Most common 2008 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 3 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 →
2008 GMC Savana recalls (7)
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 certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on Chevrolet express and GMC savana chassis from October 2007 through May 2010 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts.
Remedy: Main mobility will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation.
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.
Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
GM is recalling 151 my 2008 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD). Some of these vehicles have transfer cases that were manufactured with an incorrect part that can cause early failure of a drive chain.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall began on August 15, 2008.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
GM is recalling 567 my 2008 Chevrolet express and GMC savana cutaway vehicles with a 139" wheel base. The frame rail on the driver's side May be wider than specification.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing and will rework the frame rail if necessary free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2008.
Show 1 more recall
Power train › Automatic transmission
GM is recalling 2,481 my 2008 Chevrolet express and GMC savana g-cutaway fleet van equipped with a 6.0l (rpo ly6) v8 engine, 4l80e (rpo mt1) transmission, 4.10 (rpo gt5) axle and 75 MPH governor (rpo 9d7).
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules free of charge. The recall began on or about July 30, 2008.
2008 GMC Savana engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 15 / 20 / 17 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 14 / 18 / 15 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 13 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Savana rates average: 38% fewer complaints than 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 2008 GMC Savana?
The electrical system — 2 complaints, 67% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring. Next are the body & structure (1) and air bags (1).
How many recalls does the 2008 GMC Savana have?
There are 7 recalls for the 2008 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 2008 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 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.