2003 GMC Savana
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › GMC › Savana › 2003
These records cover every 2003 GMC Savana. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
11 recalls name the 2003 GMC Savana. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2003-2004 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vehicles, equipped with a left side cargo door, and originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Significant corrosion may allow fuel to leak during refueling, and in the presence of an ignition source; there is an increased risk of fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a new fuel filler neck, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 1, 2012. Owners may contact the Chevrolet owner center at 1-866-694-6546 and GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
On certain full-size passenger, cargo, or cutaway vans, the front and rear seat belt buckles will not latch or will not unlatch.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In the event of a crash, a seat occupant may not be properly restrained increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy
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. owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
Certain extended and regular cab pickup trucks and cargo vans converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, 'child restraint anchorage systems.' these vehicles have one seating position, the center rear seat, equipped with child restraint lower anchorages.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The standard requires child seat lower anchorages in two seating positions for vehicles with three rear seating positions. the standard cab and cargo van vehicles, which only have front seating positions, have an air bag off switch to disable the front passenger air bag and do not have child restraint lower anchorages in the passenger seat. the standard requires passenger seat child seat lower anchorages in vehicles with an air bag off switch. However, the standard does not require vehicles with only front seating positions to have lower anchorage provisions if the vehicle IS not equipped with an air bag off switch.
Remedy
To bring the standard cab and cargo van vehicles into compliance, dealers will inject epoxy into the air bag off switch to prevent air bag activation, relocate the switch behind the instrument panel and then install a cover over the resulting opening. the sun visor label and owner's manual will also be changed. the correction for the extended cab vehicle will consist of changing the front passenger seat to a seat that has child restraint lower anchorages. the recall began on september 9, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.
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 and remedy
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.
Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. this supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. owner notification began august 18, 2003. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
Certain vans have a condition in which water may enter and corrode the rear license plate lamp socket. if the lamp socket were to corrode, the rear license plate lamp may operate intermittently or not at all, and the left rear tail lamp may become inoperative. the temperature of the license plate lamp socket could increase to the point that it may begin…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the socket assembly were to reach the point of melting, the occupants of the vehicle may notice an odor and smoke at the rear doors of the vehicle. if this odor and smoke were ignored, the plastic could ignite and a fire could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new sealed rear license plate lamp socket assembly. owner notification began july 21, 2003. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
On certain vans with a gross vehicle weight of less than 8,500 pounds, during a vehicle crash sufficient enough to deploy the safety belt pretensioner, the front safety belt buckles may not release after the vehicle crash, or alternately may eject the safety belt latch during the vehicle crash.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This could result in increased risk of personal injury.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the front driver and passenger side safety belt buckle. owner notification began june 3, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
On certain vans with an 8,500 lb. Or 8,600 lb. Gross vehicle weight rating, the nut attaching the pitman arm to the steering linkage may not be tightened adequately resulting in a possible separation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A separation could result in loss of vehicle control, and a crash could occur with prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the pitman arm nut to the proper specification. if the nut IS missing, the dealer will install a new nut and tighten it correctly. owner notification began december 10, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
On certain vans, the right-hand tie rod end nut may not be tightened adequately. the nut can loosen resulting in separation of the tie rod from the steering knuckle.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Separation of a tie rod can cause unexpected vehicle steering in some maneuvers and could cause a crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the tie rod end nut and, if necessary, replace the tie rod end. owner notification began november 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Certain vans were built without a wheel bearing assembly retaining nut, which could lead to a possible bearing separation.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If this were to occur, the amber-colored ABS tell-tale lamp in the instrument panel would illuminate and the ABS system would be disabled. the driver would also notice a grinding noise, a decrease in the vehicle speed, and the steering will pull in the direction of the affected brake assembly. this could result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the wheel bearing assembly. if the inspection reveals a missing retaining nut, the wheel bearing assembly will be replaced. owner notification began november 13, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC at 1-800-462-8782.
Owner complaints
22 complaints2 involved a crash1 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Service brakes · Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal malfunctioned and did not properly operate. While depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel would jerk and the brake pedal was hard to depress, which affected the vehicle stopping. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. While operating the vehicle, the steering wheel and brake pedal malfunctioned and did not properly operate. While depressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel would jerk and the brake pedal was hard to depress, which affected the vehicle stopping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the brake hydro pump was faulty. The pump was replaced, but the failures continued. The contact indicated that the hydro pump had been replaced three times within the past eight months. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated. Also, the contact smelled fuel inside the vehicle and fuel leaked out of the fuel tank while the vehicle was parked on a hill. The contact received a recall notice for campaign…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated. Also, the contact smelled fuel inside the vehicle and fuel leaked out of the fuel tank while the vehicle was parked on a hill. The contact received a recall notice for campaign number 06e043000 (fuel system, gasoline) and took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer did not honor the recall and would not inspect the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to another dealer. The dealer stated there was no corrosion on the fuel filler pipe but the fuel tank had corrosion and needed to be replaced, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. The failure mileage was 159,000. The vin was not available.
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. The contact stated that fuel leaked to the ground while refueling the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure and the current mileage was 109,000.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. The contact stated that when applying the brakes at speeds of at least 50 mph, the anti-lock brake would engage, forcing the petal back into the idle position and causing reduced braking response. The contact confirmed that the anti-lock braking light would…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. The contact stated that when applying the brakes at speeds of at least 50 mph, the anti-lock brake would engage, forcing the petal back into the idle position and causing reduced braking response. The contact confirmed that the anti-lock braking light would illuminate on the instrument panel moments before the failure would occur. The failure mileage was 37,000 and the current mileage was 50,000. The vin was not available. Updated 05/19/10. *Lj
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*virginia tech owns a 2003 GMC savana. the vehicle caught fire under the hood in the middle of the night. the fire department extinguished the fire. the cause of the fire has not yet been determined. the current and failure mileages were 75,128. Updated 04/03/08. *lj
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. while driving 65 mph, the engine suddenly stopped. the vehicle was able to be restarted after five minutes. the dealer was unable to diagnose the previous failures. the most recent failure was diagnosed as the crankshaft position sensor. the dealer stated…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 GMC savana. while driving 65 mph, the engine suddenly stopped. the vehicle was able to be restarted after five minutes. the dealer was unable to diagnose the previous failures. the most recent failure was diagnosed as the crankshaft position sensor. the dealer stated that the failure IS similar to nhtsa campaign ID number 07v521000 (engine and engine cooling). the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 66,000 and failure mileage was 20,000.
- Power train › Automatic transmission
1. was driving van on the highway (during 1ST failure od 15,403 and 2ND failure od 55576 ), when the transmission would not shift in to higher gear and failed. was driving van on street when vehicle became undriveable (during 3RD failure od 56676). 2. during failure 1 van was unable to…
1. was driving van on the highway (during 1ST failure od 15,403 and 2ND failure od 55576 ), when the transmission would not shift in to higher gear and failed. was driving van on street when vehicle became undriveable (during 3RD failure od 56676). 2. during failure 1 van was unable to maintain highway speed and had to be maneuvered to the side of the freeway and towed to the dealer. During failure two van unable to maintain highway speeds and was able to exit the highway and drive in low gear to the dealer. during failure 3 van was unable to be driven at all and obstructed traffic on a main street until it was towed to a dealer. 3. during failure one sunshell stripped, 3-4 clutches burned, 2-4 band burned. sun shell & gear replaced all clutches & 2-4 band replaced. during failure two extensive damage to the 4/4 clutch, input housing, pump, shaft and drum. core reassembled and srta trans installed. During failure three transmission was shredded awaiting replacement at this time. *tr
- Structure › Body
Dt*: the contact stated the running boards are too narrow. While stepping out of the vehicle the contact missed the narrow running board which could result in a fall. Also, there are no safety handles on the inside of the vehicle. The manufacturer has been contacted.*ak updated 01/25/06. *Jb
- Structure › Body › Door › Hinge and attachments
I have a 3500 savana GMC van, when opening the right passenger door at the same time that the side door IS open the side door hits the front passenger door which has caused a dent in the side door. The other issue IS when someone opens the front passenger door and has their hand in the same location where the two door meet it could cause damage to the hand.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
I have a leak coming from muffler, dripping black liquid. I complained at my dealer, they said it was not a problem. *nm
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
2003 GMC savanna 2500 ext van 6.0 h.o. Engine. Malfunction fuel gauge, electrical burning smell from dash. Radio failed four times and has failed again. Can not turn radio off without opening hood and pulling fuse. Broken dashboard all four times. No radio since september 2005 in operation, and…
2003 GMC savanna 2500 ext van 6.0 h.o. Engine. Malfunction fuel gauge, electrical burning smell from dash. Radio failed four times and has failed again. Can not turn radio off without opening hood and pulling fuse. Broken dashboard all four times. No radio since september 2005 in operation, and dealer will not install new unit. they will only have it rebuilt?. Truck has run out of gas when gauge reads 1/2 tank on many occassions!*jb
- Parking brake › Conventional
I bought this GMC savana used (22,000 miles) and the parking brake did not work at that time. the dealer refused to fix it under warrantee, claiming it was a wear item. I have not had it repaired yet. parking brakes should not wear out in that short a time. no crashes yet, but I saw that GMC pickups are being recalled for the same problem and this van probably has the same parking brake system.
- Structure
The running boards on the vehicle are too short and were unable to be seen when the driver gets out from the vehicle. the consumer anticipates that it could cause injury to either foot while getting into or out of the vehicle. the manufacturer was contacted. *ak the problem was reported to the dealer immediately after purchase. *sc *jb
- Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
2003 savanah van missed on recall.*mr the consumer believes the same defective wiper module being recalled on other GMC vehicle's IS the same part in his vehicle which also failed. the dealer refused to perform the recall on the vehicle due to it's vin.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The consumer noticed that excessive fuel was leaking from the front of the vehicle. the dealer stated that the storage tank fell out. *ak *sc *jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
Consumer was unable to fill the fuel tank with fuel because the fuel tank sensor malfunctioned. This resulted in the gasoline pump nozzle clicking off before the tank was full. dealership in an attempt to correct the problem changed the filler neck, its valve and other fuel tank components, but the problem still exists. *ak
- Suspension › Front › Wheel bearing
One of the retaining knots, which was apart of the wheel bearing assembly was missing which caused the front driver side wheel to fall off. please provide further details. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
While traveling at 30 mph, the consumer was involved in a front end collision when another vehicle made an illegal turn. upon impact, none of the frontal air bags deployed. there were two back and neck injuries. *ak *tt *jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads
Consumer feels that there IS a design flaw in the brake system. this flaw results in excessive brake pad wear. only the outside brake pads wear. as a result, brake pads need to be continuously replaced. *Ak
- Seats › Mid/rear assembly
The two captain chairs located behind the front seats are unstable, and could be potentially dangerous in the event of a collision. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Exhaust leak in connection from tail pipe to cat converter. Sounds like metal squeaking under vehicle when engine IS running, but it IS the sound of air whistling through leak. Water also drips from leak. Leak IS under clamp that holds tail pipe up. *jb
- Seats
Driver seat falls out continuously. *nlm
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11010544This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
- 11009156This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11006421GM is receiving damaged (cracked or broken) transmission cores returned to the reman facilities. The damage is being caused either in the removal process by the technician, or inadequate packaging or shipping. This bulletin advises the dealers to be more careful not to damage the transmissions during removal and to package the core properly for return.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10250012Duramax Diesel Glow Plugs Difficult to Install Due to Carbon Buildup - New Glow Plug Bore Reamer Available
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249590This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247552This service bulletin provides information on Concerns or Questions Regarding Installation of Dealer Installed Accessories.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10246499Duramax Diesel Glow Plugs Difficult to Install Due to Carbon Buildup - New Glow Plug Bore Reamer Available
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245833Special Coverage Adjustment - Fuel Filler Pipe Corrosion
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242843The service bulletin advises the tech of a normal transmission shift condition and the delay in throttle response when the throttle plate is opened rapidly and advises the customer that it is normal for the delay.
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10242252This technical bulletin provides information and a solution to a condition of Brake Pedal Moves or Self Applies at Full Turns.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10240344This service bulletin explains how to measure for oil consumption and possible reasons for loss of oil.
Every GMC Savana model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.