Most common 2005 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 13 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 →
2005 GMC Savana recalls (5)
Electrical system › Wiring
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system.
Remedy: Dealers will properly seal the rear HVAC blower motor circuits at the left side B-pillar, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 2, 2023.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vans manufactured between April 1, 2005 and June 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vans manufactured between April 1, 2005 and June 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no.
Remedy: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners May contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or main mobility at 1-716-759-6811.
Seat belts
On certain full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans, the front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly would be replaced. For buckles found to be operative, dealer will replace only the upper buckle cover.
Service brakes, hydraulic
Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with Bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator May crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge.
2005 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 16 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 19 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 14 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Savana rates average: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Savana at the same age. 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 2005 GMC Savana?
The brakes — 2 complaints, 15% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the steering (2) and wheels & tires (2).
How many recalls does the 2005 GMC Savana have?
There are 5 recalls for the 2005 GMC Savana, the most recent from April 6, 2023 (wiring). 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 2005 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 41,000 miles; 75% 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.