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1996 GMC Savana problems

The most common problem on the 1996 GMC Savana is fuel and propulsion system. It has 11.7 times the complaints of a typical Savana model year.

Typical year11.7x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
35
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
27
Worst area
Fuel system
Fuel economy
13-15mpg

The worst 1996 GMC Savana problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Fuel system
    7
  • Visibility
    7
  • Brakes
    6
  • Body
    4
  • Transmission
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Electrical
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Steering
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 GMC Savana

Fuel pump 7ABS 5

Recalls 2

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported April 17, 2000 · 109,239 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Passenger vans. These vans experience fuel odors or leakage.
Risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install a revised evaporative emission pipe assembly.

Recall number 00V110000 · Recall details

Suspension: rear: springs: leaf spring assembly: u-bolt, leaf spring to axleReported June 3, 1996 · 105 vehicles affected
What is 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.
Risk
This condition could result in sudden loss of vehicle control increasing the potential for a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the four rear axle u-bolts on the affected vehicles.

Recall number 96V092000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1996 GMC Savana

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 GMC Savana 27

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 27 bulletins for the 1996 GMC Savana

1996 GMC Savana fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
4.3L 6‑cylRWD141715
5.0L 8‑cylRWD11-1316-1713-14
5.7L 8‑cylRWD1216-1714

What 1996 GMC Savana owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 21, 2013 · Visibility · 94,000 miles · CA

Windshield wipers stopped working at random.

Filed Apr 27, 2006 · Fuel system · 147,500 miles · OR

Dt*: the contact stated there is a strong odor of gasoline. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 00v110000, regarding the fuel system gasoline delivery hoses, lines/piping and fittings. The VIN was not included in the recall. Update 05/30/2006. *ak

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Body · 65,350 miles · NV

This is a commercial vehicle used in transporting interior decorating items. On or about 8/2/04, I delivered a table top to a client and upon opening the rear side doors (both doors) the upper hinge on the furthermost rear door broke. I had noticed a rattling sound prior to this date, however I thought it was items inside the vehicle. The door is only being held on by the lower hinge and the other door closed upon it. I am fearful that the other hinge will suffer a stress fracture and possibly the door will fall off. I researched through this site and found two incidents of service bulletins (september 24, 2001 and june 1,2003) notifying that customers have complained that the door hinge binds. This had occurred to me also, prior to its breaking.

Filed Jul 15, 2004 · Visibility · AZ

The windshield wipers worked intermittently. Recall 03v159000 was issued which described the exact problem. But the consumer's vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *ak the wipers would always work when on high speed. The consumer felt that his vehicle experienced the same problem as in recall# 03v159000. *sc

Filed Apr 9, 2004 · Visibility · 20,000 miles · AZ

Windshield wipers failed to operate. Intermittently will not work on intermittent or low speed. Dealer advised my vehicle not recalled with numerous others recalled for same problem.

Filed Dec 5, 2003 · Fuel system · 40,000 miles · MO

1996 gmc savana van- fuel pump failures at 40,000 miles and 75,000 miles. $600 repair each time. High failure item lasting less than a set of tires, major repairs needed. This *has* to be a manufacturing defect. This is a common failure per the gm dealer.

Filed Apr 1, 2003 · Visibility · 67,000 miles · VA

Windshield wiper motor quit working while driving in a severe thunder storm. After pulling to the side of the road the wipers started working intermittently.

Filed Dec 4, 2002 · Engine · TN

Start the engine put the vehicle into gear reverse or drive and the throttle is stuck in the closed position my wife and I have searned to either set the the vehicle proceed at idle til any danger of unintended accelleration is not present then push tap. The accellerator pedal until it breaks loose and has free travel so far the accellerator only sticks on initial startup of the engine either hot or cold. I am writing this because of reading a trade publication reporting an investigation in 98-99. Dt

Filed Jan 30, 2002 · Brakes · NY

Abs brakes are applied on wet and dry road conditions and brake pedal vibrates and goes to the floor. Dealer has yet to be contacted. Please provide further details.

Filed Sep 28, 2001 · IL

While traveling at highway speeds spare tire cable snapped, causing tire to drop. Dealer was contacted. Please provide further information.

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Questions about the 1996 GMC Savana

Is the 1996 GMC Savana reliable?

Owners have filed 35 complaints about the 1996 GMC Savana, 11.7 times a typical Savana model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 GMC Savana?

Fuel and propulsion system, with 7 complaints. Next is visibility (7).

How many recalls does the 1996 GMC Savana have?

2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and suspension.

Was there a recall on the 1996 GMC Savana fuel system?

Yes, 1 recall: 00V110000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Savana get?

Official estimates for the 1996 GMC Savana range from 13 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 14 city and 17 highway.

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