2008 GMC Savana: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 GMC Savana: 7 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 14 mpg combined.
Recalls
7 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V313000 · 2008 · 6,390 vehicles
What's wrong: 0l (rpo ly6) v8 engine, 4l80e (rpo mt1) transmission, 4.10 (rpo gt5) axle and 75 mph governor (rpo 9d7). These vehicles have a condition in which the transmission May be damaged due to first gear engagement at highway speeds and then does not transmit power with d4 or r selected. This May be preceded by engine shutdown if the vehicle exceeds 81 miles per hour in certain conditions.
Why it matters: The vehicle May be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules free of charge. The recall began on or about July 30, 2008.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #08V315000 · 2008 · 567 vehicles
What's wrong: The frame rail on the driver's side May be wider than specification.
Why it matters: If the frame rail is wider than specification, over time it May contact the fuel tank housing, resulting in a possible fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the clearance between the frame rail and fuel tank housing and will rework the frame rail if necessary free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2008.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #08V340000 · 2008 · 151 vehicles
What's wrong: Some of these vehicles have transfer cases that were manufactured with an incorrect part that can cause early failure of a drive chain. If the chain breaks, shifting the transmission to park May not keep the vehicle stationary.
Why it matters: If the vehicle is parked on an incline or bumped, it May roll and strike a person, object, or another vehicle without warning, and cause personal injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall began on August 15, 2008.
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).
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility Vehicle recall #10V205000 · 2010 · 133 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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…
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
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Body & structure (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Airbags (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2008 GMC Savana has 3 owner complaints, ranking #16 of 32 Savana model years for complaints (well below the 11 average). Neighboring years: 2007 (6 complaints, 3 recalls), 2009 (2 complaints, 8 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Regular |
| 5.3 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 | 16 | 14 | Gasoline or E85 |
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 2008 GMC Savana.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 GMC Savana have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 7 vehicle recalls for the 2008 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 2008 GMC Savana problems?
Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (2), body & structure (1), airbags (1).
What gas mileage does the 2008 GMC Savana get?
EPA ratings run up to 14 mpg combined (5.3 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 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.