2008 GMC Savana recalls and problems

The 2008 GMC Savana has 7 safety recalls and 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any GMC dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
3
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 GMC Savana vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 GMC Savana recalls

Recall 23V-247: Electrical System

Reported Apr 6, 2023 · 150,830 vehicles affected · General Motors, LLC

Problem: 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.

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. 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 10V-205: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported May 13, 2010 · 133 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

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 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 09V-272: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 09V-270: Equipment Adaptive/Mobility

Reported Jul 6, 2009 · 185 vehicles affected · MAIN MOBILITY, INC.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 08V-340: Power Train

Reported Jul 28, 2008 · 151 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling 151 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (Awd). 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the transfer case date code and, if necessary, replace the transfer case. The recall began on august 15, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

Recall 08V-315: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 14, 2008 · 567 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling 567 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana cutaway vehicles with a 139" wheel base. The frame rail on the driver's side may be wider than specification.

Risk: 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.

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. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, gmc at 1-866-966-9463, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

Recall 08V-313: Power Train

Reported Jul 11, 2008 · 6,390 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling 2,481 my 2008 chevrolet express and gmc savana g-cutaway fleet van equipped with a 6.0l (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.

Risk: The vehicle may be stranded on or near a highway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the transmission and engine control modules free of charge. The recall began on or about july 30, 2008. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and gmc at 1-866-996-9463, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

2008 GMC Savana problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System2
Structure1
Air Bags1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 GMC Savana complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 50,000 miles · reported Dec 28, 2015
The contact owns a 2008 gmc savana. The contact stated that it took several attempts to start the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Air Bags · at 66,000 miles · reported Mar 16, 2015
The contact owns a 2008 gmc savana. While in park, the contact stepped out the vehicle and the air bag deployed without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Structure · at 36,000 miles · reported Jun 11, 2013
The contact owns a 2008 gmc savana. The contact stated that both exterior and interior side cargo doors were extremely difficulty to release whenever being accessed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who stated that the door hinges would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000.

Other GMC Savana years

Compare all GMC Savana years · All GMC models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 GMC Savana have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2008 GMC Savana: 23V-247 (electrical system), 10V-205 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-272 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 09V-270 (equipment adaptive/mobility), 08V-340 (power train) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 GMC Savana?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (2 reports), followed by structure (1). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.

Are GMC recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized GMC dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.