1996 GMC Savana: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Savana: 2 recalls, 35 owner complaints and up to 15 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Suspension Vehicle recall #96V092000 · 1996 · 105 vehicles
What's wrong: One of the four rear axle u-bolts can break. This can potentially lead to the spring lifting from the axle under certain rebound, braking or cornering maneuvers.
Why it matters: This condition could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will replace the four rear axle u-bolts on the affected vehicles.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #00V110000 · 2000 · 109,239 vehicles
What's wrong: Passenger vans. These vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Why it matters: Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel system (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (6): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Visibility (wipers, glass) (6): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (4): the most common themes are door / lock issues (3).
The 1996 GMC Savana has 35 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 32 Savana model years for complaints (3.2× the average Savana year). Complaints peaked in 1998 (7 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 66,175 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (2 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (46 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 GMC Savana.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Savana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Savana, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 GMC Savana problems?
Owners have filed 35 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (7), brakes (hydraulic) (6), visibility (wipers, glass) (6).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Savana get?
EPA ratings run up to 15 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 GMC Savana repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.