GMC · Savana · 2005
5
Recalls
23
Complaints
-
Not Rated
The 2005 GMC Savana has 5 recalls and 23 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Most reported issue: service brakes, hydraulic (2 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 22, 2026
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
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. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Remedy Status
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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.
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. 403, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE ANTI-STOW INTERLOCK MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER. THE PRESSURE SENSING SWITCH THAT DETECTS THE PRESENCE OF WEIGHT ON THE PLATFORM WAS NOT ADJUSTED TO THE NECESSARY SENSITIVITY LEVEL. THE LIFT COULD STOW EVEN THOUGH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING IS STILL ON THE LIFT.
Remedy Status
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.
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. 404, "PLATFORM LIFT INSTALLATIONS IN MOTOR VEHICLES." THE THRESHOLD WARNING SYSTEM MAY NOT DETECT THE PRESENCE OF A WHEELCHAIR OR MOBILITY AID USER IN A CERTAIN SPOT WITHIN THE DEFINED THRESHOLD AREA.
Remedy Status
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.
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 Status
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. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 23, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC TRUCKS AT 1-866-996-9463 AND HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493.
ON CERTAIN FULL-SIZE PASSENGER, CARGO, OR CUTAWAY VANS, THE FRONT AND REAR SEAT BELT BUCKLES WILL NOT LATCH OR WILL NOT UNLATCH.
Remedy Status
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. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES. THE FIRST PHASE MAILING BEGAN DURING MARCH 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR GMC AT 1-866-996-9463.
We received a Safety Recall for our GMC 2005 G3500 school bus in the mail. The GM recall # is N222386050. The NHTSA Campaign ID number for this recall is 23V247. I have contacted our local dealer to resolve the recall and I was informed by the dealer that they are not sure if they can perform this type of work. I then called the Manufacturer's number on our recall letter to find out where to get this work done, I keep getting transferred to different departments only to reach voicemail boxes. Can anyone please let me know if this recall can be resolved by any nearby dealer or vehicle shop? My name is Diego, you can contact me at (914) 432-6929, and my email address is diegoc@hfadm.org. Attached to this complaint is the recall letter we received. I'm looking forward to hearing from someone. Thank you.
I had a new front windshield sold by PGW installed by Coughlin Auto Glass in Deer Lodge Montana in November - December 2022. I immediately noticed that the windshield did not allow RED LIGHT to pass through the tinted area. This is most likely due to a manufacturing defect and is dangerous. Unfortunately I did not have time to argue with the installer about a replacement until now, as I have been out of the state until yesterday. The installer confirmed that the glass was defective. He states that he contacted PGW today and that they will not replace the window. He and Pittsburg Glass Works state that they have had no other complaints and that it is too late to do anything about it. I suspect there is an entire batch of glass windshields that have this manufacturing defect. The consumer representative for PGW admitted that they had problems with supplies and manufacturing during COVID. I suspect this happened due to COVID related manufacturing problems.
WHILE DRIVING ON BUMPY ROAD AT 30 MILES / HOUR CAR TURNS OFF. I COULD NOT TURN, POWER STEERING LOCKED. CAR EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BUSY ROAD AND I BRAKE, CHANGED GEARS TO PARK. I TURN IGNITION KEY OFF AND THEN TURNED IT ON AGAIN. THIS HAPPEN A FEW TIMES. I TRY TO AVOID BUMPY AREAS. I TOOK TO MECHANIC & HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH ENGINE. I DID TO MENTION IT ONLY HAPPENS ON BUMPY RIDES, ( HE DROVE IT ON EXPRESSWAY). I JUST FOUND OUT GMC CARS HAVE A RECALL ON KEY IGNITIONS BUT NOT MY 2005 GMC. I CONTACTED GMC AND MY LOCAL DEALER BUT THEY SAY IT IS NOT RECALLED AND UNLESS IT HAPPENS WHILE THEY DRIVE IT THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT. THEY WILL NOT FIX IT UNLESS THEY DIAGNOSE IT. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE FRONTAL AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 2500. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF COOLANT AND WAS CONSTANTLY HAVING TO REPLACE THE COOLANT. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THE CYLINDER HEADS WERE DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE REPAIR; HOWEVER, DECLINED TO PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANNA 3500 EQUIPPED WITH UNIROYAL LAREDO HD TIRES, SIZE: 245/75/R16. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INSTRUCTED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE TIRES INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CONTACT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE OF THE TIRE AND THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANNA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED DOWN TO THE FLOOR. THE CONTACT'S MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WAS LEAKING FLUID. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO WARRANTY ON THE BRAKE BOOSTER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.
TIRE "DEFINITY DAKOTA" HAD DEFECTED JUST FOR 20,000 MI. *TR
I HAVE A 2005 SAVANNAH GMC WITH SEVERE FRONT END PROBLEMS FROM DAY ONE. THE DEALER HAS SIDE-STEPPED THIS FROM DAY ONE. NOW THE FRONT WHEELS BOUNCE AND SHAKE LONG AFTER A ROAD BUMP IS CONTACTED. ONLY SUDDEN SLOWING DOWN MAKES THIS STOP, CREATING HAZARD CONDITIONS FOR ME AND THOSE BEHIND ME. *TR
SIDE CARGO REAR DOOR HINGES SIEZED AND BENT AFTER OPENING. NOW IT DOES NOT CLOSE PROPERLY (ALIGNMENT FROM HINGE), CAUSING FRONT SIDE CARGO DOOR TO STAY OPEN AT ALL TIMES. REAR DOOR IS OVER 1" OUT OF POSITION, PREVENTING FRONT DOOR FROM CLOSING AND ENGAGING LATCH. IF REAR DOOR IS OPENED, IT DOES NOT CLOSE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE TO REALIGN TO LATCHES, BUT STILL NOT ENOUGH TO CLOSE FRONT DOOR. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. WHEN THE CONTACT EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, HE FOUND THAT THE SPARE TIRE CABLE WAS CORRODED. THE CABLE WAS CUT TO REMOVE THE SPARE TIRE. THE REAR BRAKE METAL COVER WAS ALSO CORRODED CAUSING ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE REAR ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 64,000. UPDATED 1/21/11 *CN UPDATED 04/20/11
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA. WHILE TRAVELING AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WHERE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 33,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACTIVATE THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT VEHICLE WOULD NOT BECOME COOL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COOLING LINES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A LEAK. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 41000. THE COOLANT LINES THAT RAN TO THE REAR CLIMATE CONTROL WERE LEAKING FREON. UPDATED 11/24/10
PAINT IS PEALING AND BLOWING OFF IN SHEETS AND BODY IS RUSTING. *TR
WHITE VAN SINCE WAS 4 YEARS OLD THE FRONT HOOD WHITE PAINT STAR PEELING OFF . KNOW IS HAVE PAINT ONLY. BAD QUALITY PAINT. YOU CAN SEE IN THE ROAD ALMOST ALL CHEVY OR GMC CARGO VAN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 1500. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT CHECKED THE SPARE TIRE. WHILE USING THE JACK, THE SPARE TIRE ONLY CAME DOWN SIX INCHES. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE SPARE TIRE BACK UP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CABLE WAS CUT TO GET THE SPARE TIRE OFF; IT WAS THEN PLACED IN THE REAR OF THE VAN. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BRAKES FUNCTIONED POORLY; THE PEDAL WAS VERY LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE BRAKES WORKED FINE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT LEFT SENSOR ON THE LEFT FRONT WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE HUB ASSEMBLY AND REPLACED THE ROTOR ON THE REAR WHEELS. THE REAR PLATES ON THE REAR WHEELS WERE ALSO RUSTED WHICH CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000.
FOOT BRAKE IS NOT FUNCTIONING IF PARKED ON A GRADE GREATER THAN 8 DEGREES. AS ALWAYS, FOOT BRAKE ONLY APPLIED AFTER THE GEAR IS SHIFTED ON PARK. I DIDN'T DISCOVER THE FOOT BRAKE IS NOT PROPERLY FUNCTION UNTIL SEVERAL YEARS AFTER PURCHASE. IT SEEMS THE FOOT BRAKE WAS NOT ADJUSTED AT ALL BEFORE THE VEHICLE LEFT THE FACTORY. IF I HAVE THE GEAR SET ON NEUTRAL ON DRIVEWAY, ONLY APPLY THE FOOT BRAKE, VEHICLE ROLLS BY ITSELF. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA 2500. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF COOLANT, CRACKED CYLINDER HEADS, OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE AND FLUID LEAKING ONTO THE EXHAUST. A LOCAL MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RADIATOR CAP AND OXYGEN SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPLACEMENTS, THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER ALSO REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP AND THE OXYGEN SENSORS. THE FAILURE RECURRED A THIRD TIME, AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE CONTACT RETURNED TO HIS LOCAL MECHANIC, WHO LOCATED A SERVICE BULLETIN THAT IDENTIFIED THE FAILURE AND THE REMEDY. THE FAILURE CAUSED $10,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE, WHICH ALSO HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 352,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 360,000. UPDATED 06/10/08. *LJ UPDATED 06/10/08
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 GMC SAVANA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT 5 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING GEAR TWICE AND THE STEERING PUMP ONCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 4,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,800. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
2005 GMC SAVANNA WITH TIRE FAILURE. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VAN HAS HAD THREE TIRE BLOW OUTS. HE STATED THAT THE BLOW OUTS OCCURRED ON THE SAME TIRE AND THE SAME SPOT. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE LOW PROFILE TIRES WERE NOT A GOOD MATCH FOR THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED HE HAS EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRONICS AND THE WHEELS. *JB
Showing 1–20 of 23 complaints
The 2005 GMC Savana has 5 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
NHTSA has received 23 owner-reported complaints for the 2005 GMC Savana.
NHTSA has not published a safety rating for the 2005 GMC Savana.
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2005 GMC Savana are service brakes, hydraulic (2 reports), service brakes (2 reports), steering (2 reports).
Yes. NHTSA has 5 recalls on record for the 2005 GMC Savana. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.