Most common 2009 GMC Savana problems
Share of the 2 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 →
2009 GMC Savana recalls (8)
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
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the passenger instrument panel free of charge. Notices to the owners of the heavy duty vans were mailed on April 28, 2014. The recall began on May 19, 2014.
Equipment adaptive/mobility
Main mobility is recalling certain conversion vans built on model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet express, 2009 GMC savana, and 2010 Ford transit connect chassis, and fitted with certain braun wheelchair lifts. Over time and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the wheelchair lift's outer barrier May become bent or misaligned.
Remedy: Main mobility is working with braun to notify owners, and braun dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Main mobility has not provided a notification schedule.
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.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet express and GMC savana vehicles for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield wiping and washing systems." these vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control knobs that May fracture…
Remedy: Dealers will replace all HVAC control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on March 11, 2010. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463 or at the owner center at…
Show 2 more recalls
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.
2009 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 | 14 / 17 / 15 |
EPA ratings. Class: Van.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 GMC Savana a good car?
Based on 2 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 Savana rates average: 63% 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 2009 GMC Savana?
The electrical system — 1 complaint, 50% of all complaints for this model year. Next is the fuel & propulsion system (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Savana have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2009 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 2009 GMC Savana problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 72,000 miles; 50% 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.