Most common 1999 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 49 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 →
1999 GMC Savana recalls (1)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Vehicle description: passenger vans equipped with a brake warning indicator. Some of these vehicles have a power steering cooler hose that can separate from the power brake booster fluid flow switch assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for three screw clamps to the power steering hose joints. If the clamps are not the screw type, dealers will replace the clamps.
What 1999 GMC Savana owners say
Brakes
I had to make a "panic stop". I pushed the brake pedal as hard as possible. Felt the vehicle shudder several times and felt what I assumed was the ABS brakes cycling, then the vehicle just rolled forward...no braking at all was felt, resulting in a rear-end collision. I know that if I had properly functioning brakes, I would have stopped in a safe distance. When I felt the deceleration stop, I pushed even harder on the pedal, with absolutely no change in velocity and no more room for the pedal to move. There was at least 15 between vehiclesat this point,&..I could /should have stopped safely, with no collision if the brakes had worked properly!
When brakes were applied under normal stopping conditions pedal went to the floor, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in a collision. Prior to incident dealer inspected vehicle.
Body & structure
Hinges on 60/40 cargo doors are very stiff. Doors have been difficult to open and close for quite some time. Recently, lower hinge on 40 door has broken. Replacement of all hinges on these doors is approximately $1100. Have not yet contacted dealer about problem (had similar problems with hinges on 95 vandura).
Defective hinges on side cargo doors. Side doors not frequently used. Repeatedly greased/oiled to reduce tension and force necessary to operate doors. Doors now inoperable. Hinges cracked & rusted out completely after only 3 1/2 years of owning vehicle. Passengers would be trapped inside if using center seats. Hinges are useless. Per GMC, my problem; take ownership of the vehicle & it's issues after warranty expired.
Wheels & tires
I had the typical Firestone experience except this time it was with a GM model and a different type of tire. The tread on this tire just peeled right off. Luckily, I'm alive to talk about it. Firestone said it was underinflated. I disagree. I used the best and most efficent mechanic in town and he always keeps the pressure adjusted properly for the appropriate season. All the tires were original equipment. I saved the other 3 tires so when you investigate you can tell if my tires were underinflated or not. (dot number: vn11b1a428 tiresize: lt24575r16)
The tread "peeled off" both tires within 3 days of each other at normal highway driving speed. Thank god that they didn't fail when we were driving on the blue ridge parkway's hairpin turns, or I probably wouldn't be here to send this email. These dunlop tires were installed on 6/14/2000 by tire kingdom. They were replaced this morning with goodrich tires.( dot number: tire size: p255/70r15 )
1999 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 12 / 16 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1999 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1999 Savana rates avoid: 6.3× 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 1999 GMC Savana?
The brakes — 13 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the body & structure (7) and wheels & tires (6).
How many recalls does the 1999 GMC Savana have?
There is 1 recall for the 1999 GMC Savana, the most recent from March 16, 2000 (hose, piping, and connections). 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 1999 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 22% 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.