S10 direct reply- letter to the secretary from constituent re requesting assistance with the recall of a 2012 general motors vehicle. *smd the consumer stated in march 2015, he received an information letter, not a recall that the brake line may fail due to inadequate clearance. After visiting the gmc dealer, the consumer was informed there were no problem indicators at that time and the part would not be replaced until it failed. On august 19, 2015, while driving on a steep mountain road with an 8% grade, the brakes failed. By using the transmission to assist in braking, the consumer was able to drive the van to a flat area before an accident occurred. All the brake fluid leaked from the reservoir and fluid splashed on the under carriage due to brake line failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The consumer was informed it would take 6-8 days to get the redesigned part. The brake line had a hole in it because it was installed in a known area of inadequate clearance.
The worst 2002 GMC Savana problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body3
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body3
- Brakes2
- Engine2
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Seats1
- Tires1
- Visibility1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Hydraulic pump failres
Gm is conducting a recall on all subject vehicles build between may 1999 and october 14, 1999.significant changes were incorporated into production in early october 1999, and vehicles built after that date have lower warranty failure rates.the complaint and warranty data appear to support the effectiveness of these changes. Gm made additional changes in november 1999, february 2000, may 2001, and february 2004.odi will continue to monitor this problem and will take further action, if warranted, in the future.for further technical details see the attached engineering analysis report.
EA04012
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 GMC Savana 418
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2002 GMC Savana fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L 6‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 16-17 | 14-15 |
| 5.0L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13 | 17 | 15 |
| 5.7L 8‑cyl | RWD | 12 | 16 | 14 |
What 2002 GMC Savana owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 gmc savana. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000. Mailed out 01/13/15
We own several gmc savana 3500 15 passenger vans. We seem to be having repeat issues with the exhaust manifold bolts braking and the manifolds cracking. Our 2002 has been in 2-3 times and our 2005 has is now in for it's second manifold and bolts. The bolts are breaking and the manifolds are cracking. Please encourage a recall for this type of vehicle. After checking the internet, we are not the only ones who are experiencing this problem with this gm motor. It looks as though this is a problem from all gmc vehicles with the vortec 6.0l motor.
My complaint is of the passenger side portside door hinges on almost all gmc savanah 3500's that I have seen. It is a saftey concern for me because the door is almost completely detached from the vehicle and is inoperable. I have lubricated the hinges many time to no avail. The welds on the hinges are badly cracked with just a very small part of the weld(aprox. 1/4") holding the door on. The door will no longer close completely. I know of many other vans from the same model year have this same problem. One of my close friends and his son both have the same exact van; we bought them at the same time. They have identical problems with their hinges. I hope that you look into this further, I think it may be a rampant problem, and I definitely feel it is a major saftey concern. Lastly, I would very much appreciate a response email. Thank you. Sincerely, jim merkel
My complaint is of the passenger side portside door hinges on almost all gmc savanah 3500's that I have seen. It is a saftey concern for me because the door is almost completely detached from the vehicle and is inoperable. I have lubricated the hinges many time to no avail. The welds on the hinges are badly cracked with just a very small part of the weld(aprox. 1/4") holding the door on. The door will no longer close completely. I know of many other vans from the same model year have this same problem. One of my close friends and his son both have the same exact van; we bought them at the same time. They have identical problems with their hinges. I hope that you look into this further, I think it may be a rampant problem, and I definitely feel it is a major saftey concern. Lastly, I would very much appreciate a response email. Thank you. Sincerely, jim merkel
The driver and passenger seats are powered by the duras seat mechanisms. The driver seat steel bracket broke off at one of the pivot points which lowers and raises the seat. I would never expect the metal bracket to break (especially, on something important as of front seat). I spoke with a welder about the mechanism, he felt the steel used for the bracket was too thin. Currently, I removed the front passengers seat and installed the passengers good seats mechanism in place on the broken one.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle would not stop on wet pavement at 2-3 MPH. The vehicle rear ended another vehicle; the contact's vehicle received minor damage. The ABS did not activate and the vehicle has not been seen by a mechanic. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v379000, regarding the antilock brakes. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however, it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
Dt: the contact stated the rear passenger door would not shut. He had to drive to the dealership with the door open. The dealership found the hinge snapped. He states it was because the pin was put in the hinge and then capped on the bottom. This did not allow moisture to escape, causing it to freeze and snap the hinge. The vehicle has not been repaired, but the dealership did get the door shut. General motors offered $150 towards the repair.
Fuel injectors clogging very often causing vehicle to run rough and shake. Dealer repaired first time with only 11,000 on vehicle. But stated that it was not warranty. Injectors are continuing to clog every 6,000-7,000 miles even when changing fuel filter and having injectors serviced. And using quality fuel and injector cleaner every 3,000 miles.
While driving at highway speeds computer shut down causing the vehicle to stall. Dealer attempted to repair the vehicle eight times, but has not been able to remedy the problem.
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Questions about the 2002 GMC Savana
Is the 2002 GMC Savana reliable?
Owners have filed 12 complaints about the 2002 GMC Savana, 4.0 times a typical Savana model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 GMC Savana?
Body and structure, with 3 complaints. Next is brakes (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 GMC Savana have?
No recalls on record.
What gas mileage does the 2002 GMC Savana get?
Official estimates for the 2002 GMC Savana range from 14 to 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 16-17 highway.
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