997 GMC Savana engine and transmission compartments caught fire while driving. The consumer stated he did experience overheating problems earlier in the day. (ohio traffic crash report # 10-0256-89) updated02/24/10
Body & structure
There are two positions when opening the rear doors; they are 90 & 180 degrees. When opening the rear doors at 180 degrees the detent is not deep enough to hold the doors open. So, when parking on an incline or when the wind blows, the doors will slam shut.
Upper hinge pin falling out of hinges, and causing doors to drop. Unable to close properly;. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and refused to repair unless cost goes to consumer. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
1997 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1997 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1997 Savana rates avoid: 5.9× 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 1997 GMC Savana?
The brakes — 9 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (7) and body & structure (6).
How many recalls does the 1997 GMC Savana have?
There is 1 recall for the 1997 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 1997 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 104,000 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.