Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 GMC Savana owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: the consumer stated while driving the 2000 GMC savanna vehicle experienced d the same problems as mentioned in recall 05v00500. While parking the van, coming back, and then putting it I into the reverse the power steering assist failed. Also, had brake problems. Had to allow extra space in between cars for the van to stop. Consumer called GM, and checked on the recalls , and was informed this vehicle was not included in the recall. Consumer only put on 1,500 miles on the van since purchasing it. The van was preowned and was equipped with handicap accessibility. The dealership was called, they found recalls, and t referred consumer to GM. The owner has not has this repaired. The brakes has also had problems. The brakes operated poorly, and could not get vehicle to stop. The mechanic determined that there was nothing wrong with the brakes.
Consumer had vehicle serviced 8 times. Each time rotors/brakes, and drums were repaired. Mechanic stated the shoes did not fit the drums. GM has technical reference dated 09/01/1999 tha thas them putting some part on. Every time they take it in to the shop it comes out with the same resukts. Consumer's deduction was the same as the mechanic, that the part is not sized rightly.
2000 GMC Savana vehicle is equiped with antilock brakes. On two occassions when I had to make sudden stops I encountered brake failure. Although, there were other times they never resulted in accidents. The brakes would seem to engage then let go causing vehicle to travel father than expected.
Consumer complained about a rear brake problem. Consumer was told that the shoes were too small for the drums or the drums were too big for the shoes. Consumer was furious. Contacted manufacturer, and had not received any assistance.
Inside left front brake pad wore down completely at 17,109 miles, damaging rotor, requiring rotor replacement and brake job. There was absolutely no notice such as a squeal or other indication that would normally occur prior to a brake component failure. Dealer claimed it was "normal" wear although the other three pads had plenty of life left on them. Dealer would not cover repairs. GM customer service was contacted and provided no help. Cust. Service also sided with the dealer mechanic, saying it was "normal" wear and would not be covered. I ended up having them repaired/replaced at another location. Seems to be a common problem as I have seen many prior complaints of this same type on the same or similar type vehicles. This appears to be a safety related complaint to me, but thus far, after many years of complaints of this type, no investigation has been initiated. …
Advising of need to investigate premature anti-lock brake activation on front wheels under following condition - below 20-30 MPH light pedal application on "rippled" potholed paved road as in coming to stop sign on heavily traveled road. Either front wheel hitting bump activates ABS which then shuts down that wheel then complete brake system (leaves no code) for 1-2 seconds & has LED to inability to stop by appropriate place at intersection and what I would term several near accidents. This happens I repeat under light pedal application on front wheels at slow speeds with no load in truck bed with one adult & single passenger usuually my 9 yr old son. Can consistently duplicate if needed for demonstration. Dealer has been unable to answer other then "that is normal"
Vehicle has had consistent brake lead and pull to right and left, excessive brake pad wear and warpage of both rotors which causes a shimmy, wobbling and shaking of steering. This vehicle is driven mainly on open roads and highways, rarely in traffic . On many occasions when braking the vehicle will pull hard over to the left, sometimes right, especially on off ramps, often times needing a strong correction to keep vehicle from leaving the roadway. Vehicle has been to dealer 5 times for testing and repair. However it was not the dealer where truck was purchased.
While driving and applying brakes, they squealed. Consumer contacted dealer. Dealer lubricated brakes. After brakes were lubricated they locked up and overheated enough to melt wheel caps. Also, dealer replaced brake booster, and entire brake system including ABS unit. Consumer noted power brakes have failed , and brake booster needed to be replaced for second time. Please provide any further details.
Original brakes wore out at 13,000. Brakes were mushy and squealing. Installed new pads and brakes are still squealing. When braking on hill at low speed, hear thump, thump. Had to push pedal down as hard as I could to engage a stop. Afterwards heard a loud metal on metal scratching and cluncking of brakes.
The right side inner pad was worn down and separated from the backing plate causing metal-to-metal contact, the left side front brakes were worn, the front brakes are undersized for this vehicle. Nlm
NHTSA investigations
Hydraulic pump failres
GM is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between May 1999 and October 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early October 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes.
Brake complaints in other Savana years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 GMC Savana?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 GMC Savana, 43% of the model year's 49 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 GMC Savana brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 GMC Savana, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2000 GMC Savana brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 57,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.