2005 GMC Savana: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2005 GMC Savana: 5 recalls, 12 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #05V043000 · 2005 · 77,411 vehicles
What's 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #05V558000 · 2005 · 425,593 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans, the front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant May not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the buckles and, if found to be inoperative, the entire buckle assembly would be replaced. For buckles found to be operative, dealer will replace only the upper buckle cover. The recall will be conducted in phases. The first phase mailing began during March 2006.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V272000 · 2009 · 185 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e097).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #09V270000 · 2009 · 185 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
The fix: Main mobility is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095).
Electrical Vehicle recall #23V247000 · 2023 · 150,830 vehicles
What's wrong: When the HVAC blower motor circuit is left unused with exposed connectors and wiring, the circuit can corrode and overheat.
Why it matters: An overheated electrical circuit increases the risk of a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Steering (2): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (2): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (2).
The 2005 GMC Savana has 12 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 32 Savana model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 11). Complaints peaked in 2007 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 37,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (12 complaints, 7 recalls), 2006 (7 complaints, 7 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2005 GMC Savana.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2005 GMC Savana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2005 GMC Savana. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2005 GMC Savana problems?
Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (2), steering (2), electrical (2).
What gas mileage does the 2005 GMC Savana get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2005 GMC Savana repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.