The ABS Control Unit is faulty for the second time on this vehicle, with only 28,174 miles on it. The first time was 11/09/20 at 24,156 miles.
GMC Savana abs comes on
20 of the 348 owner complaints about the GMC Savana describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 20
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical mileage
- 53,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 gmc savana. While the key was in the ignition with the vehicle turned on, the power windows would not operate correctly. There were no warning indicators illuminated; however, the interior lighting flashed on and off. The vehicle was taken to cook chevrolet buick (1193 w saginaw rd, vassar, mi 48768, (989) 823-8523) where it was diagnosed that the power switch for the window needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. Also, while driving 65 MPH, the brake and ABS warning indicators illuminated when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the rear calipers seized. The contact took the vehicle to the nearest independent mechanic who stated that the calibers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the repair, the contact noticed that the stabilitrac indicator illuminated. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer and was informed that the steering position sensors failed and needed to be replaced. The contact called the manufacturer and was provided case number: 9-529-6763906. The failure mileage was approximately 53,900.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 gmc savana. The contact stated that the ABS system failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that a sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,414.
Dt*: the contact stated the ABS engages at low speeds of 5mph and below. This primarily happens while stopping the vehicle. There is a the federal safety agency recall # 05v379000 concerning the ABS. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN and the year of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but no repairs were made.
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.
I had to make a "panic stop". I pushed the brake pedal as hard as possible. Felt the vehicle shudder several times and felt what I assumed was the ABS brakes cycling, then the vehicle just rolled forward...no braking at all was felt, resulting in a rear-end collision. I know that if I had properly functioning brakes, I would have stopped in a safe distance. When I felt the deceleration stop, I pushed even harder on the pedal, with absolutely no change in velocity and no more room for the pedal to move. There was at least 15 between vehiclesat this point,&..I could /should have stopped safely, with no collision if the brakes had worked properly!
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.
Consumer stated the brake light on the instrument panel would not go off and the van had a very hard brake pedal like there was no power boost, consumer was informed that the problem was an equalizer, however when it was installed it did not resolve the problem, then they discovered it was the switch on the brake pedal that was bad or needed to be adjusted, consumer was informed that the hard brake pedal was normal for gmc's, consumer stated while driving he experienced hard braking and the wheels locked up, consumer stated there was no ABS control even though vehicle is suppose to have it, consumer belives he only has front wheel braking.
While driving and applying brakes, they squealed. Consumer contacted dealer. Dealer lubricated brakes. After brakes were lubricated they locked up and overheated enough to melt wheel caps. Also, dealer replaced brake booster, and entire brake system including ABS unit. Consumer noted power brakes have failed , and brake booster needed to be replaced for second time. Please provide any further details.
The gmc dealer said the computer failed from corrosion at the computer causing the ABS system to kick in on dry roads. Then the ABS brake warning light would come on. This cost me over $700 to get fixed and three days without the use of my van. The gmc dealer replaced the computer. It is important that the brakes work properly. I can see this as a big saftey problem with these vans!
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain trucks, sport utility vehicles, and vans equipped with bosch hydro-boost brake assemblies, the hydraulic brake booster pressure accumulator may crack and separate from the hydro-boost assembly during normal operating conditions.
- Risk
- If a separation occurred and the hood of the vehicle were open, fragments from the accumulator could cause injury to people in the immediate area. The presence of this crack or fractured surface could allow the hydraulic fluid to leak from the accumulator circuit of the booster assembly. The loss of fluid would cause increased steering and braking effort and a crash may occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will test the hydro-boost assembly for functional operation of the two-function valve. If the hydro-boost assembly fails the test, dealers will replace the assembly free of charge. The recall began on march 23, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc trucks at 1‑866‑996‑9463 and hummer at 1‑800‑732‑5493.
Recall number 05V043000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic
- What is wrong
- Certain sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and passenger vans fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, ?passenger car brake systems.? Some of these vehicles were produced with an out-of-specification brake hydro-boost housing relief valve bore.
- Risk
- Consequently, the valve o-ring seal may fracture. Steering efforts may be slightly increased while braking or parking. Under certain driving conditions, a fractured seal may require a slight increase in the applied brake pedal effort to achieve the same vehicle deceleration rate as prior to the seat fracture.
- Remedy
- Dealers are to replace the hydro-boost relief valve. The recall began on june 18, 2004. Owners should contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339; chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438; gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463; or hummer at 1‑866‑486‑6376.
Recall number 04V045000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: light duty pickup trucks and multi-purpose passenger vehicles. One or both front brake rotor/hubs were built with an out-of-specification gray iron that can fail during the life of the vehicle.
- Risk
- If a driver continues to drive with a cracked rotor, the cracks could continue around the wheel mounting bolt circle and ultimately result in a wheel separation.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the rotors for a core date of "287" and, if found, replace the rotor.
Recall number 98V033000 · Recall details
Questions about the GMC Savana abs
Why does the abs come on in the GMC Savana?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, soft or spongy brake pedal and pulls to one side.
Which GMC Savana years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (5 complaints), 1999 (5 complaints) and 1998 (3 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used GMC Savana?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history