2011 GMC Savana: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2011 GMC Savana: 5 recalls, 1 owner complaint and up to 17 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #13V225000 · 2013 · 1,791 vehicles
What's wrong: General motors LLC (gm) and impco automotive division of impco technologies, Inc. (impco) are recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet express and GMC savana cargo vans that have a compressed natural gas (cng) fuel system installed as original equipment by impco. The fuel systems, manufactured February 14, 2011, through February 20, 2013, have a fuel shut-off solenoid connector to the cng tank that May…
Why it matters: A short at the connector May cause overheating, resulting in an increased risk of fire.
The fix: Gm will notify owners and gm dealers/fleets will perform the remedy which will include replacing the solenoid assemblies and fuel pump fuses and adjusting the wiring routing. The recall began on August 5, 2013. Gm's number for this recall is 13139. Impco's number for this recall is fa13gm001.…
Airbags Vehicle recall #14V117000 · 2014 · 303,013 vehicles
What's wrong: In the affected vehicles, during a frontal impact below the air bag deployment threshold, if an unbelted front passenger's head hits the instrument panel above where the passenger air bag is located, the panel May not sufficiently absorb the impact. As such, these vehicles fail to meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 201, "occupant protection in interior impact."
Why it matters: In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
The fix: 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. Chevrolet owners May call 1-800-630-2438. Gmc owners May call 1-866-996-9463. Gm's number for…
Fuel system (other) Vehicle recall #14V500000 · 2014 · 3,345 vehicles
What's wrong: The affected vehicles May leak natural gas from the cng high pressure regulator.
Why it matters: A natural gas leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire or explosion.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, and dealers will replace the high pressure regulator, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2013.
Equipment Vehicle recall #18V267000 · 2018 · 6,154 vehicles
What's wrong: These extinguishers May become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle May detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit:…
Why it matters: In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Gm will notify owners, instructing them to contact kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V247000 · 2023 · 150,830 vehicles
What's wrong: When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Why it matters: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Fuel & propulsion (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2011 GMC Savana has 1 owner complaints, ranking #27 of 32 Savana model years for complaints (well below the 11 average). Neighboring years: 2010 (3 complaints, 4 recalls), 2012 (3 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 4.8 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 17 | 13 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 | 16 | 13 | Gasoline or E85 |
| 6.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 10 | 16 | 12 | Gasoline or E85 |
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 2011 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2011 GMC Savana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2011 GMC Savana. 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 2011 GMC Savana problems?
Owners have filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel & propulsion (1).
What gas mileage does the 2011 GMC Savana get?
EPA ratings run up to 17 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 7 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2011 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.