There is a strong fuel smell in the passenger cabin. I have taken it back to the dealer, and the fuel lines have been replaced, but the fuel smell continues. It happens on start, when stopping after driving, when idling. It has happened since I have owned the vehicle for 3 years. It makes the vehicle almost undrivable and I am getting sick from it but I can't afford to get another vehicle without selling this one and I can't sell this one to someone unless the gas smell is fixed. I want it fixed or my money back. I think it should be a dealer repair since it's a safety issue and since it's been doing it since it was under warranty.
The worst 2009 GMC Savana problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
Recalls 8
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2003-2023 Chevrolet Express Cutaway and GMC Savana Cutaway incomplete vehicles equipped with wiring for an optional rear heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
- Risk
- An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- 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. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020 or GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782. GMC's number for this recall is N222386050.
Recall number 23V247000 · Recall details
Equipment
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Chevrolet Silverado HD and GMC Sierra HD, 2009 GMC Topkick 5000, 6000, 7000 and 8000 Series and Isuzu F Series, and 2009-2018 Chevrolet Express, and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with certain Plastic-Handle Fire Extinguishers or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. 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:
- Risk
- In the event of a fire, if the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- GM will notify owners, instructing them to contact Kidde to get a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, GMC customer service at 1‑800‑462‑8782, and Isuzu customer service at 1‑866‑441‑9638. GM's number for this recall is 18146.
Recall number 18V267000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2014 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans manufactured January 27, 2009, through March 7, 2014 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds and less and equipped with front passenger air bags. 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."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash below the air bag deployment threshold, an unbelted front passenger seat occupant has an increased risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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 this recall is 14082.
Recall number 14V117000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Main mobility is recalling certain conversion vans built on model year 2008-2010 chevrolet express, 2009 gmc savana, and 2010 ford transit connect chassis, and fitted with certain braun wheelchair lifts. Over time and with frequent use, the roll stop latches on the wheelchair lifts outer barrier may become bent or misaligned.
- Risk
- A wheelchair occupant may defeat or ride over the insufficiently latched roll stop. If this occurs when the lift platform is in an elevated position, the wheelchairs occupant could fall and sustain injury.
- Remedy
- Main mobility is working with braun to notify owners, and braun dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge. Main mobility has not provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.
Recall number 12V169000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Main mobility is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on chevrolet express and gmc savana chassis from october 2007 through may 2010 and fitted with certain ricon s series and k series l-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point.
- Risk
- When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries.
- Remedy
- Main mobility will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a dvd-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.
Recall number 10V205000 · Recall details
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 103, "windshield wiping and washing systems." these vehicles were built with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) control knobs that may fracture and spin on the control shaft. The driver may no longer be able to control the heating, cooling, and ventilation for the vehicle.
- Risk
- If this condition affects the defrost system when it is required, it may decrease the driver's visibility, and could possibly result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace all HVAC control knobs free of charge. The safety recall began on march 11, 2010. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438 and gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 10V096000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.
Recall number 09V270000 · Recall details
Equipment adaptive/mobility
- What is wrong
- Main mobility is recalling 185 model year 2005 through 2009 chevrolet express and gmc savana vans manufactured between april 1, 2005 and june 25, 2009, equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. These vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. The pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. The lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
- Risk
- The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
- Remedy
- Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097). Owners may contact ricon at 1‑818‑267‑3000 or main mobility at 1‑716‑759‑6811.
Recall number 09V272000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 GMC Savana 1,175
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- Unknown or other
- This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- Unknown or other
2009 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 | 15 | 20 | 17 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | RWD | 13-14 | 16-18 | 14-15 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | 4WD | 12-14 | 15-17 | 14-15 |
What 2009 GMC Savana owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Key comes out of ignition while running and is hard to turn on after turning it off. Have to wiggle the key.
Compare the 2009 GMC Savana
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Questions about the 2009 GMC Savana
Is the 2009 GMC Savana reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2009 GMC Savana, fewer than a typical Savana model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 GMC Savana?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint. Next is fuel system (1).
How many recalls does the 2009 GMC Savana have?
8 recalls, covering electrical system, equipment and air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2009 GMC Savana electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 23V247000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What gas mileage does the 2009 GMC Savana get?
Official estimates for the 2009 GMC Savana range from 14 to 17 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.3L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 15 city and 20 highway.
VIN decoder
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