2001 GMC Savana Problems & Complaints

Use caution2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Savana at the same age

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2001 GMC Savana with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is 2.4× as many as a typical Savana model year at the same age — above average, so look closely at the problem areas below before you buy. The most reported problem area is the electrical system (3 complaints).

19complaints
0recalls
0crashes
1fires
4injuries
0deaths

Most common 2001 GMC Savana problems

  • Electrical system
    316%
  • Brakes
    211%
  • Transmission & drivetrain
    211%
  • Body & structure~50,000 miles
    211%
  • Engine & cooling~20,000 miles
    211%
  • Air bags~144,000 miles
    211%
  • Suspension
    15%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof
    15%
  • Wheels & tires
    15%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~66,000 miles
    15%
  • Locks & latches~80,000 miles
    15%
  • Lights~54,000 miles
    15%
  • Speed control & acceleration~54,000 miles
    15%
  • Other / not specified~9,000 miles
    15%
  • Driver assistance
    15%

Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

GMC Savana complaints by model year

’96’97’98’99’00’01’02’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’25’26354633494919122212137632313212673522
Owner complaints per model year, GMC Savana. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Savana years: 2020, 2011, 2014. Years to avoid: 1999, 1997, 2000, 1996, 1998. Compare all years →

What 2001 GMC Savana owners say

Electrical system

I don't know sometimes wrong with the electrical issue before I got to dive into it I had got some damages from death or vandalism

Nov 2021

Vehicle had been parked for 12 hours. Consumer was awakened by horn sounding. Vehicle was in flames, fire marshall and insurance investigator stated fire was caused by electrical wiring. Vehicle was totalled.

Wiring · Jul 2002 · fire

2001 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
4.3L 6-cyl4-speed automaticRWD13 / 17 / 15
5.0L 8-cyl4-speed automaticRWD13 / 17 / 15
5.7L 8-cyl4-speed automaticRWD12 / 16 / 14

EPA ratings. Class: Van.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2001 GMC Savana a good car?

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Savana rates use caution: 2.4× 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 2001 GMC Savana?

The electrical system — 3 complaints, 16% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the brakes (2) and transmission & drivetrain (2).

How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Savana have?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2001 GMC Savana. You can still confirm with your VIN using our 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 2001 GMC Savana problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 54,000 miles; 38% 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.