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2001 GMC Savana problems

The most common problem on the 2001 GMC Savana is electrical system. It has 6.3 times the complaints of a typical Savana model year.

Typical year6.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
19
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
375
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
13-15mpg

The worst 2001 GMC Savana problems

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2

Problems by type

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

  • Electrical
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Body
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Engine
    2
  • Transmission
    2
  • Acceleration
    1
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Tires
    1
  • Visibility
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2001 GMC Savana 375

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

See all 375 bulletins for the 2001 GMC Savana

2001 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‑cylRWD1316-1714-15
5.0L 8‑cylRWD1316-1714-15
5.7L 8‑cylRWD121613-14

What 2001 GMC Savana owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 24, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · MN

I don't know sometimes wrong with the electrical issue before I got to dive into it I had got some damages from death or vandalism

Filed Jun 20, 2012 · Airbags · 144,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 gmc savana. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the air bags suddenly deployed and all of the warning lamps illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bag sensor was corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 144,000 and the current mileage was 151,000.

Filed Nov 7, 2006 · 8,708 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated when the door on the school bus was opened, the stop sign arm did not deploy automatically. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the problem.

Filed May 1, 2006 · Acceleration, Lights · 54,000 miles · NC

Since you just issued the recall on gm pickup trucks, I would like to let you know I have the same problem with my gmc savana 15-seater 2001 van. I bought the vehicle new in 2001. It now has around 56,000 miles on it. Problem: sometimes the brake light stays on, in which case the cruise control doesn't work. Sometimes the front passenger electric window doesn't work during these times. I learned about the recall from msnbc, reading the news online. Since you didn't have "internet" on your referral source choices, I said "newspaper" as being the closest thing.

Filed Mar 23, 2006 · Locks · 80,000 miles · FL

The rear left door will not open, the latch is broken. I own three gmc vans all of which the left rear doors will not open.

Filed Apr 21, 2005 · Airbags · 47,796 miles · MI

Purchased 2001 gmc savanna 2500 van on 3-31-05 ( no warranty); noticed "service engine soon" light and air bag light were on. Had van serviced on 4-6-05. Mechanic cleared up all problems except the scan tool could not communicate with the air bag module. When the mechanic started the engine back up, the engine was on for approx. 5 - 10 seconds, and the passenger side air bag went off! Luckily no one was sitting there at the time.

Filed Mar 13, 2005 · Engine · 20,000 miles · CA

Engines stalls frequently. Dealer says they cannot duplicate problem.

Filed Nov 12, 2004 · Fuel system · 65,779 miles · VA

No warning failure of stanadyne pn [xxx] (gm number) or mfg #[xxx]. Vehicle is 2001 gmc van [xxx]. The fuel solenoid driver (fsd) is located on the injector pump and is used to drive the fuel system. Its failure is cause by heat or lack of cooling of the two 500 watt transistors. Failure is abrupt with out warning and causes loss of vehicle control due to stalling. After cool down vehicle can be restarted. First failure occurred 5/22/2003 at 39630 miles and was repaired under claim number 1-105619528. The second failure (of the replaced part) occurred at 65779 miles and was noted in repair ticket 1-273605803. The unit was not repaired by gm but was replaced by the owner (me). The part did not fail at dealer who only drove the vehicle 8 miles. Stalling of vehicle causes loss of control since the diesel motor drives the power steering and brakes. Very dangerous to drive. Part failure does not set any computer codes readable at dtc11 connector. Based on internet investigation using fsd failure and gm in the google search engine, many repair solutions are recommended. This is a known problem since gm issued a warranty extension, g00064d in may 2003. Original part is available. Replacement part (the second failure) is available. *jb updated 07/24/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Body · 50,000 miles · OH

Both cables to the liftgate broke due to rust and corrosion. Dealer was contacted. Dealer informed consumer that the truck was not covered under a recall.*ak

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Body · MI

While opening the middle door to the mini van the door sheared off . The door is hang off by the hinges. The driver was able to drive it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the vehicle was not on recall and the warranty expired. Please fill in additional information.

Compare the 2001 GMC Savana

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Questions about the 2001 GMC Savana

Is the 2001 GMC Savana reliable?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2001 GMC Savana, 6.3 times a typical Savana model year.

What is the most common problem with the 2001 GMC Savana?

Electrical system, with 3 complaints. Next is airbags (2).

How many recalls does the 2001 GMC Savana have?

No recalls on record.

What gas mileage does the 2001 GMC Savana get?

Official estimates for the 2001 GMC Savana range from 13 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 16-17 highway.

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